Former Collegiate National Team standouts Mike Fuentes, Alex Gordon, and Steve Kemp were elected to the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, as announced by the College Baseball Foundation on Thursday.

The trio joins 47 other Team USA alumni–including 43 who played for the Collegiate National Team–in the Hall of Fame, which began inducting members in 2006.

Fuentes played for the U.S. in 1980, when it took on Japan in a six-game series in California and Nebraska. Fuentes and Team USA went 5-1 versus Japan, dropping the opener before rattling off five straight wins to secure the series. The outfielder was on a roster featuring two other future College Baseball Hall of Famers: three-time CNT alum Oddibe McDowell and three-time MLB All-Star Frank Viola. Following his stint with the stars and stripes, Fuentes returned to Florida State and had a sensational season en route to winning the Golden Spikes Award in 1981. He became a second-round pick by the Montreal Expos following that season and went on to play seven seasons of professional baseball.

A fellow Golden Spikes Award winner, Gordon played for Team USA in 2004. The U.S. played in 25 games that summer, going 18-7 and sweeping the II FISU World University Baseball Championships in Tainan, Taiwan, to take home a gold medal. Gordon–who was named the top offensive player of the FISU Championships–played in 24 games that summer and was a key cog in the U.S. offense, batting .388 with four home runs and 12 RBIs. Gordon was one of the best players in University of Nebraska history, as the 2005 GSA winner batted .355 with 44 career homers. The two-time Big 12 Player of the Year was chosen with the second overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 2005 MLB Draft, for whom he played 14 seasons in the big leagues and won eight gold gloves.

Kemp played two summers for Team USA, patrolling the outfield in both 1974 and 1975. Led by fellow Hall of Famer and longtime baseball coach Rod Dedeaux, Kemp was joined in 1974 by Keith Moreland and Rick Wortham, both who were also elected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame. The USC alum returned to the stars and stripes in 1975 and was again coached by a Hall of Famer, as John Scolinos was at the helm of the club. In his college days, Kemp helped lead the Trojans to several College World Series appearances, including their fifth consecutive in 1975. The outfielder was the first overall pick by the Detriot Tigers in 1976 and played 11 seasons in the bigs, making the All-Star Game in 1979 and getting MVP votes in both 1979 and 1981.

In total, 50 Team USA alumni are currently in the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Six members of the 1988 team that won gold at the Seoul 1998 Summer Olympic Games are in the Hall of Fame, in addition to four players from the 1984 Olympic squad. Three players from both the 18U and Professional Teams have also previously been inducted, in addition to 19 former coaches or administrative staff.

To be eligible for the College Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, players must be out of college for 15 years and have completed one year of competition at a two-year institution in the CCCAA, NJCAA or a four-year NCAA (Division I, II or III) or NAIA institution. Ballot-eligible coaches must be retired for two years or be active and no less than 75 years old. 

The class will be honored at the Night of Champions presented by Prairiefire on February 15, 2024, in Overland, Kansas.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today revealed its annual organizational award winners, recognizing the top athletes, coaches, performances, and staff from its 2023 national teams and development programs. For the first time in the organization’s history, two athletes–Trea Turner (WBC) and Tyler Early (12U)–were honored with the Richard W. “Dick” Case Award, recognizing the athlete of the year.

Additionally, after leading Team USA to a silver medal at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Mark DeRosa earned Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year honors. Charlie Condon’s walk-off single for the Collegiate National Team secured the International Performance of the Year, while Alex Hugo was named the Sportswoman of the Year for the second time in her career.

Thanks to a gold-medal run at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup, the 12U National Team was awarded Team of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. Veronica Alvarez received the “Doc” Counsilman Science Award, while Rick Eckstein earned Coach Educator of the Year honors.

Dylan Crews (Golden Spikes Award), Josie Harding (Service Provider of the Year), Mike Kinkade (Volunteer Coach of the Year), and Rob Shabansky (Developmental Coach of the Year) round out the 2023 award winners.

“It is a great privilege to reward our stellar athletes, coaches, and staff for their incredible achievements in 2023,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball’s Executive Director and CEO. “We had another strong year in 2023, adding two more gold medals and a World Baseball Classic medal to our ledger. Before we turn our focus to continuing our international success in 2024, it is important for us to look back and recognize all of the individuals who contributed to another great year for USA Baseball.”

The complete list of the 2023 USA Baseball organizational award winners is as follows:

• Richard W. “Dick” Case Award: Trea Turner (World Baseball Classic Team) & Tyler Early (12U National Team)
• Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year: Mark DeRosa (World Baseball Classic Team)
• Sportswoman of the Year: Alex Hugo (Women’s National Team)
• International Performance of the Year: Charlie Condon (Collegiate National Team)
• Team of the Year: 12U National Team (World Cup)
• Developmental Coach of the Year: Rob Shabansky (15U National Team)
• Volunteer Coach of the Year: Mike Kinkade
• Coach Educator of the Year: Rick Eckstein
• “Doc” Councilman Science Award: Veronica Alvarez (Women’s National Team)
• Service Provider of the Year: Josie Harding
• Golden Spikes Award: Dylan Crews (Louisiana State University)

For the first time in the organization’s history, two players earned the Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year Award in 2023. Trea Turner led the U.S. offense at the World Baseball Classic all tournament long in March, batting .391 with a tournament-most five home runs to go along with 11 RBIs. Turner, who was named to the WBC All-Tournament Team, hit four home runs over the tournament’s final three games to help Team USA secure a silver medal. The first of Turner’s crucial blasts came in the quarterfinal round against Venezuela, when the U.S. shortstop crushed a go-ahead grand slam in the top of the eighth to lift the stars and stripes to the semifinals. Turner then hit two more home runs against Cuba to clinch the United States’ spot in the WBC Championship, becoming the first player in the tournament’s history to drive in four or more runs in consecutive games. He continued his tear in the title game, socking his fifth homer­ to tie for the most all-time in a single WBC. Overall, Turner’s five homers and 11 RBIs put him at the top of the Team USA World Baseball Classic record book in both categories.

Tyler Early played a key role in helping the 12U National Team win two gold medals in 2023 to earn Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year Award honors. Playing in all 18 games for Team USA at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup and World Cup Qualifier, the two-way star batted .442 with 10 home runs and 25 RBIs while going 4-0 and posting a 2.68 ERA with 26 strikeouts on the mound. Early etched his name in the record books on three separate occasions in 2023, setting the program record for walks in a game (4), walks in a tournament (17), and strikeouts in a game (9). The Louisiana native cranked six homers in a five-game span in the Qualifier, also earning wins in a 25-24 thriller against Venezuela and a 10-0 shutout over Mexico to be named to the All-Tournament Team. At the World Cup, Early blasted four home runs, pitched five strong innings against Korea in a key Opening Round matchup, and earned the win in the gold medal game victory over Chinese Taipei. He captured the World Cup’s Most Valuable Player Award and secured a spot on the All-World Team.

Mark DeRosa was named 2023 USA Baseball Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year after he led Team USA to a silver medal at the World Baseball Classic in March. DeRosa’s team went 5-2 in the WBC, reaching the title game for the second consecutive tournament and securing its first silver medal in tournament history. The U.S. led all 20 competing nations in home runs (12), hits (72), and slugging percentage (.553) under DeRosa’s guidance, also ranking in the top three in doubles (13), runs (51), and walks (32). Following a tournament-opening win, the stars and stripes dropped their second contest before rattling off four straight victories to reach the title game against Japan. The U.S. outscored opponents 38-12 during its four-game winning streak, including outputs of 12 runs (vs. Canada) and 14 runs (vs. Cuba). With DeRosa at the helm, Mike Trout and Turner–the Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year–earned spots on the WBC All-Tournament Team.

Appearing on the Women’s National Team for the fourth time in 2023, Alex Hugo had her best performance yet en route to being named the USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year. Hugo compiled a .714 batting average (10-for-14) with a homer and nine RBIs in five games, reaching base at a .773 clip as Team USA went unbeaten in the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage. The Olathe, Kansas, native was named the Most Outstanding Player of Group A after leading the tournament in numerous statistical categories, including hits (10), doubles (4), on-base percentage (.773), on-base plus slugging percentage (1.987), and runs (13). After opening the tournament with a hit and a run scored against Australia to help pick up a win, Hugo doubled twice in Team USA’s win over Korea, scored four runs in a victory against Canada, crushed a home run to help the U.S. defeat Hong Kong, and went 2-for-2 with two runs scored in a tournament finale win over Mexico. The four-time Team USA alum scored at least once in all five games, including two contests where she crossed home plate four times. This marks the second time Hugo has been named the USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year after she previously earned the award in 2019.

