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Highlands Today

SFCC'S Decker Selected For International Baseball Series

SFCC FIRST BASEMAN TO COMPETE AGAINST TAIWAN

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Highlands Today staff report

Published: May 23, 2008

AVON PARK — South Florida Community College sophomore first baseman Brandon Decker has been selected to participate in the June International Baseball Series in Millington, Tenn.

Decker will be one of 22 Community College players nation-wide who will represent the USA and NJCAA in a three-game International Series against Taiwan.

The series will be held June 20 to 22 at USA Stadium, formerly the home of USA Baseball.

Decker was first-team All-Southern Conference selection this year after hitting .404 with 20 home runs and 68 RBI.

The Panther slugger also set single-season school records for home runs and hit-by-pitches (27).
"It's an honor to be chosen to play in this series," Decker said. "I knew I'd been nominated, but to be picked to play is great.
"I'm looking forward to competing in Tennessee, and I'm just going to keep working hard and play the game the way I know how."

Decker was also selected second team All-State and was the 10th-ranked player in the state of Florida in community college baseball.

"His numbers were outstanding this season, he was our top offensive player and our most valuable player," said SFCC coach Rick Hitt. "He has a very promising future in this game if he continues to display the daily approach, and consistent work habits he has while playing for us. His selection as a member of the international team is an exceptional honor, as he is one of only 22 players nation wide who are selected. We are happy for him and his family.
"It should be a great series, and the people in Millington run a first-class operation, so it will be no doubt very special for each player."

Coach Hitt is a member of the national coaches committee and serves as the Vice President and assistant coordinator for International Baseball.

"I was fortunate enough last year to have an opportunity to be selected as one of coaches and have now been asked to take over as International Chair person and Series Coordinator," the Panther skipper said. "I am honored to have been appointed to this position by our President Dave Grant, and I look forward to the opportunity. I will be filling some big shoes as my former mentor Coach Harry Tholen, who I played for at Santa Fe CC in 1984 to 85 will be finishing his tenure in this position. Coach Tholen is an incredible person, and next to my father, is as good a guy as you will meet in this life, in the game of baseball or out.

"We will miss his energy and leadership and the countless hours he has put in for the NJCAA, and Florida Community College Baseball. I look forward to traveling out there with Brandon and enjoying a great series."

Decker, who has committed to Florida Gulf Coast University, is looking forward to the Major League amateur draft, which is set for June 5-6.

"I've committed to Gulf Coast, but I have a number in my mind that I would accept to turn professional," said the Panther athlete. "I don't want to say what that number is, but if it's the right amount, I'll sign, if not, I'll be happy to go to Gulf Coast and play in college."

Decker has had workouts for the Cardinals and Blue Jays and other teams have shown an interest.

"I'm in a good situation, I've enjoyed college, but playing pro ball is something I've wanted to do since I was four-years-old," said Decker. "I'm excited about the future and look forward to the next few weeks."

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