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He says it was the perfect ending to a great high school career. After a senior year where Randolph-Henry High School (R-H) went 17-7, including a 7-game winning streak to finish off the regular season, Luke Skelton had one more chance to put on a show.

In the past, the Virginia High School Coaches Association held an All-Star game during the summer. This gave the top high school seniors in Virginia one last chance to play and receive training from college and professional coaches. That eventually ended, however. This year, a new group brought the tradition back. The Virginia Baseball Coaches Association (VBCA) brought in the best high school seniors from the Virginia High School League, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association and the Virginia Home School League. These 50 players were put into two teams, red and blue, for a 9-inning game at The Diamond in Richmond.

Skelton was chosen for the red team and showed everyone why he was one of the best players on Randolph-Henry’s squad. He pitched two innings, then played right and later left field.

“I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to finish out my high school career,” Skelton said. “My senior season was full of amazing memories and accomplishments and this was the perfect ending. I am grateful to have been nominated by my coach and selected by the committee.”

Luke Skelton feels it’s ‘an honor to play’ 

It was also an opportunity for Skelton and the other players to pick the brains of a number of former Major LEague Baseball competitors. Former Astros, Phillies and Braves closer Billy Wagner, who currently coaches at The Miller School of Albemarle and recorded 400 saves over 16 seasons, was on hand. Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Randy Tomlin, Toronto Blue Jay Eric Crozier and former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cla Meredith were also on hand, as part of the coaching staff.

Randolph-Henry Coach Josh Barmoy said it was great to see Skelton recognized on a state level.

“It is an honor to have someone in our program be selected to participate in this event,” Barmoy said. “There are some really good ball players in the state of Virginia. For Luke to be one of those invited is a big deal!”

Luke Skelton is the latest in a number of Randolph-Henry High School players to compete in the All-Star game. During the previous version, several Statesmen made the team. With this being the first VBCA All-Star competition, Barmoy hopes to keep the trend going.

“(VBCA President) Tim Merry and his staff put on a great event this year,” Barmoy said. “We hope to have players participate in the future.”