With the U.S. trailing by a run and down to its final two outs against Chinese Taipei on the Fourth of July, Charlie Condon delivered to earn the International Performance of the Year. After a rain delay forced the final game of the series to be a seven-inning contest, Chinese Taipei rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth and took a one-run lead into the bottom of the seventh. Two straight singles and a passed ball put the tying and winning runs on base for Condon, who came to the plate and snuck a 2-2 pitch through the left side to bring home Seaver King with the winning run as Team USA secured a five-game sweep in the 20th USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series.

After winning its second consecutive WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup gold medal, the 12U National Team was named the USA Baseball Team of the Year. The club went to Taiwan in July and posted a 7-2 record en route to securing its fifth world title, the most of any nation in the world at the U-12 level. Needing a win in their Super Round finale to secure a spot in the gold medal game, the stars and stripes stormed past Chinese Taipei to force another meeting with the host nation in the title game, where the U.S. notched a 10-4 victory to win gold. Team USA outscored opponents 120-37 in nine games, leading the tournament in runs, home runs (18), and hits (99). On the mound, the U.S. pitching staff struck out a tournament-most 60 batters in 49 innings pitched. The 12U National Team became the first program to win USA Baseball Team of the Year in consecutive seasons since the 18U National Team won it three times from 2012-2014.

Rob Shabansky managed the 15U National Team and spearheaded its run of dominance at the 2023 International Friendly Series in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to be named Developmental Coach of the Year. Shabansky began the effort in June, scouting players at the National Team Championships in both Arizona and North Carolina. Come September, the seasoned veteran and second-time U.S. manager held his team to a gold standard in its unbeaten run, as the stars and stripes scored 47 runs, maintained a .374 batting average, and posted a 1.16 team ERA over a span of five games. Shabansky brought an abundance of professional playing experience and prior USA Baseball coaching involvement to the table as the former University of Arizona standout and four-year pro ball veteran made his eighth appearance on a Team USA coaching staff in 2023.

Mike Kinkade served as hitting coordinator for the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP), was on staff at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine, and assisted at the Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) Premier Women’s Winter Camp to earn Volunteer Coach of the Year. The 2000 Olympic gold medalist brought his plethora of baseball experience to the ADP, which prepares young players for future success and exposes them to high-level coaching. Bridging the gap between national teams, the ADP prepares athletes for the next steps of their career. Prior to his involvement with the ADP, Kinkade played an instrumental role at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine, as he worked with the nation’s top prospects to showcase their talent and prepare for the MLB Draft. Over the winter, Kinkade served as a coach at the PDP Premier Women’s Winter Camp, an offseason initiative designed to build connections and develop the skills of players across the country.

Coach Educator of the Year Rick Eckstein spent time coaching at the PDP League, the 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP), and the 18U National Team Training Camp in 2023. Eckstein brought professional experience to serve as Team Navy’s manager in the PDP League, a joint program assembled between MLB and USA Baseball to provide high school players eligible for the next year’s draft with a robust amateur experience. Later in the summer at the NTDP, Eckstein managed Team White at the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. The veteran major-league hitting coach provided his expertise in what serves as an identification event for the 18U National Team and prepares players by giving them unique on- and off-field experiences, including educational seminars to help prepare for a career in baseball. Eckstein continued to play an integral role with USA Baseball in August, joining the USA Baseball Task Force to scout and assist with the selection of the final 20-man 18U National Team roster. The award marks Eckstein’s second USA Baseball honor; he also earned the “Doc” Counsilman Science Award for his work with the Olympic Team in 2008.

Five-time Team USA alum and three-time Women’s National Team Manager Veronica Alvarez is the 2023 “Doc” Counsilman Science Award recipient. Alvarez’s commitment to the use of scientific data and state-of-the-art technology paid great dividends for Team USA this past summer, as the U.S. went unbeaten over five games at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage while outscoring opponents 71-2.  Alvarez utilized data provided by PDP Performance Assessments and Rapsodo to assist in selecting the 20-woman Team USA roster, which batted .383 and owned a 0.62 ERA en route to clinching a spot in the World Cup Finals. Additionally, Alvarez helped organize and supported a pitching data seminar with players who attended the PDP Premier Women’s Winter Camp this past January. Alvarez now owns two awards from USA Baseball after she was named the 2019 Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year following a dominant gold-medal run with the Women’s National Team.

Josie Harding, who was named the 2023 Service Provider of the Year, traveled with three national teams this past season, worked multiple USA Baseball events, and exemplified what it means to be a service provider and represent Team USA. In addition to continuing her work as a certified athletic trainer at the National Team Championships in Arizona, Harding worked in the same role at the PDP Premier Women’s Winter Camp in January. Harding then served as the certified athletic trainer at three different national team events, first playing a key role at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where she helped Team USA win gold and qualify for the 2023 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. The accomplished athletic trainer then contributed to the Women’s National Team’s unbeaten run at the WBSC Women’s World Cup Group Stage in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Harding wrapped up her Team USA summer by traveling with the 18U National Team to Taipei, Taiwan, as the U.S. competed in the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup.

Golden Spikes Award winner Dylan Crews was college baseball’s biggest star in 2023, leading LSU to a College World Series title while sitting near the top of the national leaderboard in most offensive categories. The outfielder reached base in all 71 games this past season and led the country in runs scored with 100. Crews owned a .567 on-base percentage, good for second in the nation, while his 110 hits also ranked second and his .426 batting average was third-best in the country. Crews­–who drew a nation-most 71 walks–also had a 26-game hitting streak spanning from February 19 to April 25. Additionally, the junior led many offensive statistical categories in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) en route to earning the conference’s Player of the Year Award for the second consecutive season. He batted .405 with a .545 on-base percentage to rank first in the conference in both categories, also drawing a conference-leading 27 walks in SEC games and tying for the league lead in hits with 45. Crews, who was drafted second overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2023 MLB Draft, was also a finalist for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) James E. Sullivan Award.

It's award season! With the 2023 Major League Baseball season in the books, it's time for players to earn recognition for their play throughout the six-month campaign. Follow along here as we recognize all of the USA Baseball alumni who earned MLB awards in 2023.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CY YOUNG

P Gerrit Cole (2009, 2010 Collegiate National Team): Despite finishing runner-up in American League Cy Young voting twice in his career, the Yankees’ ace kept his foot on the gas in 2023 and deservedly earned his first Cy Young award. Cole was unanimously voted as the league’s best pitcher as he led the AL in eight pitching categories, including innings pitched (209), WHIP (0.98) and ERA (2.63). Cole’s eleventh year in the majors was nothing short of first-class, as the right-hander led all pitchers in wins above replacement (WAR) and tossed two shutouts during the season. This run of dominance is not unusual for the USA Baseball alum, as he previously posted a 4-0 record with a 1.06 ERA and 46 strikeouts over six appearances for the gold-winning 2009 Collegiate National Team. The former UCLA standout later led the 2010 CNT in innings pitched (25) while notching a 0.72 ERA and 2-0 record alongside teammate and fellow AL Cy Young finalist, Sonny Gray.

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

OF Corbin Carroll (2018 18U): After leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to their first World Series appearance since 2001, Corbin Carroll has been unanimously-named the 2023 National League Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year. The 16th overall pick in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft made an emphatic entrance into the big leagues in 2023, as Carroll made history in his first-year campaign by recording the first 25 home run, 50 stolen base season by a rookie and was further bolstered by being selected as an MLB All-Star. Throughout the season Carroll continued to prove why he batted leadoff, as he maintained a .285 batting average and a .868 OPS while knocking in 76 runs for Arizona. Not only did Carroll rank fourth in stolen base percentage among NL players, but he consistently made spectacular defensive plays while yielding only one error as he patrolled the outfield. In his time with Team USA, Carroll also showed flashes of being a star, as he impressively hit .500 and led the 2018 18U National Team in stolen bases en route to capturing gold at the U-18 Pan Am Championships.

TREVOR HOFFMAN NATIONAL LEAGUE RELIEVER OF THE YEAR

P Devin Williams (2023 WBC): For the second time in his young career, Devin Williams has been awarded the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year. The two-time All Star and former NL Rookie of the year has added another accolade to his resume after anchoring the Milwaukee Brewer bullpen in 2023. Williams held an 8-3 record and posted a 1.53 ERA in 61 appearances. As the Brew Crew’s go-to closer, Williams notched 36 saves, averaged 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings, and held opponents to a .129 batting average. In Williams’ time with Team USA, the right-hander dominated the bump, as he allowed only one hit in 3.1 innings while striking out six.

