At just 14-years-old, Lexington, South Carolina, native Isaiah Denzell Posey has accomplished what players in the big leagues still yearn to achieve – a perfect game.
On August 18 at the 14U edition of the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina, Posey needed just 75 pitches to retire 21 consecutive batters and help the Southeast Stars secure a 1-0 victory over the Northwest Stars.
It was his NTIS Champions Cup debut on the mound and his first-ever perfect game.
“It was the best accomplishment of my life, and it probably will be for a long time. I was really proud of myself,” said Posey.
The 6’3” right-hander not only attributed his curve ball and slider to his impressive outing, but credited his teammates’ stellar defense in helping him come away with a moment he’ll always remember.
“I loved how my teammates were happy for me when the game ended. They did a perfect job of backing me up on everything the other team hit. They had my back and I had theirs.”
Leading up to the final outs of the contest, Posey had an idea of what he was about to accomplish on Coleman Field, but managed to focus on the task at hand and retire his opponent in perfect fashion.
“I looked at the scoreboard in the top of the sixth inning and saw the zeroes, and was hoping I didn’t just jinx myself. Going into the seventh, I knew I just had to get three outs. Every time I threw a pitch, I could hear my teammates yelling and cheering for me in the dugout.
“The first out was a pop fly that the guy put a good barrel on, and my teammate was able to catch it. The second batter I struck out, and then on the third batter I remember going off speed for my final pitch to strike him out as well.”
For Posey, throwing a perfect game has just been icing on the cake to his time at the NTIS Champions Cup, as the week has served as a positive experience on and off the field. He able to make new friends and incorporate new things into his game, but also had the chance to prove himself in hopes of earning an invitation to the 15U National Team Training Camp next year.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’m learning a lot of new things from people who live in different states and I’m learning how to play the game the right way from the coaches. The atmosphere has been great; I’ve made about 10 new friends this week and have loved playing on the fields at the National Training Complex.”
“My goal this week is to be invited back for the 15U (National Team) Training Camp next year. I’m hoping to be able to take all the advice that people have been giving me so that when I go back to South Carolina I can use it to elevate my game and be ready for that chance.”
