Ceres High’s Josh Pernetti attended the Washington Nationals’ Area Code Baseball Team tryouts earlier this week in Nashville, Tenn.
Pernetti and other incoming senior players from across the country showcased their talent on Monday in hopes of earning roster spots on the Southeast regional team for the Area Code Games, which will be held leading up to the Major League Baseball Draft Aug. 5-9 at Blair Field in Long Beach.
“This was my first time going to one of these tryouts,” Pernetti said. “I was a little nervous. There was some pressure. I wanted to show what I could do. Once we got started, I got loose and realized I belonged there. I felt pretty confident.”
The invitation-only tryout was staged, from 2-7 p.m., on Monday at Vanderbilt University.
“We took infield, then we hit,” said Pernetti, who worked out at first base and catcher on defense. “Overall, I think I did well, compared to everybody else. It would be awesome to earn a spot on the team. I won’t be disappointed if I don’t make it. I worked hard and did my best.”
Just one player from California was invited to the Nationals’ Area Code Baseball Team tryouts.
That distinguished honor goes to Pernetti.
“I’m thankful I had the opportunity to go out there and play. There were quite a few MLB scouts out there watching us, which was cool."Josh Pernetti
“It was a really fun experience,” he said. “I’m thankful I had the opportunity to go out there and play. There were quite a few MLB scouts out there watching us, which was cool. I got to meet Vanderbilt’s head coach. They just won a national title.”
Pernetti earned second-team all-Western Athletic Conference honors while starring on Ceres High’s varsity baseball team this past spring.
He batted .290 with three homers, 21 RBIs and 19 runs.
Pernetti helped lead the Bulldogs to a 15-14 overall record and third-place finish in the WAC standings (10-4). Ceres High also returned to the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs following a one-year absence.