SILVER SLUGGER

C Adley Rutschman (2018 Collegiate National Team): Rutschman capped off a stellar sophomore season with his first Silver Slugger award after the catcher reached the 20 home run, 80 RBI mark as well as competing in the 2023 Home Run Derby. This is not Rutschman’s first time in the spotlight, as the catcher/designated hitter led the 2018 Collegiate National Team in batting average, slugging percentage, and doubles over a nine-game span.

SS Corey Seager (2010 16U): After earning World Series MVP and leading the Texas Rangers to its first World Series title in franchise history, Seager has now captured his third Silver Slugger award after hitting 33 home runs and maintaining a .327 batting average. He has not only seen success at the major league level, but also went undefeated and won gold with the 2010 16U National Team at the Pan Am Championships where he batted .514.

OF Kyle Tucker (2012 15U, 2023 WBC): Leading the league with 112 RBIs, the Houston Astros outfielder now adds a Silver Slugger to his resume. This marks back-to-back years Tucker has surpassed 100 RBIs and his third season in a row tallying at least 140 hits. Tucker started four games in left field for the 2023 Team USA World Baseball Classic team and also led the 2012 15U National Team in RBIs.

1B Matt Olson (2010 16U): Rounding off a career year at the plate, Olson’s first Silver Slugger award was well deserved. The Georgia native routinely batted cleanup and played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s lethal offense, slugging a career-high and league-leading 54 home runs while hitting the 100 RBI mark for the third time in his career. Paired with U.S. alum Corey Seager in the infield, Olson also led the 2010 16U National Team in home runs and RBIS.

SS Francisco Lindor (2009 16U, 2010 18U): Lindor’s dominance at the plate continued in 2023 and led to his third Silver Slugger accolade, as the Mets’ shortstop notched his fourth career 30+ home run season. On top of that, Lindor joined the 30-30 club after stealing 30 bases as well in addition to hitting 31 home runs. Lindor adds this achievement to the trophy case that also features gold medals won with both the 2009 16U and 2010 18U national teams.

OF Mookie Betts (2023 WBC): Betts executed one of his best season-performances to date, as the 10-year veteran and now six-time Silver Slugger winner slugged a career-best 39 home runs and recorded another 100 RBI season. Betts’ first and only appearance for the stars and stripes was one to be remembered, as he was one of two Team USA players in the 2023 World Baseball Classic to tally double-digits in the hit column with 10.

DH Bryce Harper (2008 16U, 2009 18U): Harper’s star-studded resume now includes three Silver Slugger awards. Although the designated hitter turned first baseman missed the first month of the season, Harper still recorded 21 home runs – marking the ninth time in his career he’s surpassed the 20 home run mark. Harper’s prolific career featured two stints with USA Baseball, as he played on the 18U National Team in 2009 and led the 16U National Team in home runs and RBIs in 2008.

GOLD GLOVE

3B Matt Chapman (2013 Collegiate National Team): Leading all American League third basemen with 12 defensive runs saved in 2023, Chapman took home his fourth career Gold Glove Award. A staple at the hot corner for the Blue Jays since arriving in Toronto before the 2022 season, Chapman leads all MLB third basemen with 92 defensive runs saved since debuting in 2017. Ten years ago, Chapman was the only player on the Collegiate National Team to play in all 23 games as the U.S. posted a 20-3 record that summer.

3B Ke'Bryan Hayes (2014 18U National Team): The first Pirates third baseman to ever win a Gold Glove, Hayes de-throned fellow Team USA alum Nolan Arenado in 2023. Hayes sat atop the leaderboard in nearly every statistical category for NL third basemen, including outs above average (17) and defensive runs saved (21). The success is nothing new for Hayes, who started all eight games of Team USA's undefeated, gold-medal run at the 2014 COPABE U-18 Pan American Championships.

2B Nico Hoerner (2011 14U, 2012 15U National Teams): Playing up the middle with USA Baseball alum Dansby Swanson, Hoerner took home his first career Gold Glove in 2023. The Cubs second baseman ranked 10th in all of baseball with 15 outs above average, also tying for the league lead with 12 defensive runs saved. Hoerner's trophy case now features a Gold Glove and a gold medal, as he led the way for the U.S. at the 2011 COPABE U-14 Pan American Championships before playing for the 15U squad in 2012.

SS Dansby Swanson (2014 Collegiate National Team): Paired with U.S. alum Nico Hoerner up the middle for the Chicago Cubs, Swanson captured his second Gold Glove in as many years. Swanson led all major league players in outs above average with 20, also leading all shorstops with 18 defensive runs saved and a fielding run value of 15. Before becoming a big league star, Swanson played an integral role on the 2014 Collegiate National Team, helping the U.S. win gold at Haarlem Baseball Week.

SS Anthony Volpe (2013 12U, 2016 15U, 2018 18U National Teams): Volpe capped off a strong rookie year by becoming the youngest shortstop to ever win a Gold Glove Award. The three-time Team USA alum started 157 games at shortstop for the New York Yankees in his first big-league season, racking up 15 defensive runs saved. Volpe is no stranger to gold, as he captured gold medals at the 2013 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup and the 2018 COPABE U-18 Pan American Championships.

Nine Team USA alumni became World Series Champions on Wednesday night, as the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games to win the Fall Classic.

Cody Bradford, Matt Bush, Robbie Grossman, Travis Jankowski, Josh Jung, Ian Kennedy, Brad Miller, Corey Seager, and Max Scherzer all earned World Series rings with the Rangers’ 5-0 victory over Arizona in Game 5 on Wednesday night at Chase Field.

Corey Seager (2010 16U) led the way for Texas en route to winning his second World Series Most Valuable Player Award, becoming the first USA Baseball alumni to earn the award twice (also: 2020). As he did all postseason long, Seager served as a force in the Rangers’ lineup, batting .286 with three homers and six RBIs over the five-game set. The former 16U player set the tone in the series with a clutch, game-tying blast in the ninth inning of Game 1 before homering in wins in Games 4 and 5. He wrapped up the series with a 2-for-4 performance, scoring the game’s first run on Wednesday night.

2015 Professional Team alum Travis Jankowski played a key role late in the series for Texas. After ALCS MVP Adolis Garcia was removed from the roster following an injury in Game 3, Jankowski stepped up and started the final two games in right field. He was a huge lift in the Texas lineup in Game 4, going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a pair of RBIs, and a sliding catch in right to make his presence known. He drew a walk in Game 5 and continued his strong outfield play, helping the Rangers finish off the series victory.

Josh Jung (2018 CNT) led the Rangers in hits in the Fall Classic, going 7-for-20 to bat .350 with a double. Jung collected a pair of knocks in the series opener before posting a 1-for-3 day in Game 2. The Texas Tech product then broke out with a three-hit, two-run performance in a pivotal Game 4 win in which he led off the second inning with a double and came home on a wild pitch to open the scoring outburst. Jung capped off his strong postseason with a hit and a run scored in the series-clinching win.

Jung’s 2018 CNT teammate, Cody Bradford, continued his stellar postseason with two scoreless innings across a pair of appearances in the World Series. Bradford first appeared in Game 1, retiring all three batters he faced over the sixth and seventh innings to keep Texas within striking distance. He returned to action in Game 4, setting down the side in order as the Rangers maintained a big lead. Overall in postseason play, Bradford allowed just one run in five appearances, tossing 7.2 innings for the World Series winners.

2005 CNT alum Max Scherzer started Game 3 and was in the midst of a vintage performance before an injury caused him to leave the game and be removed from the roster. Scherzer pitched three shutout innings before departing the mound, working around a bit of trouble but keeping Arizona off the board in a game the Rangers would go on to win, 3-1.

Four other Team USA alumni on the Rangers earned World Series rings. Robbie Grossman (2007 18U) got a pinch-hit at-bat in Game 2 and appeared in seven postseason games. Two-time alum Matt Bush was on the Wild Card and Division Series rosters for the Rangers, while three-time U.S. player Ian Kennedy along with Brad Miller (2009, 2010 CNT) both played for Texas this season before suffering season-ending injuries.

Both the American League and National League Championship Series went a full seven games, giving USA Baseball alumni plenty of time to shine on baseball’s biggest stage. Check out how Team USA alums performed in the latest round of the MLB Postseason!

