Kern County High School Baseball All-Star Game Set for June 14 at Taft College

TAFT, CA – The stage is set for the Kern County High School All-Star Baseball game at Taft College held on Saturday, June 14 at the Cougar Baseball Field.

The All-Star Game originated in the 1980's and 1990's ceasing in the mid-1990's. It again was renewed in 2000 with the location site being played at the Gerry Collis Field at Bakersfield College. Some of the location sites have been hosted by Taft College in 2013, 2014 and 2015 with teams being evenly divided into two teams. However, it once again ceased in 2015.

Taft College Head Baseball Coach Vince Maiocco has brought back the All-Star Game and site to Taft leading the charge of making up the rosters and teams. Teams were comprised by a nomination of votes of worthy players selected from Kern County high school coaches. Players will consist of 2025 graduates, along with some of the best high school underclassmen. Maiocco stated, "I personally chose the coaches to represent the City and County teams." The Bakersfield City Team will be coached by Brandon Boren of Frontier High School, Danny Durham of Centennial High School and Joe Neilson of South High School. The Kern County Team is coached by Guy Dees from Tehachapi High School, DeVonte Butler of Garces Memorial High School and Mario Lopez of Cesar Chavez High School.

There have been numerous former All-Star participants that have continued their careers at the collegiate levels. Arizona Diamonbacks RHP Corbin Burnes played in 2013. Current Taft College pitching coach Steven Gee also played in 2013 and was a Taft Union High School graduate. Gee went on to play at California State University Bakersfield, where he was later a key component of the 2015 Western Athletic Conference Championship Roadrunner baseball team.

The All-Star Game will be a City vs. County game. All public high schools within the city of Bakersfield will form the City team. The two private Bakersfield high school teams, Garces Memorial and Bakersfield Christian will play on the County team. There will be two 7 inning games due to large roster sizes. Maiocco mentioned, "We want all of these players to get at least 2-3 bats during the course of the day."

The format will consist of college rules: pitch clock, between inning clock, double bag at first base, etc. The event will also honor George Culver for his lifelong baseball commitment to Kern County baseball players. Culver will have the honors of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game.

Admission will be $10 for adults and $5 for high school students with an ASB card. Current Armed Forces Members and Veteran's will be free of charge. The concession stand will offer a ballpark favorite, Deb's Hotdogs.

For any further information, please contact TC Head Baseball Coach Vince Maiocco at 661-763-7822 or email at vmaiocco@taftcollege.edu.