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Player of the Year Nominee - Ian Cade Smith

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About: Ian Cade Smith

Ian’s baseball career started at age three. When he was six, Ian began playing travel ball with a 7/8 year old team where he was the starting 2nd baseman. The following year, Ian had a try out with Glory Baseball. For Glory, Ian played shortstop and was one of the top pitchers. During Ian’s tenure with Glory, they won 3 State championships, 2 National Championships, along with several other tournaments. Ian was selected as a member of the AAU Nationals All-tourney team, as well as a member of the 2007 Team USA. As a member of Team USA, Ian traveled to the Dominican Republic and was a key contributor to the team’s winning of the International Cup.
Ian loves baseball. He plays travel ball year round and also plays for his local recreation department with his friends. As a ten year old, Ian was selected to the 2009 12u All-Star team where he played shortstop and pitched. Ian is a very hard worker; everyday he works hard to improve both his defense and his swing.
Currently, Ian plays with the Hitmen out of Orange Park, Florida. Orange Park is over an hour away from Ian’s home, but he makes the trip diligently in order to improve his game.
The Hitmen are a new team and are still in the building stages, but the boys are making progress and are coming together. Ian is one of the team leaders; he pitches, catches (his favorite), plays 3rd base, shortstop, or wherever the coaches need him. Although defense has always been the strongest part of Ian’s game, his bat works pretty well, too. While batting in the 2 or 3 hole, he does what is needed; hitting the gap, sacrifice bunting (he can lay down an awesome bunt), or driving in runs.
Off the baseball field Ian stays busy playing football and basketball for the recreation department and concentrating on his schoolwork. Ian just entered the fifth grade at David L. Rainer Elementary School. He has been on the "A" honor roll since 1st grade, has never received a B, and is a member of the gifted program. Ian participates in 4-H and will be a member of the community service group and the Safe Shooters group this year. Ian realizes his grades are important in keeping his dream of going to college and playing baseball for the University of Florida.

Ian Cade Smith's Stats:

2009 spring/summer season:

Pitching record: 13-2
ERA-2.75 78SO 15BB

BA .420
RBI: 39 1B: 23 2B: 19 3B: 5

Ian Cade Smith's Other Activities (non-sports related):

Ian is a member of the Spanish club and fitness club at school. He enjoys performing in plays, musicals, and dance. He spends as much time as possible outside in the woods hunting with papa, fishing with dad, or playing with Coco, his chocolate lab. He also enjoys sitting outside with mom looking at the stars and, whenever possible, watching it storm. Ian is fascinated with the sky and astronomy. Ian also enjoys going to the Tee Ball fields to help the younger ball players. The tee ball players really look up to him; they love to come and watch Ian play, as they say, on the big field.