DIAMONDBACKS VS. PHILLIES

The Arizona Diamondbacks came back from down 3-2 to beat the Philadelphia Phillies in a seven-game clash and win the NL pennant for the first time since 2001. The series featured an extensive list of USA Baseball alumni, as Corbin Carroll (2018 18U) helped lead the charge in knocking off the defending National League champs. The rookie sensation started every game in the outfield for the Diamondbacks and recorded six hits, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Alek Thomas played a pivotal role in Arizona’s Game 4 victory, as the 2017 18U alum homered in the eighth inning to tie the game at 5-5. Thomas recorded three hits and four RBIs and runs scored apiece en route to advancing to the World Series. Two-time USA Baseball alum Evan Longoria played primarily at third base and tacked on an RBI on a pair of hits. Paul Sewald (2015 Pro) continued to execute in big moments, as the closer finished with a 1-0 record, two saves, and struck out six batters in 4.0 innings pitched while conceding only one base hit. 2023 WBC participant Merrill Kelly surrendered six runs and struck out 14 Phillies batters in 10.2 innings, as he concluded the NLCS 1-1 in two starts.

On the flip side, USA Baseball alumni accounted for 39 of Philadelphia’s 51 hits and scored 29 of its 30 runs. Two-time alum Kyle Schwarber spearheaded Philadelphia's offense, as the everyday DH racked up five RBIs on eight hits with five of those hits by way of the long ball. Schwarber also reached base eight times via walk and scored eight runs. Pro Team alumni Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto each notched seven hits and started every game at third base and catcher, respectively. Bohm knocked in four runs while Realmuto scored four Phillies’ runs and collected six RBIs. 2008 16U and 2009 18U alum Bryce Harper scored seven runs and homered twice as part of his five hits while three-time alum Trea Turner also gathered five hits. Former CNT player Bryson Stott stayed active on the basepaths and stole four bases while tallying six base hits. 2009 18U alum Nick Castellanos contributed to the effort with a base knock and two runs batted in. On the mound, Craig Kimbrel (2013 WBC) allowed four runs over 3.0 innings while Michael Lorenzen (2008 16U, 2010 18U) conceded only one hit in 1.2 innings.

RANGERS VS. ASTROS

USA Baseball alumni shined in the seven-game battle between AL West foes, as the Texas Rangers advanced to the World Series and beat Houston in a competitive ALCS matchup. Corey Seager started every game at shortstop and provided Texas with a surge of offense, as the 2010 16U alum gathered a base knock in five of his seven games played. Seager’s stat line included eight hits, six runs scored, and three RBIs scattered across the seven-game stretch. Josh Jung was the Rangers’ everyday third baseman and played his part at the plate, as the 2018 CNT alum knocked in five runs on five hits and scored four runs. Robbie Grossman (2007 18U) played three games for Texas and scored a run while Travis Jankowski (2015 Pro) pinch ran three times and secured a base hit in a pinch-hit appearance. 2018 CNT alum Cody Bradford didn’t allow a hit in a 1.1 inning outing in Game 3 and tossed 0.2 innings in Game 4 in which he conceded one run.

The Astros go-to third baseman and five-time national team alum Alex Bregman played an integral role in Houston’s offense, as he notched six runs scored, five RBIs, six walks, and six hits including three home runs over seven games. Former 2012 15U and 2023 WBC player Kyle Tucker walked five times, scored two runs, and recorded two doubles as part of his four-hit series. The Houston bullpen featured a duo of former Team USA arms, as Ryan Pressly (2023 WBC) and two-time CNT alum Ryne Stanek each concluded the ALCS with a 1-0 record. Pressly posted a spotless 0.00 ERA with only two hits surrendered in 4.0 innings and collected a save in Game 3 while Stanek tossed 2.2 frames and yielded two runs on two hits. 2003 CNT alum Justin Verlander pitched 12.1 innings in two starts for the ‘Stros while striking out eight batters and giving up six runs.

The MLB Postseason has reached the World Series, with Game 1 of the Fall Classic set to take place on Friday night. Continue to follow @USABaseball on social media to keep up with Team USA alumni in the postseason!

MUMBAI, India – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session announced today that baseball and softball will be on the Olympic Programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This marks the first time since the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games that baseball and softball will be included in the prestigious event.

“We are thrilled that America’s pastime will be a part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” said USA Baseball CEO Paul Seiler. “The inclusion of baseball and softball will undoubtedly enhance the experience of the Games, as both sports have enjoyed global success in recent years and deserve to be celebrated on the international stage. It is exciting to be able to return to the place that kickstarted baseball being on the Olympic Programme, as well as a location that boasts numerous professional teams and some of the most iconic players in today’s game. USA Baseball takes great pride in showcasing the nation’s best players in international competition, and we can’t wait for the opportunity to do so on home soil.”

The game of baseball has numerous ties to the Los Angeles area. It was first featured as a demonstration sport in the Los Angeles Games in 1984 before being a part of the Olympic Games from 1992-2008. Additionally, it is home to two MLB Clubs–the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers–which include some of the world’s biggest stars.

Since its last inclusion in 2020, the game has enjoyed much success on a global stage, including record-breaking television and attendance numbers at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Additionally, it has grown exponentially at the amateur level with increased participation at youth world championships and other numerous international events.

USA Baseball has enjoyed tremendous success at the Olympic Games, accumulating six total medals in seven appearances, including two editions as a demonstration sport. Team USA won gold in both 1988 (Seoul) and 2000 (Sydney), earned silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and captured bronze in 1984 (Los Angeles), 1996 (Atlanta), and 2008 (Beijing).

Information regarding Team USA’s roster and the schedule of events for baseball at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be announced at a later time. Follow @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X for the latest news on USA Baseball.

*Indicates baseball was a demonstration sport

Highlighted by incredible performances from Bryce Harper and Merrill Kelly (among many others), Team USA alums made a huge impact on the MLB Division Series. Check out the top performances!

RANGERS VS. ORIOLES

Familiar faces flooded the ALDS stat sheet in the Rangers’ sweep of Baltimore, as Josh Jung (2018 CNT) and Corey Seager (2010 16U) once again led Texas’ offense for the second straight series. In three games, Jung went 5-for-12 while homering once and scoring four times. Seager made MLB postseason history, as the shortstop’s nine walks were the most in any three-game span, while in Game 2 he became the first player to walk five times in a postseason contest. Seager did what he could with his bat, as he went 2-for-6 with a home run and four runs scored. Robbie Grossman (2007 18U) recorded a double in one game played while Baylor alum Cody Bradford (2018 CNT) came out of the bullpen in Game 2 and struck out four in 3.2 quiet innings to earn the win.

2013 18U alum Jack Flaherty gave up one run in Game 2 while Kyle Gibson (2008 CNT) surrendered only one hit and one run in three frames in Baltimore’s Game 3 loss. Adley Rutschman (2018 CNT) started all three games as the Orioles’ backstop and tallied a double. 2023 WBC alum Cedric Mullins started all three games in center field for Baltimore while Adam Frazier (2012 CNT) made a pair of appearances.

ASTROS VS. TWINS

Five-time alum Alex Bregman started all four games at third for the ‘Stros and played a crucial role in Game 3, hammering a home run to lead off the fifth in addition to an RBI base hit in the sixth. Former 2012 15U and 2023 WBC participant Kyle Tucker contributed with three walks and a pair of base knocks, one being an extra-base hit. On the flip side, three former Team USA players made an impact with their arms en route to Houston’s series win. Justin Verlander (2003 CNT) made a statement in Game 1, as he surrendered only four hits and struck out six in a six-inning shutout of Minnesota to earn the win. Two-time Collegiate National Team alum Ryne Stanek had an outing in Game 2 while Ryan Pressly (2023 WBC) made two ninth-inning appearances, earning saves on both occasions and punching out five of six batters faced.

For the second straight series, Royce Lewis showed off his pop, as the 2014 15U and 2016 18U alum collected three runs scored and a pair of home runs, the second handing the Twins an early 1-0 lead in a win-or-go-home Game 4. Kyle Farmer (2012 CNT) added on with a two-run home run of his own in Game 2, with that being his only appearance of the series. Matt Wallner (2018 Olympics) started two games in left field and notched a hit while walking twice. Representing more than a third of Minnesota’s pitching staff, Team USA saw a handful of its arms take the mound for the Twins. Two-time CNT alum Sonny Gray started Game 3 and lasted four innings before being saddled with the loss while Bailey Ober (2014 CNT) started Game 1 and had a similar outing, enduring 4.1 arduous frames before being pulled. Joe Ryan (2021 Olympics) was the starter in Game 4 and yielded one run over two innings while 2019 Premier12 participant Caleb Thielbar pitched 1.1 innings and gave up three runs.

