Baseball: National Classic is loaded with top teams

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There won’t be a better high school baseball tournament in the nation than the Anderson Bat National Classic set for April 13 to 16 in Orange County. It’s the 20th anniversary for the National Classic.

Among the local schools entered are El Toro, led by 6-foot-7 pitcher Chad Thompson; Mater Dei, led by pitcher Aaron Northcraft; Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, led by first baseman Kelly Dugan; Covina Northview, led by shortstop Rich Pedroza; Norco, led by pitcher Matt Hobgood, The Times’ player of the year in 2008; and Esperanza, led by outfielder Dennis Holt.

There are teams from New Jersey, Arizona and Florida flying in. The semifinals and finals will be held at Cal State Fullerton.

-- Eric Sondheimer