Timmy Carter hit .615 with 27 RBI as a junior at South Robeson and helped the Mustangs to a 20-9 record. | File Photo
“It’s for the top 300 high school players in the country so it’s a huge honor,” Carter said Wednesday as a passenger somewhere in Texas. “I’m just ready to play. We left (Robeson County) Tuesday around noon and it’s taking awhile to get there.”
The Under Armour All-America preseason tournament annually features future collegiate and professional stars honing their craft prior to graduation against the nation’s best. Players are selected based on prior performances at Baseball Factory sponsored events or recommended by pro scouts.
According to a Baseball Factory spokesperson, scouts representing 23 Major League were in attendance last season and that number could be exceeded this weekend. Carter declined to reveal what colleges have contacted him about signing, but did say he’s had several workouts at that level.
“I’m keeping my options open, but I’d like to play Division I baseball,” he said. “If I were to get drafted, I would talk it over with my family.”
Carter’s a consistent middle of the order hitter with power but says he’ll likely pitch in the future. He’s been the ace for South Robeson each of the last three seasons and usually has his number called to slam the door in the seventh. This weekend, he’s been told to expect innings at third base, shortstop and on the mound in the 20-team, wooden bat tournament.
“The event starts with a black tie awards ceremony on Friday, then we play games Saturday and Sunday,” Carter said. “I think I’m in two (games) Saturday and three Sunday. It’ll be fun competing against the best. I’m looking forward to it.”
Carter hit .615 with 27 RBI as a junior at South Robeson and helped the Mustangs to a 20-9 record. During his all-state sophomore campaign, Carter struck out 84 batters in 64 innings and maintained a pencil-thin 1.19 ERA. At the plate, his .646 average and 41 runs driven in led the county.
Carter is South Robeson’s top returning player on a team projected to contend for a Three Rivers Conference championship. Junior varsity coach Ryan Bullard replaced Bryan McDonald as the team’s skipper in the off-season after McDonald took the opening at Purnell Swett.
Alex Britt update
Fairmont senior hurler Alex Britt, the reigning Three Rivers Conference Player of the Year, has accepted a Baseball Factory invite to participate in a similar Under Armour All-American tryout at Carolina Forest High in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Jan. 27.
Fairmont’s ace recently committed to The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and has won 15 games over the last two seasons as a starter with an ERA under 2. He has recorded 187 strikeouts in 141 career innings.
Timothy Carter is a humble special young man born to play ball. He has worked hard to get to this level of ball.
He happens to have brains,looks,athletic build,respectful,and was brought up in the admonition of the Lord. He does not deserve false criticism. If you are gonna critique him, get your facts straight. He does excellent in school and will continue to do so. He is blessed and highly favored and his future is sealed by faith.
Supporters, Timothy looks forward to your support in the future I am sure. The media can really come after these young men when someone seeking 15 minutes of fame tries to share some fake information. I do believe these are future professional athletes and jealously can bring out the ugly in people.
Everyone has their opinion. I too have been involved with baseball in this county for several years. I have watched Carter play since dixie youth, so it's no surprise to me that he is headed to Arizona to showcase his skills in front of college coaches and scouts. We should be wishing this kid good luck instead of trying to bring up negativity. I personally like it when a player has a little fire in him. No one wants a pansy on the mound in the bottom of the 7th to try an close out a game.
Alex Britt will do great at UNCP and Carter will be an outstanding player in college. As far as grades in question, Carter is just as good in the classroom as he is on the field.
Good luck to Carter, Good luck to Britt.