Whiz Kid: Tyler Brooks

Name: Tyler Brooks, 14

School:

Accomplishment: Tyler is one of 24 national finalists for the 2011 Aquafina Major League Pitch, Hit and Run Competition. He topped a competitive field which started with 650,000 players and 4,000 North American competitions to get to the finals.

Key to Awesomeness: He'll compete during an all-expenses-paid trip to national finals in Phoenix, AZ, during Major League Baseball's All-Star week; hit and run winners will be named Monday. The winner and all finalists go on to attend MLB's All-Star Game.

Brooks has been an athlete since he was 3 years old and joined the Greater Canton Youth Baseball and Softball Association (GCYBSA) T-Ball 1 Team. An avid Tiger's fan, Brooks said first baseman Miguel Cabrera is his favorite player. Brooks currently plays second base and pitcher for the 14-and-under Canton Cardinals. He intends to try out for Salem High's baseball and basketball teams.

"This young athlete represented himself and the Canton Community very well," said Ann-Marie Carravallah, ' sports recreation coordinator in a statement issued Wednesday. "He should be proud of his accomplishments."

Editor's note: Whiz Kid is a regular Patch feature. Share your stories of great kids by emailing editor Peg McNichol at peg.mcnichol@patch.com.