Vando Gonzalez, a senior at H.M. King High School, attended the Pirate City Christmas Camp and Tournament in Florida Dec. 19-22. Vando Gonzalez, a senior at H.M. King High school, was selected to play with the Baseball Factory Under Armour National Team from December 19-22 in Bradenton, Florida.

This prestigious team, coached by professional baseball players and pro scouts, consists of players from across the country, who competed in the Pirate City Christmas Camp & Tournament held in Florida.

While in Florida, Gonzalez had the opportunity to stay at the Pirate City Complex, the training site of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

While there, the team had the opportunity to train, eat and play like the pros.

Gonzalez first received word about the camp when a letter was sent from the Baseball Factory Under Armour National Team to the baseball coaches at H.M. King inviting students to a tryout in Round Rock in November.

Gonzalez attended the tryout and was selected to attend the camp and tournament in Florida.

The Baseball Factory provides instruction, tournament competition, and college planning and placement to high school baseball players nationwide.

Together with Under Armour, Baseball Factory holds over 90 Under Armour National Tryouts throughout the year.

The tryouts are conducted as pro-style workouts and players are evaluated.

Players who attend the national tryouts also become eligible for selection to Under Armour tournaments, training events and showcases all powered by Baseball Factory.

It was great experience for Gonzalez, who is looking forward to playing in the upcoming baseball season with the H.M. King Brahmas.

Vando said he would like to thank all his family, friends and baseball supporters who helped make this trip to Florida possible.

Vando is the son of Carlos and Esther Gonzalez of Kingsville.