2019 pitcher Lexi Berg writes about her OnDeck and PGF Shootout experience.

My weekend of nonstop softball and recruiting events started yesterday with the OnDeck West Coast Elite Camp. From 9:00am to 4:00pm, we were evaluated on everything from bat speed, pitching, throwing to agility while dozens of coaches watched from the stands.  



It was a long day but mine wasn't over. I had to race from Mt. San Antonio College to a special college workout put on by my Explosion Softball organization.  When I got there I saw many of the same college coaches from earlier in the day.  I wondered if some thought I was crazy or dedicated for playing softball for 12 hours that day. Even I wasn't sure.  We rotated through fielding, hitting and pitching stations until 9:00pm.  By the end of the night, I was exhausted but happy with the way I performed.

My drop and curveball were working for me and I really needed them. Every batter was a battle and a tough out.  Coaches commented that this year's group was the strongest hitting class they have seen in a while.  

The OnDeck camp really showed me how many great players there are around the country.  It was an honor to be invited. Everybody signed the official banner before leaving.  There were banners from each of the past years hanging with the signatures of most of today's All-Americans before they were known.



With the OnDeck camp finished it was time to refuel and refocus with protein shakes and sandwiches on the way to my team's first game at the PGF Shootout.  We played Beverly Bandits -- Terrell 16U, a tough team from Chicago. The second team we played was Corona Angels -- Slye 16U.  We finished the day with a game against the NW Bullets 16U.  Overall, our pitching was strong and I helped my team with some scoreless innings in two of the games.

Coach Greg is always amazing and works hard for all the girls on our team.  Showcases are so different with a lot of rotations, substitutions and different lineups.  He managed to get everyone playing time to showcase their ability in front of the coaches.

I'm looking forward to the win-or-go- home part of the shootout.  But first, some sleep after another 12 hour day on the softball field.

It's hard to believe I'm only half way through my weekend!

Lexi Berg