DRIPPING SPRINGS – Cooper Rummel, a pitcher for the Dripping Springs High School Tigers, and Team USA began play at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier on Saturday, Aug. 3.
In the pool play opener, Team USA took an 18-0 win over Costa Rica in Panama City, Panama. Pool play continues there, with games against Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Brazil and Panama, and culminates with the Gold Medal Game scheduled for Aug. 11.
“Making the National Team is like the pinnacle of what I can do in amateur baseball, like, high school,” Rummel said in a televised interview with KXAN.
Last year’s USA National 18U Team lost 4-0 against Korea in a game for the bronze medal, but the 18U squads are some of the most highly respected players in amateur baseball. They have won 10 World Cups, dating back to 2012, and the team’s players are some of the most talented in the world at the amateur level. Gold Glove award winner Manny Machado, two-time World Series Champion Alex Bregman, two-time Silver Slugger Award recipient and MVP Bryce Harper, and three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw have all represented the United States at the 18U level.
“To have all the work I’ve put in be gratified in such a way is amazing,” Rummel said.
The Tigers 2023-24 baseball season ended in the Area round of the playoffs with a 25-11-0 overall record and 13-2 in district. Rummel finished the season with an ERA of .865, a 9-1 record, pitched 56.2 innings with 88 strikeouts and only gave up 24 hits.
“He put us all on his back this year,” Chris Payne, DSHS head baseball coach, said. Rummel has verbally committed to attend The University of Texas in Austin to play for the Longhorns and will likely sign a letter of intent this fall. Before then, Payne said the work he has put in is evident in making the USA Team and he expects Rummel will step into a leadership role and excel as a senior.
“He believes in himself and is more confident of his ability to get the job done. He’ll be our number one,” Payne said.
Follow the USA 18U National Team at www.usabaseball.com
Dripping Springs Tigers pitcher on USA Baseball National Team roster
Cooper Rummel, a pitcher for the Dripping Springs High School Tigers, and Team USA began play at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier on Saturday, Aug. 3.
- 08/07/2024 10:20 PM
