Craig Fuller is returning to the field where he had his greatest coaching moment.
The fact that one of his players will be there with him will make the trip that much more special.
Photo by Jeff Abt |
Central Heights coach Craig Fuller.
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Photo by Jeff Abt |
Central Heights catcher Dane Phillips will participate in an all-star game in Round Rock Saturday.
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Fuller, Central Heights' baseball coach, will coach in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star game Saturday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock.
Dane Phillips, a hard-hitting all-state catcher for the Blue Devils, will play in the game.
Phillips, a recent draft choice by the Seattle Mariners in the 49th round after he turned down an offer from the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round, is currently playing for the Midland Redskins in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is flying in for the game, which will be his final game as a high school player.
He hit .645 with 14 home runs and 46 RBIs for Central Heights last season. Phillips had 32 career home runs while earning first-team, all-state honors the last two seasons and honorable mention as a sophomore.
He was named the District 19-2A MVP last season and graduated as Central Heights' valedictorian.
"It's going to be kind of bittersweet," Phillips said. "I wanted to go to Austin to play in a state game.
"This is just a great honor to be invited to play in this game and to play for Coach Fuller one more time. I'm thankful for the opportunity."
Fuller was one of six coaches selected to coach in the all-state game that includes Class A, AA and AAA players.
His 2004 Central Heights team won the Class 2A state championship at Dell Diamond. The coach said that achievement ranks first on his list of career highlights. Coaching in the all-star game Saturday ranks second.
"It's a big honor," the coach said. "Your peers nominate and select the coaches for the game."
Fuller recently completed his 14th season at Central Heights, where he has led the program to the playoffs 11 times.
He coached three seasons at Cushing, one as head coach in a playoff season.
Phillips is the fourth player for Fuller who will play in the all-star game.
Previous players were Chris Handler of Cushing, and Zac Baker and Doug Vardeman, both of Central Heights.
Fuller said being selected to coach in the game is as much an honor for the Blue Devils' baseball program and former players as it is for himself.
"They recognize the coaches in the pregame," he said of the upcoming game. "A lot of the credit should go to the players and assistant coach David Russell. I'm excited about Central Heights High School being recognized at the game."
