Indians happy to be in Fresno

Jeff Tully

Fresno is not exactly an attractive summer destination.

However, for the Burroughs High baseball team, the Indians are

happy to be in the Central California city to take part in a

prestigious tournament.

Beginning today and running through Sunday, Burroughs is playing

in the third annual Outback Steakhouse Summer Baseball Classic.

The Indians -- who have a 9-5 record in the Valley Invitational

Baseball League -- will take part in pool-play games today, Thursday,

Friday and Saturday with a chance to play in the final on Sunday.

Along with games at host Madera High, Burroughs will also play at

Fresno City College.

“We like to play in this tournament because we are able to see

different teams and different styles of baseball that we don’t

normally get to see,” Burroughs Coach Tom Crowther said.

“Most of the teams will be bigger than us, but I’m hoping that our

brand of small-ball will carry us. We are just going to have to

execute well, run well and get some good pitching. If we can do that,

we’ll do well.”

The coach said he expects the competition to be stiff.

“I know Madera is a good team and Bullard (of Fresno) should be

tough,” Crowther said. “Clovis and Clovis West are also going to be

very good.”

Burroughs has had success with the pitching duo of Josh Campbell

and Camron Collard, who have been steady throughout the summer.

Crowther said the team has also benefited by fine efforts from

players Miguel Alvarez, Charlie Peters and Ian Disiere.

“This is a good tournament, not only from a baseball standpoint,

but it gives us a chance to bond as a team,” Crowther said. “It

should be a lot of fun for us.”