DIAMONDBACKS VS. DODGERS

Corbin Carroll (2018 18U) maintained his offensive output and continued to represent the stars and stripes in stunning fashion, gathering three hits with a home run, three runs scored, four walks, and two stolen bases. Starting center fielder and 2017 18U gold medal winner Alek Thomas scored twice and blasted a home run while Evan Longoria picked up an extra-base hit and two RBIs for the Diamondbacks. Team USA showcased its arm talent for Arizona as well, as 2023 WBC alum Merrill Kelly tossed 6.1 shutout innings of three-hit ball to earn the win in a statement Game 1 victory. Paul Sewald (2015 Pan Am) made appearances in Game 2 and Game 3, allowing only one hit and earning the save both times to secure the sweep of Los Angeles.

Mookie Betts (2023 WBC) and 2005 16U and 2006 18U alum Freddie Freeman scored a run apiece and started all three games for the Dodgers while Kolten Wong (2009 CNT) made a pinch-hit appearance in all three games. Will Smith (2023 WBC) led the Los Angeles offense, as the catcher tallied five base knocks with two being extra-base hits as well as two RBIs over a three-game span. 2007 CNT alum Joe Kelly punched out three batters in 1.2 shutout innings while Clayton Kershaw (2005 18U) and two-time alum Lance Lynn combined for only three innings pitched and an 0-2 record.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES VS. ATLANTA BRAVES

The Phillies led all MLB Clubs with nine Team USA alumni on their postseason roster, and all nine played a key role in the Phillies’ second Divisional Series victory over the Braves in as many years. Two-time CNT alum and World Baseball Classic alum Trea Turner carried the Philadelphia offense, collecting a series-most eight hits with a pair of home runs and RBIs, along with five runs scored. 2009 18U alum Nick Castellanos finished the four-game set on a tear, cranking two home runs in both Game 3 and Game 4 to finish off the series win. His 2009 teammate Bryce Harper blasted three homers, including two in a Game 3 win. J.T. Realmuto (2023 WBC) notched a home run and five RBIs, while Kyle Schwarber (2013 CNT, 2023 WBC) and Alec Bohm (2019 Pro) each chipped in two hits. 2018 CNT alum Bryson Stott picked up three hits and an RBI to cap off Philadelphia’s explosive offensive performance. On the mound, Craig Kimbrel (2013 WBC) pitched twice and allowed no runs while earning a save, and two-time U.S. alum Michael Lorenzen turned in a scoreless relief inning.

For Atlanta, 2010 16U player Matt Olson was a mainstay in the heart of the Braves’ order and picked up four hits while scoring a run. Travis d’Arnaud (2011 Pro) delivered a huge home run in Atlanta’s Game 2 victory, while 2014 CNT pitcher A.J. Minter made three dominant relief appearances, tossing 2.1 innings and not allowing an earned run.

The MLB Postseason rolls on to the Championship Series, with action set to begin on Sunday. Continue to follow along with Team USA alums in the postseason by following @USABaseball on X!

CARY, N.C. – Sixty-eight USA Baseball alumni have been named to Major League Baseball postseason rosters, USA Baseball announced on Saturday.

All 12 Clubs that made the postseason have at least two former Team USA players on their roster, including the Philadelphia Phillies, who lead all teams with nine alumni. The Baltimore Orioles, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Minnesota Twins, and the Miami Marlins–who were eliminated in the Wild Card Round–all placed seven USA Baseball alumni on their 26-man squads.

Eleven members of the 2023 World Baseball Classic Team, which earned a silver medal in March, were named to postseason rosters. In total, the list includes 28 players from the Collegiate National Team, 27 from the Professional National Team, 18 former members of the 18U National Team, seven players from the 16U National Team, and three alumni of the 15U National Team.

Following the conclusion of the Wild Card Round, the Division Series begins on Saturday with Game 1 of all four series set to take place.

The complete list of USA Baseball alumni in the 2023 postseason is as follows:

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

• Corbin Carroll; 2018 18U
• Merrill Kelly; 2023 WBC
• Evan Longoria; 2007 Pro, 2009 WBC
• Paul Sewald; 2015 Pro
• Alek Thomas; 2017 18U

ATLANTA BRAVES

• Travis d'Arnaud; 2011 Pro
• A.J. Minter; 2014 Collegiate
• Matt Olson; 2010 16U

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

• Jack Flaherty; 2013 18U
• Adam Frazier; 2012 Collegiate, 2015 Pro
• Kyle Gibson; 2008 Collegiate
• Heston Kjerstad; 2019 Collegiate
• James McCann; 2011 Pro
• Cedric Mullins; 2023 WBC
• Adley Rutschman; 2018 Collegiate

HOUSTON ASTROS

• Alex Bregman; 2010 16U, 2011 18U, 2013 & 2014 Collegiate, 2017 WBC
• Ryan Pressly; 2023 WBC
• Ryne Stanek; 2011 & 2012 Collegiate
• Kyle Tucker; 2012 15U, 2023 WBC
• Justin Verlander; 2003 Collegiate

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

• Mookie Betts; 2023 WBC
• Freddie Freeman; 2005 16U, 2006 18U
• Joe Kelly; 2007 Collegiate
• Clayton Kershaw; 2005 18U
• Lance Lynn; 2007 Collegiate, 2023 WBC
• Will Smith; 2023 WBC
• Kolten Wong; 2009 Collegiate

MINNESOTA TWINS

• Kyle Farmer; 2012 Collegiate
• Sonny Gray; 2009 & 2010 Collegiate
• Royce Lewis; 2014 15U, 2016 18U
• Bailey Ober; 2014 Collegiate
• Joe Ryan; 2021 Olympic
• Caleb Thielbar; 2019 Pro
• Matt Wallner; 2018 Collegiate

MIAMI MARLINS*

• Jake Burger; 2016 Collegiate
• Xavier Edwards; 2019 Pro
• Garrett Hampson; 2015 Collegiate
• Braxton Garrett; 2015 18U
• A.J. Puk; 2015 Collegiate
• David Robertson; 2017 WBC, 2021 Olympic
• Ryan Weathers; 2017 18U

MILWAUKEE BREWERS*

• Hoby Milner; 2011 Collegiate
• Brice Turang; 2014 15U, 2016 & 2017 18U
• Devin Williams; 2023 WBC
• Jesse Winker; 2011 18U
• Christian Yelich; 2017 WBC

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

• Alec Bohm; 2019 Pro
• Nick Castellanos; 2009 18U
• Bryce Harper; 2008 16U, 2009 18U
• Craig Kimbrel; 2013 WBC
• Michael Lorenzen; 2008 16U, 2010 18U
• J.T. Realmuto; 2023 WBC
• Kyle Schwarber; 2013 Collegiate, 2023 WBC
• Bryson Stott; 2018 Collegiate
• Trea Turner; 2012 & 2013 Collegiate, 2023 WBC

TAMPA BAY RAYS*

• Zach Eflin; 2015 Pro
• Taylor Walls; 2016 Collegiate

TEXAS RANGERS

• Cody Bradford; 2018 Collegiate
• Matt Bush; 2002 16U, 2003 18U
• Robbie Grossman; 2007 18U
• Travis Jankowski; 2015 Pro
• Josh Jung; 2018 Collegiate
• Corey Seager; 2010 16U

TORONTO BLUE JAYS*

• Kevin Gausman; 2009 18U, 2011 Collegiate
• Cavan Biggio; 2012 18U
• Matt Chapman; 2013 Collegiate
• George Springer; 2010 Collegiate
• Daulton Varsho; 2019 Pro

*indicates Club was eliminated in Wild Card Round

The 2023 MLB Playoffs are underway, and Team USA alumni have already made their mark through the Wild Card round. Over 20 percent of the eight Wild Card rosters featured Team USA alums, and the 43 players representing USA Baseball had some standout performances through the first two days of the postseason. Catch up with all of the action below!

