BY LEON B . CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

Middleton High School baseball coach, Vernon Slater, is a very happy man. Of the 25 baseball players from Hillsborough County that played in last Wednesday’s Senior All-Star Game, three came from Middleton. The only other Hillsborough County School sending three players is King.

Coach Slater said he and five other coaches from Middleton selected infielder Jordan Morrell, pitcher Eric Comstock, and outfielder Demetre Taylor to represent Middleton.

Taylor, who also plays football, has been given a football scholarship to Eastern Illinois State University where he’ll also be able to play baseball.
“I’m alright going that far from home, although I am a momma’s boy,” said Taylor.

Eric Comstock will be attending Eastern Michigan University on a full scholarship, and Morrell said although he’s committed to the University of South Florida, he’s still not sure.

“All of the Major League scouts were there and that’s big with the draft coming up,” said Coach Slater. “There were also scouts from junior colleges and universities evaluating the players. But, this game was mostly for the Major League Baseball draft.”

Coach Slater said this is the fifth year the game has been played and this year it was held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

“Hillsborough County has won the tournament every year,” said Coach Slater.

“This was my first year selected to coach at the game. This was also an excellent opportunity to promote the program at Middleton. We’ve had more than 17 players who’ve either gotten scholarships or signed Major League contracts.”

Taylor’s mother, Ms. Joyce Taylor, said the coaching staff at Middleton deserves all the credit.