By Sean Duncan

Nolan Rogers said you can drive through his hometown of Smithville, Ind. in five minutes, unimpeded by a stoplight.

“Smithville is pretty small,” Rogers said.

But growing up in the small town south of Bloomington didn’t prevent Rogers from shining on the biggest stage. Playing against the best 14-year-olds from across the country at the final National Tournament Identification Series (NTIS) tryout over Labor Day weekend in Jupiter, Fla., Rogers made big news when he earned a roster spot on the 14U USA National Team. The left-handed hitting shortstop and right-handed pitcher was one of 24 players in the country selected to compete in the all-paid-expenses Pan Am qualifier in Guatemala City, Guatemala on Nov. 28.

“I feel very fortunate considering how many kids tried out for the team,” said Rogers, who began the arduous tryout process in Anderson, Ind. in June. “It was kind of nerve-wracking. How it was set up, if you make a mistake you could be out.”

But time and again, the 5-foot-9, 145-pound Rogers flourished under the scrutiny. In Florida, he earned the respect of the coaches with his attitude, speed and arm strength.

“Nolan plays hard all the time,” said Todd Fine, who coached Rogers at the NTIS final tryout in Jupiter. “He never takes a play off. What really impressed me was when he beat out a routine groundball to the second baseman. That showed me a lot.”

Rogers, who played on the Indiana Prospects travel team over the summer, said hustle is a big part of his game.

“I always give everything I can,” he said. “I get done what needs to get done.”

 Rogers certainly got it done, and now he will be representing the United States in the Pan Am Games.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “Probably the whole town of Smithville knows about it.”