By Bill Ballew
October 7, 2004

ASHEVILLE, N.C.--Baseball is nothing if not a game of legacies. Positions, both real and imaginary, are bequeathed from one generation to the next, leaving the game richer and fuller each time the baton is passed.

Even though he will not celebrate his 18th birthday until Opening Day 2005, Cameron Maybin has first-hand experience regarding the impact of legacies on the game. In fact, the outfielder extraordinaire seems to make history virtually every time he steps on the field, which has led to yet another honor as Baseball America's Youth Player of the Year.

"Playing baseball is all I've ever wanted to do," said Maybin, a senior at T.C. Roberson High in Arden, N.C. "When I was in first grade, I wrote a picture book about how I wanted to play for the Asheville Tourists when I grew up. My dad and I laugh about that now, but that's how long I've wanted to play the game."

Maybin has worked out with the Tourists during pregame drills and was hitting home runs during batting practice at age 14. He also served two years as a Tourists batboy, which carries a legacy unlike any other in the minor leagues. Among those that previously manned the position include author Thomas Wolfe, Tourists general manager Ron McKee, University of North Carolina head basketball coach Roy Williams, future Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., and current Braves rookie Charles Thomas.

"Hanging around the clubhouse and taking BP with the Tourists, that was so big for me," Maybin said. "By watching and talking with the players, it taught me how important it is to take care of the little stuff. I think it gave me a more professional approach to the game. The insight helped me gauge my abilities and what I needed to do to get to where those players were at that stage in their careers."

As a freshman in 2002, Maybin began living up to his end of the bargain by capturing tournament MVP honors while helping guide Roberson to a state championship, its third under head coach Tom Smith. The Rams' previous titles featured former major league pitcher Darren Holmes and current Rockies national cross checker Danny Montgomery in 1983, and current Colorado prospect and former second-round draft pick Chris Narveson in 2000.

"Cameron just keeps getting better and better," Smith said. "His tools across the board are as good as any player I've seen at this level. He's also as humble as he can be, and he's matured into as outstanding a young man as he is a player. As an educator and a coach, you can't get a greater reward than working with someone like him."

Maybin went on to meet every challenge in 2004, beginning with leading Roberson to 25 straight wins. He also pitched for the first time by serving as a closer due to injuries on the team and opened more than a few eyes by bringing some serious heat from the mound.

"He came to me and said he wanted to help the team anyway he could," Smith said. "I have no doubt that he could pitch at the next level if he decided that was the route he wanted to take."

After being ranked by Baseball America as the second-best prospect in Perfect Game's National Showcase in St. Petersburg, Fla., Maybin joined the Midland Redskins for the second summer and led the team to the Connie Mack World Series title with a record-breaking performance. Maybin won the batting title and was tabbed the tournament MVP while hitting five home runs, including a 4-for-4 performance with three homers in the semifinal game against the Florida Bombers.

Joe Mayden, who founded the Midland program more than 40 years ago, has managed his share of standouts while winning nine Connie Mack titles since 1984. According to Mayden, the comparisons between Maybin and Ken Griffey, Jr., a former Midland player, are not unfair.

"There's a lot of resemblance between the two," Mayden said. "They've both got all five tools and they have the same instincts in the outfield and at the plate. Kenny matured quicker at 16, while Cameron matured at 17. But otherwise, they're very similar."

At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Maybin has the natural strength and outstanding extension in his swing from both sides of the plate to generate tape-measure home runs. His speed and athleticism make him a natural in center field, but his arm has plenty of juice to handle right field. Combine those tools with his plus makeup, and Maybin has an excellent shot to continue another yet-to-be-determined legacy as a potential top-five pick next June.

"I'm just having fun while doing exactly what I hoped I would do," said Maybin, who has visits scheduled with such schools as Miami, South Carolina and North Carolina. "Nothing's more fun than going out there and playing in games where everybody's legit. That helps you figure out what you need to do to get better so you can go out there and have even more fun the next time."