MARLINS VS. PHILLIES

Team USA alums were all over the diamond in Philadelphia, as 89% of the Phillies’ hits came from players who have previously donned the stars and stripes. Seven months after his hot bat carried Team USA at the World Baseball Classic, Trea Turner shined yet again in the clutch by going 4-for-7 with a pair of doubles and an RBI in the two-game sweep. His WBC teammates, J.T. Realmuto (3-for-8, HR, 2B) and Kyle Schwarber (2-for-8, 2B, R), were also key contributors in the series. Collegiate National Team alum Bryson Stott delivered the knockout blow in Game 2, blasting a grand slam in the sixth to put Philadelphia comfortably in front. 2009 18U teammates Nick Castellanos (2-for-8, 2 2B, RBI) and Bryce Harper (1-for-6, 2 BB, 2 R) also chipped in offensively, 2019 Pro Team alum Alec Bohm went 2-for-8 with a pair of doubles and an RBI, and 2013 WBC alum Craig Kimbrel tossed a scoreless ninth in Game 1 to earn the save.

On the other side, six U.S. alums saw action for the Marlins. 2016 CNT member Jake Burger collected a pair of hits while Xavier Edwards of the 2019 Pro Team notched a base hit in his only at-bat. The 2015 CNT was well-represented in Game 1, as Garrett Hampson had a pinch-hit assignment and A.J. Puk tossed a scoreless inning of relief. Three-time alum David Robertson and 2015 18U alum Braxton Garrett combined to toss five innings on the mound.

DIAMONDBACKS VS. BREWERS

Corbin Carroll was all over the stat sheet in the Diamondbacks’ two-game sweep, going 4-for-7 with a home run, three runs scored, two RBIs, and two walks. The 18U National Team alum’s home run came at a crucial juncture in Game 1, kickstarting Arizona’s comeback victory. Alek Thomas (2017 18U) hit a similar longball in Game 2 after Arizona fell behind early, hitting a solo shot in the fifth before a four-run sixth put the Diamondbacks in front. 2007 and 2009 Pro Team star Evan Longoria delivered a hit and made a huge defensive play in Game 1, starting a double play to escape a jam in the fifth. On the mound, Paul Sewald (2015 Pro) earned saves in both games with two shutout innings and three strikeouts.

For Milwaukee, 2017 WBC alum Christian Yelich led the way with four hits in eight at-bats, also drawing two walks. Yelich doubled in the ninth inning of Game 2 to try to lift the Brewers to a comeback, accounting for one of the team’s two doubles in the series. Three-time alum Brice Turang started both games at second base for the Brew Crew, while Jesse Winker (2011 18U) made a pair of pinch-hit appearances. 2011 CNT alum Hoby Milner pitched in both games and allowed no runs over 2.1 innings of work, while 2023 WBC relief pitcher Devin Williams also made an appearance on the mound in Game 1.

RANGERS VS. RAYS

Team USA alums Josh Jung (2018 CNT) and Corey Seager (2010 16U) played crucial roles in the Rangers’ sweep of Tampa Bay. Jung picked up three hits, with all of them coming in a 3-for-4 performance in Game 2, where he hit a pair of doubles and drove in a run. Seager went 4-for-8, collecting two hits in each game, including three doubles overall. The shortstop had two RBIs, scored twice, and drew two bases-on-balls, reaching in six of his 10 plate appearances. Robbie Grossman (2007 18U) was the three-hole hitter in both games for Texas and picked up a hit in nine at-bats.

2016 CNT player Taylor Walls started at shortstop in each of the two games for the Rays and posted a 2-for-6 stat line. Zach Eflin (2015 Pro) earned the Game 2 start and suffered the loss, yielding four runs in five frames.

TWINS VS. BLUE JAYS

Two-time Team USA alum Royce Lewis got the Twins started early in their two-game sweep over Toronto. The former 15U and 18U standout hit a pair of home runs in Game 1, sending blasts over the Target Field wall in each of his first two at-bats of the series. Lewis finished the two games going 2-for-6 with three RBIs, three runs scored, and two walks. 2012 CNT alum Kyle Farmer got a pinch-hit at-bat in Game 1, while Matt Wallner (2018 CNT) drew a walk in four plate appearances. On the hill, two-time CNT alum Sonny Gray was lights-out in Game 2, tossing five shutout innings with six strikeouts to earn the win. 2019 Pro Team pitcher Caleb Thielbar threw in both games and did not allow a run in 1.2 innings of work.

With their stints on the Collegiate National Team separated by three years, Matt Chapman and George Springer combined for three hits and a walk for the Blue Jays offensively. Cavan Biggio (2012 18U) chipped in a hit in eight at-bats, while 2019 Pro Team member Daulton Varsho started both games in left field. Two-time Team USA alum Kevin Gausman got the ball to start Game 1 and suffered the loss after allowing three runs in four innings pitched.

The 2023 MLB Playoffs continue with Division Series action, beginning on Saturday. Be sure to follow @USABaseball on all social media to keep up with Team USA alums in the postseason!

He’s a Golden Spikes Award Finalist, Unanimous First Team All-American, American Baseball Coaches Association Position Player of the Year, College World Series Runner-Up, and now, a Team USA alumnus.

Jac Caglianone has taken the world of college baseball by storm over the past year, and established himself as one of the most talented two-way players in the game.

The University of Florida left-handed pitcher and first baseman is a force on the mound and at the plate with his 6’5” frame and powerful swing, leading the NCAA with 33 home runs and posting a 1.122 OPS and 4.34 ERA during his second year as a Gator.

Caglianone’s sophomore campaign was capped off by a trip to the Men’s College World Series finals in Omaha, Nebraska, where Florida ultimately fell to Louisiana State University in the championship series which came down to a decisive game three.

“It’s really the stuff that you dream about,” Caglianone said. “Our biggest goal that year was to make it to Omaha and win a ring. We came up just short, but it was a great experience nonetheless.”

At the College World Series, Caglianone was recognized as a Golden Spikes Award finalist – an honor recognizing the top amateur baseball player in the country who exhibits outstanding performances on the field and exemplary sportsmanship off the field.

“You have to put the team's goals first before you enjoy personal success, but being honored for the most prestigious award in college baseball was pretty awesome.”

It was in Omaha that the Tampa, Florida, native received the news that he had been selected as a member of the 2023 Collegiate National Team, a team composed of the top non-draft eligible players in the country. Despite his newfound notoriety, the selection for the CNT was the first time Caglianone had been named to a Team USA roster. 

“It meant everything. I’ve always wanted to represent my country and play with a great group of guys. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. I’m really excited to be a part of this and enjoy my time out here.”

Reaching the Men’s College World Series finals meant that following the final matchup of the three-game series against LSU, Caglianone spent one night in his hometown of Tampa before heading to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, to compete in international competition against Chinese Taipei in the 20th USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series and Japan in the 44th Collegiate All-Star Championship Series.

As he was taking the field and representing the United States for the first time, Caglianone was also getting to know his teammates on the Collegiate National Team, many of whom he played against during the college season.

“Honestly, it’s been surprising how well everybody seemed to click. You’re playing with guys that you played against during the season, so you don’t know if there’d be any animosity, but everybody’s been getting along great and I’ve made some new friends. It’s been awesome.”

Aside from his size and talent, the thing that struck Team USA third base coach and University of Southern California Head Coach Andy Stankiewicz about Caglianone is his character off the field and his exceptional understanding of the game of baseball.

“What I have enjoyed with Jac is getting to know him,” Stankiewicz said. “ He’s down to earth.  He’s a great worker. He's really got a high baseball IQ. He understands the game. He wants to be a good defender as well as a good hitter. He’s very smart on the bases. I'm really impressed with the person as much as I am with the skill set. What a bright future he has.”

As evidenced by Caglianone’s three home runs and eight RBIs in the series against Chinese Taipei and Japan, the sophomore standout continued his trend of powerful plate performances with Team USA.

“He hit a home run dead center last week on one of the pro fields. He’s got raw power that a lot of people don’t have. He’s not just a big guy.”

When asked about life in the spotlight after the conclusion of the college season, Caglianone simply responded that he wants to be a positive influence on the next generation.

“I really just want to be an inspiration for younger kids,” Caglianone said. “Anything is attainable if you work for it, you just have to work hard and put the time in. You’re going to have to make some sacrifices, but it’s all worth it. Just enjoy the game and be present in the moment. It goes too quickly for you to worry about all the failures.”

From the College World Series to the Collegiate National Team, Caglianone’s future is bright. It’s clear that he will continue to shine in whatever environment he is in, whether that be facing the best in college baseball or donning the red, white, and blue in international competition.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Japan rode another strong pitching performance and a pair of three-run rallies to a 6-2 victory over the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, claiming the 44^th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series, three games to two, Wednesday evening at Joseph Riley Jr. Park.

