June 21, 2016
RENO, Nev. - Nevada baseball's TJ Friedl has been invited to USA Baseball's team trials, head coach T.J. Bruce announced on Tuesday. Friedl will train and compete from June 27 to July 2 while looking to secure a spot on USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team.
USA's collegiate national team and trial attendees will train in Fullerton, Calif., and compete against teams in the California Collegiate League from June 28 to July 2. USA Baseball will then set its final roster before games at Chinese Taipei, Japan and Cuba for the International Friendship Series from July 5-26.
"It's definitely an honor to be invited to the Team USA trials," said Friedl. "To get to represent USA while playing the game I love is a tremendous opportunity that I am extremely grateful for."
Friedl will attempt to become the first Nevada player to play for USA Baseball since Brett Hayes led Team USA to gold in the 2004 World University Baseball Championships. Friedl will also look to become one of just two players from the Mountain West to be named to the collegiate national team, joining Fresno State pitcher Ricky Tyler Thomas.
"To be selected among the nation's best collegiate baseball players is a tremendous honor for TJ and also for our program," said Bruce, who led Nevada to a stellar 2016 season in his first year. "We're looking forward to watching him represent both Team USA and our Nevada baseball program."
A native of Pleasanton, Calif., Friedl recently capped an incredible sophomore season as he became the first Nevada player since 2001 to bat for .400. The outfielder batted .401 with 89 hits, 68 runs and 35 RBI. Friedl ranked second in the nation in triples, fourth in runs and 11th in batting average. He also stole 13 bases and posted a .986 fielding percentage in center field.
Friedl was recently named to the ABCA/Rawlings West All-Region Second Team. Additionally, he was named to the All-Mountain West first team and to the All-MW Tournament Team this year.
The 2016 Collegiate National Team will be coached by manager George Horton (Oregon) and staff members Jason Gill, Mitch Karraker, David Pierce and Dave Snow.
The team reports for training on June 27 prior to competition against summer teams from June 28-2. The collegiate national team will then play at Chinese Taipei (July 5-9), Japan (July 12-17) and Cuba (July 23-27) as part of the International Friendship Series.
