May 1, 2001

San Diego - San Diego State sophomore pitcher Royce Ring has been named one of 19 players invited to participate in the 2001 USA Baseball National Team Trials to be held in Tucson, Arizona, June 16-19. The USA National Team, comprised of the top freshmen and sophomore collegiate players from across the nation, will be selected from a pool of approximately 25-29 players, of which an additional 5-10 have yet to be determined.

Ring, a 6-0 left-hander from San Diego (Monte Vista HS), has been the Aztecs' closer this year. In 25 appearances out of the bullpen (28.2 innings), he has compiled a record of 5-1 with seven saves and a 1.26 earned run average while striking out 36.

Team USA will play approximately 30 games on the Red, White and Blue Summer Tour, beginning June 22 with the 30th annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series, which this year will be played in Japan.

Mississippi State's Pat McMahon will serve as head coach for Team USA. The official team roster will be determined and announced on June 19.