South Whidbey boys' baseball talent shines

"Three South Whidbey youngsters were sectional winners in the Diamond Skills Competition sponsored by Major League Baseball and Toys R Us. They are, from left, Trapper Rawls of Langley, Riley Newman of Freeland, and Dane Guetlin of Freeland. Jon Jensen / staff photoThe baseball skills of three South Whidbey youngsters were good enough for them to win sectional competition, and one of them advances to the regional contest this Sunday at Safeco Field.The three sectional winners from this area are Riley Newman, 8, of Freeland; Trapper Rawls, 10, Langley; and Dane Guetlin, 14, Freeland. The sectional competition was May 27 in Seattle.They participated in the Diamond Skills Competition, which is sponsored by Toys R Us and Major League Baseball. The competition has young ballplayers compete by age group in batting, fielding, and base-running skills. It culminates in national finals at the All-Star Game July 10 at Safeco Field.Newman won the throwing, running and all-around categories in the 7 and 8 age group. Rawls won the throwing, batting, and all-around titles in the age 9 and 10 group. Guetlin won throwing, batting, fielding and all-around categories in the 13 and 14 age group. Newman's score in his sectional win allows him to advance to regional competition. He'll face other 7- and 8-year-olds who were sectional winners from throughout the Mariners' market, which includes Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.Newman and the other young ballplayers will be introduced before Sunday's game, and he has been given three tickets to that game. "

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