Columbia Outfielder to Play in National Baseball Showcase

A high schooler from Columbia who plays for  was chosen to play in a showcase sponsored by Under Armour Saturday.

Matt McPhearson, of Columbia, will play at Wrigley Field on Aug. 18 with 37 of the best high school players.

A rising senior, McPhearson is "a left-handed hitting centerfielder who may be the fastest player in the 2013 class," according to a release from the Baltimore-based sport apparel company.

"His combination of speed and baseball instincts makes him one of the most exciting players eligible for next year’s draft," the scouts added. "His left-handed stroke is loose and quick with the ability to handle velocity. In the outfield he closes on balls fast and has a strong and accurate throwing arm."

In his junior year at Riverdale Baptist, McPhearson batted .354 with 47 runs and 22 RBI playing center field, according to MaxPreps.com, a high school sports website.

Seven players who participated in the game last year were drafted in the the first round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft.

McPhearson is headed to the University of Miami in the fall of 2013.

The game will begin at 12:30 p.m. CST and air live on the MLB Network.

For more information about the 2012 Under Armour All-America Baseball Game, visit the website. Tickets are currently available online.