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Austin Bush named to elite All-Star team
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Austin Bush stands tall at first base, moments before tagging a Pitman runner out, during this years Division I SJS Semi-final game. - photo by Journal file photo

Austin Bush’s junior baseball season was one he will likely never forget. With his gloved hand on first base and with both hands gripping the bat from the plate, Bush helped his Turlock High team win an undefeated league title, set a 26 consecutive win streak record, and compete for a Division I SJS championship.

But Bush’s junior year memory bank isn’t full just yet; he still has more to add thanks to his recent selection for the California Baseball Coaches Association North-South Showcase. As part of the Division I North team, Bush will join 19 other top level ball players from Northern California in a three game All-Star series that begins today at Santa Clara University.

“I was pretty excited to be representing Northern California and representing Turlock High School after the great season that we had,” Bush said. “I just want to continue playing the game I love.”

Bush’s road to All-Star status began on June 7 when he, along with teammate Brett Cumberland and Pitman High players Trevor Chaney and Dakota Spillers, took part in an all day tryout. After a morning of position drills and batting practice, a select few were chosen to participate in the afternoon practice.

“After that, they evaluated us again and then came back and announced the final team,” Bush said.

Since being selected, Bush has been participating in individual practice sessions to gear up for the three game series. Though the challenge may seem daunting—the team met each other for the first time the night before and will play without a collective practice—Bush is confident in the abilities of his team and himself.

“I’m just trying to play ball and have fun with a bunch of really talented players from Northern California,” Bush said. “We just have to jump in and play the game that we know how to play.”

The first game will stretch nine innings and is set to begin at 2 p.m. The second, a seven inning game, will also be played today at 5 p.m. If a third game is needed, it will be played on Sunday at 10 p.m. and will be set for nine innings.

“I love meeting all the new guys,” Bush said. “There’s some fun kids on this team and I think it will be a good weekend for us.”