Winter Park baseball players named to Under Armour All-America team

Two Winter Park baseball players are headed to the national baseball stage to represent the top high-school talent in the U.S. at the 2017 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game. 

Elijah Cabell and Slade Cecconi will be among 40 players chosen from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico to step onto Wrigley Field in Chicago on Saturday, July 29, for an American vs. National team showdown. 

The All-America Baseball Game caps a four-day, comprehensive baseball experience staffed by some of the game’s very best players and coaches, including a formal workout in front of Major League Baseball scouts and a home-run derby. 

Cabell and Cecconi got the call after standing out in a tryout last year. 

“It’s really cool to know the kind of history on Wrigley Field,” Cabell said. “It makes my experience even more special. I’m blessed and honored.” 

“My coaches for travel ball helped me a lot through this process to get me where I am today,” he said. “I’m very appreciative. I wouldn’t be here without them.” 

Cabell is coming off his best season of high-school baseball yet at the TNXL Academy. The 18-year-old outfielder racked up seven home runs, 15 stolen bases, and batted just under .400, he said. The incoming senior has already committed to playing at Louisiana State University. 

It’s his second time playing at Wrigley Field; he also was part of the USA Baseball 2016 17U Development Program last summer. 

“I’m really excited and just honored to get the opportunity to play again on Wrigley Field among all those fine players,” Cabell said. “I can’t wait, honestly. It’s going to be a blast. It’s awesome to play on a major league field.” 

Cecconi has been turning heads as well as the pitcher for Trinity Prep. He’s committed to the University of Miami and has built a reputation with his mean 95-mph fastball. 

Since the game’s inception in 2008, 284 of the 323 draft eligible players from the Under Armour All-America Game have been selected in the MLB Amateur Draft, including 83 first-round picks. 

“We are very excited to complete the roster for the 2017 Under Armour All-America Game,” said Steve Bernhardt, executive vice president at Baseball Factory and Chairman of the Under Armour All-America Game Selection Committee. “The 40 players that have been chosen represent the best high school players from across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Every year, it is a very tough decision, and this year was no exception.  We look forward to seeing these talented players compete at Wrigley Field this summer.” 

Cabell knows there’s history of Under Armour All-America players getting drafted, but right now, he’s taking things slow — thankful for every opportunity he’s received so far. 

“Of course, the draft would be really cool,” Cabell said. “If I got drafted, I would be very blessed. If I don’t, I have a great backup plan to go to LSU. Right now, I’m just taking it day-by-day, getting better, getting stronger, getting healthier. Hopefully, I do well at this Under Armour game. I can’t wait to play and show off my talent.”