Infielder tapped MVP

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Desmond Lindsay is used to playing with the nation’s best.

This summer has proved to be no different. In his first season playing with the Evoshield Canes 17U team, a travel team comprised of players from 12 states across the nation, Lindsay has made a name for himself.

Lindsay, who verbally committed to the University of North Carolina last year, was recently named MVP of the WWBA 17U National Championship, in Emerson, Ga.

Lindsay, a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy, was chosen for the honor from more than 6,000 players representing 304 teams.

“I was surprised,” he says. “My whole team played really well. Anyone could’ve gotten it. I was excited, though, because that’s the biggest tournament of the summer, so to get MVP was pretty cool.”

Going up against the nation’s top pitchers, Lindsay went 12-for-31 throughout the tournament with two doubles, a triple, three home runs, 10 RBIs and nine runs scored, helping lead the Evoshield Canes to a perfect 12-0 record and a national championship. Lindsay also boasted a .500 on-base percentage, as the Evoshield Canes outscored their opponents 77-18.

“Desmond outperformed the competition playing against the very best the country had to offer,” ODA coach Tim Orlosky says. “This is perhaps the most prestigious award in the largest tournament. To win the tournament and the award is an unbelievable accomplishment.

“We are very proud of Desmond,” Orlosky says. “He continues to exceed expectations. The sky is the limit for this young man.”

Lindsay played in a tournament for the Evoshield Canes last summer.

“The Evoshield Canes has such a name around them,” Lindsay says. “Scouts (know who they are) and the talent level is high. If you have the potential to play on their team, you know all of the players are going to be good.”

Lindsay left July 17 for Arizona to prepare for the third annual 17U Perfect Game World Series, held July 19 through July 23. Upon arriving in Arizona, Lindsay spent the day going over plays with his team and taking batting practice.

“I’m just looking forward to playing again,” Lindsay says. “This next one is important, too, but I really just want to have fun there.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].