Haruki Hosono limited Team USA to a pair of runs (one earned) on three hits over 5 2/3 innings, before four pitchers combined on 3 1/3 innings of one-hit, scoreless relief to close out Japan’s second consecutive win in the series.

After Team USA failed to put its leadoff man on base in eight of nine innings in Tuesday’s 4-3 loss in game four of the series, Japan nearly duplicated the feat Wednesday, retiring the first hitter in seven straight innings to start the decisive contest.

Team USA engineered a first-inning rally, scoring a two-out run on a Hosono wild pitch.

But Japan answered with three runs in the second, as two of Team USA’s three errors in the contest came home to roost. Ryuta Hirose doubled home one run, before a fielder’s choice grounder and a throwing error plated two more for a 3-1 Japan lead.

The U.S. sliced the deficit in half with a sixth-inning tally after engineering a two-out threat and capitalizing on a fielding error. But Japan put the game on ice with a three-spot in the eighth, beating out three infield hits and scoring two additional unearned runs.

KEY MOMENTS

• The U.S. plated the game’s first run in the bottom of the first, getting a one-out walk to JJ Wetherholt (West Virginia) and a Kaelen Culpepper (Kansas State) single to set the stage; with two out, Hosono uncorked a pitch that skipped to the backstop, allowing Wetherholt to trot home.
• Japan answered in the top of the second, after an infield hit by Misho Nishikawa and a U.S. fielding error started the inning; Hirose doubled home the tying run, before Yuya Shinto’s bouncer to third brought in the go-ahead run, plus another after a U.S. throwing error.
• Hosono locked into a groove from that point, retiring 10 straight U.S. hitters at one point and 15 of 16 overall after Team USA’s first-inning threat.
• After Hosono sat down the first two U.S. hitters in the sixth, Wetherholt singled, before back-to-back walks loaded the bases; Jac Caglianone’s (Florida) chopper eluded the third baseman, allowing Wetherholt to cross the plate to cut the margin to 3-2.
• The U.S. was able to stay within striking distance thanks to the work of its bullpen, as Michael Massey (Wake Forest) and Ryan Johnson (Dallas Baptist) combined to retire 18 straight batters.
• But Japan snapped that string on Daiuske Nakashima’s leadoff single in the eighth that opened the door to the decisive three-run rally; Ippei Amai and Nishikawa added infield hits, before a two-out error and a Seiya Watanabe RBI double extended the lead to four runs.

NOTEWORTHY

• Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia) went hitless for the first time during the CNT campaign, stopping a nine-game hit streak; the shortstop finished the CNT tour with a .463 batting average and team-best 19 hits.
• Culpepper registered a 2-for-3 performance to lead Team USA; he also finished with a club-best .471 (16-for-34) batting mark for the 10-game campaign.
• Massey retired all nine batters he faced, striking out two over his 3.0 perfect frames.
• Johnson also retired nine straight, finishing his night after allowing one run on one infield single with four punchouts over 3.1 innings.
• After limiting the U.S. to three hits in game four, Japan held Team USA to four hits in the finale.

ON DECK

With the completion of the USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series, Team USA concluded its CNT campaign with a 7-3 overall mark that included a five-game sweep of Chinese Taipei in the International Friendship Series.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Japan’s Kaito Shimomura held the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team hitless for five innings, before three relievers closed out a 4-3 victory Tuesday evening at Joseph Riley Jr. Park, leveling the 44th Collegiate All-Star Championship Series at two games apiece.

Shimomura retired 12 straight U.S. batters en route to posting five scoreless frames. The right-hander allowed just two first-inning baserunners and a two-out walk in the fifth.

After Team USA responded with three runs in the sixth, Japan answered with three of its own in the home half to reclaim the lead for good. From there, Sho Kusaka struck out three over an inning-and-two-thirds, before Haruki Hosona and Hayato Tsunehiro combined to retire the final four U.S. hitters of the game in succession.

The U.S. did all of its offensive damage in the sixth, riding a Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia) double and a JJ Wetherholt(West Virginia) two-run homer to a one-run lead. Kaelen Culpepper (Kansas State) added a two-out solo shot to extend the lead to 3-1.

But Japan scored the final three runs of the night, using RBI singles from Rui Muneyama and Ryuta Hirose to reclaim the lead in the home half of the sixth.

KEY MOMENTS

• Shimomura faced his biggest threat in the opening frame after hitting a pair of U.S. batters; but the right-hander recorded the first of his four strikeouts and induced a comebacker for the final out of the inning.
• Team USA starter Trey Yesavage (East Carolina) nearly equaled Shimomura, retiring 10 of the first 11 batters of the game in order.
• Seiya Watanabe was the lone Japan hitter to reach in the first three innings, clubbing a one-out home run to left in the bottom of the second for the lone run of the first five frames.
• After Shimomura’s exit after the fifth, O’Ferrall and Wetherholt put the U.S. on the board in a blink; O’Ferrall lined a double to left on a two-strike offering, before Wetherholt launched an 0-1 pitch over the wall in left-center.
• Culpepper added to the lead with his team-leading third home run of the CNT campaign to stretch the U.S. advantage to two runs.
• Ippei Amai started Japan’s decisive sixth-inning rally with a leadoff double to left, before Muneyama’s one-out single brought him home to slice the deficit in half.
• Misho Nishikawa added a third hit, before Watanabe’s ground ball to the right side tied the game and Hirose’s two-out, RBI single plated the go-ahead run.
• Kusaka fanned three of the first four batters he faced before walking Wetherholt in the eighth; Hosono induced an inning-ending ground ball to second to preserve the narrow lead.
• Tsunehiro closed out the victory by fanning two of the three U.S. hitters to come to the plate in a 1-2-3 ninth.

NOTEWORTHY

• O’Ferrall extended his CNT hit streak to nine-straight games, finishing 1-for-4.
• Wetherholt reched base in three of his four trips to the plate, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs.
• Yesavage allowed just one hit—the Watanabe homer in the second—and struck out three over his 4.0 innings.
• Jay Woolfork (Virginia) worked around a leadoff error—just the third U.S. error defensive miscue in its nine contests—in his lone inning of work, a scoreless fifth.
• Tyson Neighbors (Kansas State) worked a perfect eighth for Team USA, coaxed a trio of ground balls to keep the deficit at one run.

ON DECK

• Team USA will conclude its 2023 CNT season with the fifth and deciding game of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Wednesday (July 12) at 6:30 p.m. ET at Joseph Riley Jr. Park.
• Tickets for this year’s Collegiate National Team’s series with Japan can be found HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Stay tuned to @USABaseballCNT on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 Collegiate National Team.

CARY, N.C. – Twenty-five USA Baseball alumni were selected for the 2023 MLB All-Star Game, which will take place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle tonight, Tuesday, July 11, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The National League (NL) roster features 15 alums, and 10 American League (AL) players also have experience with USA Baseball.

Seven alumni were selected to the starting lineup, including four for the NL and three for the AL. Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals), Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers), Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers) were all named to the NL starting lineup for Tuesday night. Josh Jung (Texas Rangers), Corey Seager (Texas Rangers), and Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) were voted into the starting lineup for the AL. Due to injury, however, Trout will not participate in the Midsummer Classic.

Twelve 2023 All-Stars have won a gold medal with the United States. The roster features players from seven different gold medal-winning teams, including two members of the 2017 World Baseball Classic team that won the organization’s first-ever championship at the event and eight players from the 2023 World Baseball Classic squad that earned silver this past March.

In total, 12 players competed for the Professional National Team, eight played for the Collegiate National Team, six suited up for the 18U National Team, four were members of the former 16U National Team, and one appeared on the 15U National Team.

