Maryland's top high school athletes take part in Brooks Robinson All-Star Game

Getting the chance to watch major league players show off their talent and try to capture a World Series championship is always something special. Time and time again, players who reach the pinnacle of baseball will talk about how fortunate they are to be some of the lucky few who were able to achieve their dream of not only playing in the majors, but winning a championship, too.

But, like any player, his career had to start somewhere. For most, it began in the backyards or tee ball fields, those wide stretches of open air that house a dozen fenced backstops and where the most important destination for a player during the game wasn't always home plate, but rather the snack shack after the game.

In high school, however, individual players usually begin to separate. Those with the most talent and dedication start to rise above the rest. Pitchers dominate, hitters tear the cover off of the ball and stat lines dazzle as the dream of one day being drafted into Major League Baseball and playing professional baseball starts to become a goal within reach, or at least on the horizon.

Each year in Maryland, those top tier high school players are selected from all over the state to compete in the Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game. The game features top seniors from northern Maryland against players from southern Maryland. Along with the honor of being selected to play in the game, players are treated to tickets to an Orioles game, personalized bat honoring their achievement, and the opportunity to play in front of friends and family at Camden Yards.

Last Thursday, the players took part in a press conference in the Warehouse, during which they received their All-Star game jerseys and a little sage advice from Brooks Robinson himself. If there's anyone who knows baseball, it's Robinson.

The game itself took place Sunday following the Orioles' series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. The O's tallied a season-high 19 hits, and complemented it with a pair of long-distance home runs en route to a commanding 11-6 win. With the current pros finished, it was time for the future pros - or at least hopeful pros - to show off their talents.

In the end, the South roster edged out the North roster 5-2. Both rosters can be found here and click the video below to hear Robinson's words of wisdom to the players.