The National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup is the most comprehensive player identification program offered by USA Baseball, as it provides an opportunity for all athletes from across the country to compete for a spot on a USA Baseball national team.

There are six age groups ranging from the 11U to the 16U levels which compete within the NTIS Champions Cup across a three-week span, and 12 players are selected from each edition to participate in national team programming the following year.

Behind the 12 players who are selected for this opportunity is the Task Force, which is a group of coaches who work together to identify the top players. Heading up the 14U NTIS Champions Cup Task Force is USA Baseball Scouting Director Mark O’Sullivan, who caught up with USABaseball.com to discuss his behind-the-scenes duties this week.

Q: What is your role this week at the NTIS Champions Cup?

A: “I'm the lead Task Force for the 14-and-under NTIS Champions Cup group. We have seven total task force members for the group, and we are scouting 12 players this week to be selected for next year's 15U National Team Training Camp.

Q: How is scouting players this week different than other USA Baseball identification events like the National Team Championships and Futures Invitational?

A: “This week is a little different because we have players from six different regions of the country, which gives us exposure to players who we haven't seen this summer. It's a little different in that you're scouting different regions, and some may be stronger than others, but overall, I think it's a very similar process to what we do at our other identification events.”

Q: What is the process for the week like in selecting which players are going to move on to next year's 15U National Team Training Camp?

A: “The first day we have BP sessions and then games, and after those games the Task Force meets and talks about the things we saw and the players we liked, and come up with a ‘follow list.’ We’ll follow those guys the next few days, and then select 30-40 players to invite to a workout for BP and defensive work on Saturday evening. By the conclusion of the games on Sunday, we’ll hopefully have our 12 players.”

Q: What is the Task Force looking for out of players this week, both on and off the field?

A: “On the field, we're looking for players who are physically mature and can compete with the best 15-year-olds in the country. It's different in that we're projecting a little bit because the players who are selected won't compete until next summer. We’re looking for players who are consistent throughout the week and are versatile on the field. Off the field, we're always looking for players with a really good makeup who are good teammates.”

Q: Aside from a chance to play for Team USA, what kind of opportunities does the NTIS Champions Cup provide for players?

A: “First off, it's an opportunity to play at the National Training Complex. A lot of players haven’t been here before. It’s also a chance for players who may not travel a lot to get some exposure at the national level. For some of these kids, this is their first time playing away from their hometown and local area, so it’s a good opportunity for them to experience this.”

Q: What do you think makes the NTIS Champions Cup special and different from other youth events?

A: In order to get here, they had to try out in their respective regions and were ultimately seen by the Regional Directors as the best players in their age group. So, this week is a chance for them to travel here, get exposed to Team USA coaches, and see how they compare to other players their age. It’s an equal opportunity situation for all these guys this week where they can showcase what they can do.”

Q: For players who want to one day make Team USA, what advice would you give them to accomplish that goal?

A: “To make Team USA, as a baseball player you have to be upper echelon. Kids develop in different stages physically, so if you’re not there at 15-years-old you might be there at 18-years-old. I would say be patient and keep working hard and be a good teammate, and keep working physically and mentally on your game.”