CULLMAN — Cullman High pitcher Sam Huser was one of only 17 rising sophomores in the state recently selected to one of the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association’s 2012 All-Star teams.

Huser will join 119 other players from around the state at the All-Star event June 19-21 at Troy University.

Though a few other Bearcats tried out for the team, Huser was the only one to make it. Coach Brent Patterson said he wasn’t surprised at Huser’s selection, but he thought it would be harder for the young pitcher to make it due to his youth.

“Sam’s a pretty good talent,” he said. “He’s a kid that’s kind of growing into his own and becoming a guy who’s going to help us on the mound and offensively one day. It’s an honor when one of your guys is being recognized to go play. I was especially happy for him.”

The 120 invitees are divided into six teams — three representing the state’s northern region and three from the south. The tournament is designed to give college coaches and scouts the opportunity to see some of the best high school baseball players play in three games over the course of two days. According to the ABCA, nearly 40 college coaches and professional scouts were on hand for last summer’s event.

“Barry Dean, the director of this, and the Baseball Coaches Assocation, they do a really good job with this weekend,” Patterson said. “There are really a lot of coaches there. They’re really working to make it worth the while for these kids to go down there.”

Huser said he’s looking forward to interacting with new players and coaches and making new connections around the state.

“I’m hoping that I make some new friends, and I hope they enjoy playing with me,” he said.         

Added Patterson: “You make relationships with the guys all over. He’ll meet coaches as well as players. You want to go and draw people’s attention. You hope some coaches remember this guy who steps up and does some things. Then they remember his name a year or two down the road in the recruiting process.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Between tryouts and finding out he made the team on Wednesday night, Huser said he’d made a trip to the doctor due to shoulder inflammation. That means he won’t be able to pitch for the All-Star squad, but he will still be able to show off what he can do with the bat.

While he won’t be able to contribute in the way he originally planned, Huser was still happy he made the team.

“I wasn’t really expecting to make it, so when I did, I was pretty excited,” he said.

Patterson said Huser has a lot more going on for him than being a talented baseball player.

“He wants to be a good player, so he works hard, and he works a lot,” Patterson said. “A lot of guys are given gifts with this talent, and he’s doing everything he can to use them, so I’m proud of him.”

Still only a sophomore, Patterson believes Huser still has some growing to do before he reaches his full potential.

“We think he could be a frontline type guy,” Patterson said. “When he grows, he’s got the ability, with the way his arm works and his knowledge on the mound. I think he’ll be a great hitter, too. It’s strength and physical maturity. He’s really an all-around player. I think that’s why he was chosen. He holds his own defensively, and he’s got good bat speed.”

Patterson thinks playing on a team consisting primarily of rising seniors next spring will boost Huser’s confidence in his own ability.

“There’s somthing about believeing you belong with the best group,” he said. “I think a lot of it is mental, confidence and believing I was chosen because I stood out. Then you go hang out with some of the best players in the state, and it gives you confidence.”

Laura Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 258 or at lowens@cullmantimes.com.