BARNEGAT, N.J. - The scouts were lined all around the field. The fans were there with their iPhones snapping pictures at the pitcher. Every pitch drew a reaction.
Phillies watch as prep star Groome breezes through opening day
And this was only the warm-ups.
Welcome to the world of Jason Groome, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound lefthander from Barnegat High School in Ocean County, a player who is capable of drawing a standing-room-only crowd even on an unforgiving 40-degree day.
This was Tuesday, the first game of the final high school season for Groome, a player Baseball America has ranked as the nation's top draft prospect, including college players.