Two West Kootenay baseball players cracked the 18U BC Select All Star team and will compete in an elite tournament in Las Vegas, Oct. 25 to 27.
Trail’s Raiden Dobie and Nelson native Levi Konkin kept their expectations in check at the tryouts in the Lower Mainland last month, but the two 17 year olds made an impression and will play for Team B.C. at the 34th annual Desert Fall Classic in Vegas.
This is Konkin’s second go around, and he was really excited when he made the U16 team two years ago, but was doubtful this time.
“I thought that was going to be the only time, so coming back this year, I was surprised I even got the invite,” said Konken. “I thought it would be a good learning opportunity, not even thinking I was going to make it, whatsoever. Then sure enough I got the email the next week.”
Konkin and Dobie both played for the Trail 18U Orioles the past two seasons in BC Minor Baseball’s College Prep Division. Dobie plays centerfield and pitches, while Levi is a starting pitcher and plays outfield.
“Honestly, I was surprised because when I got there, these kids were really good,” said Dobie. “And then I find out Levi made it too, and I was like ‘Oh sweet! We get to go down to Vegas together.’”
Konken said his first trip was fun, but this year, going with a friend is going to make it even better,
“Me and Raiden have been playing ball together since we were nine years old, so we’ve known each other forever, so it’s going to be super fun.”
Orioles head coach, Jim Maniago, is well aware of the talent the Kootenays has produced over the years, and made sure BC Minor Baseball did not overlook the West Kootenay region as it has in the past.
“I’m really glad that Raiden and Levi made the team,” said Maniago. “It’s basically an All Star team from our league and they were noticed by the other coaches as ones to watch.
“I wasn’t surprised they made it, they are both pretty big talents.”
The Classic has seen as many as 240 teams from 9U to 18U compete, with players from two countries, and 19 States playing ball on 38 baseball diamonds. In 2023, 40 teams competed in the U18 division.
Maniago believes both Konken and Dobie will make a positive impact on Team BC, and have the potential to take their respective games to the next level.
“Levi has the potential to be one of the top pitchers in the league next year,” said Maniago. “When he’s on he has three pitches he throws for strikes and every year he’s throwing harder and harder. All the tools are there, he just has to put it together consistently.”
Maniago says Dobie has a high ceiling, and is a very skilled hitter and outfielder.
“His power and strength are gifts that aren’t common. He can do it on all sides of the ball, middle of the order bat and solid outfielder with a great arm; and then he can bring it on the mound as well.”
In Vegas, tournament teams are guaranteed four-games and top teams from each pool move on to a championship bracket. Pool games will be played on Friday and Saturday and qualifying teams will play on a Sunday single elimination round. The championship games are played late Sunday afternoon.
The Vegas event is a “Perfect Game” tournament, a prospect gateway that focuses on providing world class exposure for young prospects while adding new development tips that will help each player improve their skill set.
“They both should have opportunities to play after high school if they commit themselves,” said Maniago. “Any of these types of camps and tournaments are good to network and get your name out there and get noticed.
“There is always someone watching with a connection to a school, and it’s good for our program too.”
Dobie is looking forward to the experience, and says he is considering playing in B.C.’s Premier Baseball League after graduation. The scouts in Vegas may change that.
“I hope to have some good games down there,” said Dobie. “But I feel like I'd play better if I didn't know a scout was watching … but it will be good exposure for sure.”
As for Konken, his sights are set on playing college baseball.
“I’m not sure where, if I stay in Canada or go down South,” said Konken. “But I’m definitely looking to go to school, and get a baseball scholarship if I could.
“I think it will be a good opportunity to get looks for the states for sure. In Vegas there will be scouts for every team there, so it will be very interesting.”
More information can be found on the 34th Annual Fall Desert Classic website: baseball.exposureevents.com/219562/34th-annual-desert-fall-classic
