Tony Overman/The Olympian
Ten-year-old Patrick McMeel, of Olympia, took third place in the national finals of the Diamond Skills Competition Monday afternoon at Safeco Field. Here he takes part in the baserunning competition.

South Sound youth shows skills

ELLIOTT SMITH, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published July 10

SEATTLE -- Patrick McMeel went to Safeco Field on Monday with a goal in mind.

The fifth-grader was participating in the MLB Diamond Skills National Finals and wanted to finish in the top three of his age range for the entire country.

Mission accomplished.

"I didn't finish fourth," McMeel said proudly after the competition, hugging his trophy proudly.

McMeel finished in third place in the 9-10 year olds division at Diamond Skills, where participants compete in hitting, fielding and running drills.

Over 400,000 youths participated nationwide in the event, in which several months of stages culminated in Monday's finals.

"I had fun," McMeel said. "I did good."

The 10-year-old said that although all the skills were fun, he enjoyed one the most.

"Hitting was fun," he said. "I thought I did well in that one."

McMeel went to Safeco hoping to meet Ichiro or Edgar Martinez, but so far, had been unlucky.

"Hopefully tomorrow," he said.

For his efforts, McMeel will attend today's All-Star Game with his father, John.

On the web:

John Hancock All-Star FanFest.

MLB.com: All-Star Game 2001

All-Star Game 2001 Player Profiles.

The Olympian Online: Mariners.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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