The complete list of USA Baseball alumni named 2023 MLB All-Star Game rosters is as follows:

Name; MLB Team; USA Baseball National Team Program(s):

• Pete Alonso; New York Mets; 2023 WBC
• Nolan Arenado; St. Louis Cardinals; 2017, 2023 WBC
• David Bednar; Pittsburgh Pirates; 2023 WBC
• Mookie Betts; Los Angeles Dodgers; 2023 WBC
• Corbin Carroll; Arizona Diamondbacks; 2018 18U
• Nick Castellanos; Philadelphia Phillies; 2009 18U
• Gerrit Cole; New York Yankees; 2009, 2010 Collegiate
• Freddie Freeman; Los Angeles Dodgers; 2005 16U; 2006 18U
• Kevin Gausman; Toronto Blue Jays; 2009 18U; 2011 Collegiate
• Sonny Gray; Minnesota Twins; 2009, 2010 Collegiate
• Josh Hader; San Diego Padres; 2015 Pro
• Josh Jung; Texas Rangers; 2018 Collegiate
• *Clayton Kershaw; Los Angeles Dodgers; 2005 18U
• Craig Kimbrel; Philadelphia Phillies; 2013 WBC
• Michael Lorenzen; Detroit Tigers; 2008 16U; 2010 18U; 2011, 2012 Collegiate
• Matt Olson; Atlanta Braves; 2010 16U
• Brent Rooker; Oakland Athletics; 2019 Pro
• Adley Rutschman; Baltimore Orioles; 2018 Collegiate
• Corey Seager; Texas Rangers; 2010 16U
• Will Smith; Los Angeles Dodgers; 2023 WBC
• *Marcus Stroman; Chicago Cubs; 2011 Collegiate; 2017 WBC
• *Dansby Swanson; Chicago Cubs; 2014 Collegiate
• *Mike Trout; Los Angeles Angels; 2010 Pro; 2023 WBC
• Kyle Tucker; Houston Astros; 2012 15U; 2023 WBC
• *Devin Williams; Milwaukee Brewers; 2023 WBC

*denotes All-Stars who are inactive

CARY, N.C. – Nineteen USA Baseball alumni were selected in the first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft on Sunday night, including first overall pick Paul Skenes. USA Baseball has now had 569 total athletes drafted in the first round since 1972, and 2023 marks the 20th time in the last 23 years that the first overall pick played for Team USA.

Skenes (No. 1, Pittsburgh Pirates) is the 37th USA Baseball national team alumnus to be selected first overall and the second consecutive player to do so, joining last year’s top pick, Jackson Holliday. Other first overall picks who have donned the red, white, and blue include 2023 MLB All-Stars Gerrit Cole (2011), Dansby Swanson (2015), and Adley Rutschman (2019). Pittsburgh has now selected a USA Baseball alum four of the five times it has owned the first pick of the Draft (Jeff King [1986], Kris Benson [1996], Bryan Bullington [2002], and Cole [2011].

The next seven picks following Skenes were also USA Baseball alumni, marking the most consecutive alumni selections to open an MLB Draft since 2007 (nine). Four-time Team USA alum and 2023 Golden Spikes Award winner Dylan Crews went second overall to the Washington Nationals, followed by Max Clark (No. 3, Detroit Tigers). Wyatt Langford was the Texas Rangers’ pick at No. 4, and Walker Jenkins went to the Minnesota Twins at fifth overall.

A pair of 2022 Collegiate National Team members went with the next two picks, as Jacob Wilson went sixth to the Oakland Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds took Rhett Lowder with the seventh pick. Two-time Team USA alum Blake Mitchell capped the eight-consecutive pick streak, going eighth overall to the Kansas City Royals.

Four Team USA alumni were then taken off the board consecutively beginning with the 14th pick, which saw two-time Collegiate National Team alum Kyle Teel get selected by the Boston Red Sox. Jacob Gonzalez was the next pick at 15th overall to the Chicago White Sox, followed by Bryce Eldridge going 16th to the San Francisco Giants. The Baltimore Orioles chose Enrique Bradfield Jr. at No. 17 and Brayden Taylor went 19th to the Tampa Bay Rays, making it four 2022 Collegiate National Team teammates drafted in a six-pick span.

Colt Emerson was the Seattle Mariners’ pick at No. 22 before five more USA Baseball alumni were selected in the Draft’s first round: Ralphy Velazquez (No. 23, Cleveland Guardians), Hurston Waldrep (No. 24, Atlanta Braves), Aidan Miller (No. 27, Philadelphia Phillies), Kendall George (No. 36, Los Angeles Dodgers), and Kevin McGonigle (No. 37, Detroit Tigers).

Four of USA Baseball’s national team programs were represented in Sunday night’s opening round. The Collegiate National Team had 10 representatives, the 18U National Team featured nine players, four athletes were previously members of the 12U squad, and the 15U National Team had two players chosen.

Additionally, 11 participants of the USA Baseball National Team Development Program (NTDP) were selected in the first round, including five players who participated in the 2021 event. Twenty-one players chosen in the first round played in MLB/USA Baseball’s Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League, with 18 of those players competing at the event in 2022.

The full list of USA Baseball alumni selected in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft is as follows:

Round-Pick; Name; MLB Team; USA Baseball National Team(s)

• 1-1; Paul Skenes; Pittsburgh Pirates; 2014 12U, 2021 & 2022 Collegiate
• 1-2; Dylan Crews; Washington Nationals; 2017 15U, 2018 18U, 2021 & 2022 Collegiate
• 1-3; Max Clark; Detroit Tigers; 2022 18U
• 1-4; Wyatt Langford; Texas Rangers; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-5; Walker Jenkins; Minnesota Twins; 2021 18U
• 1-6; Jacob Wilson; Oakland Athletics; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-7; Rhett Lowder; Cincinnati Reds; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-8; Blake Mitchell; Kansas City Royals; 2021 & 2022 18U
• 1-14; Kyle Teel; Boston Red Sox; 2021 & 2022 Collegiate
• 1-15; Jacob Gonzalez; Chicago White Sox; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-16; Bryce Eldridge; San Francisco Giants; 2022 18U
• 1-17; Enrique Bradfield Jr.; Baltimore Orioles; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-19; Brayden Taylor; Tampa Bay Rays; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-22; Colt Emerson; Seattle Mariners; 2017 12U, 2022 18U
• 1-23; Ralphy Velazquez; Cleveland Guardians; 2016 & 2017 12U
• 1-24; Hurston Waldrep; Atlanta Braves; 2022 Collegiate
• 1-27; Aidan Miller; Philadelphia Phillies; 2016 12U, 2019 15U, 2022 18U
• 1-36; Kendall George; Los Angeles Dodgers; 2022 18U
• 1-37; Kevin McGonigle; Detroit Tigers; 2022 18U

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

CARY, N.C. – Powered by Luke Holman’s 10 strikeouts, three USA Baseball Collegiate National Team pitchers combined on a four-hit, 5-0 shutout of Japan Sunday evening at Coleman Field, handing the U.S. a two-games-to-one advantage in the 44th Collegiate All-Star Championship Series.

Holman notched his second victory of the CNT campaign, holding Japan in check throughout the first five innings, before Ben Abeldt (TCU) and Brandon Neely (Florida) combined to lock down the victory with four innings of two-hit relief.

Kaelen Culpepper (Kansas State) paced the U.S. offense with a 3-for-4 effort at the plate, while Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia) came through with two hits, including a critical two-run triple in the seventh that turned a one-run Team USA lead into a 3-0 cushion.

With the victory, Team USA needs one victory in its final two contests with Japan to clinch the series win.

KEY MOMENTS

• Holman and Japan starter Hayato Tsunehiro dominated the early innings, allowing a total of three hits between them while facing just two over the minimum through three scoreless frames.
• Holman allowed back-to-back, one-out baserunners in the second, but kept Japan off the board with the first two of four consecutive strikeouts; the right-hander also worked around a leadoff double by Rui Muneyama in the top of the fourth, retiring three straight batters to extinguish the threat.
• Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M) put the U.S. on the board in the fourth by beating out a fielder’s choice RBI grounder, after Charlie Condon (Georgia) walked and Culpepper lined his second single of the game to left to set up the scoring opportunity.
• Holman finished with a flourish, striking out the side in the fifth to end his outing, before Abeldt worked around a pair of hits and a walk in the sixth, getting a lift from catcher Ryan Stafford (Cal Poly), who picked a runner off second to help derail the rally.
• The U.S. generated a three-run rally in the seventh to gain some breathing room, as four straight batters reached safely after Kenichi Murata retired the first two U.S. hitters of the inning; Braden Montgomery (Stanford) started the rally with a base hit to right-center, before a walk to Stafford brought O’Ferrall to the plate.
• O’Ferrall lined a 1-1 offering into the gap in right-center to chase home both baserunners; JJ Wetherholt (West Virginia) followed with a base hit to score O’Ferrall with the fourth Team USA run of the night.
• Culpepper’s third single of the game sparked an eighth-inning threat; Seaver King (Wake Forest) lofted a sacrifice fly to left to make it a 5-0 game after Culpepper swiped second and moved to third on LaViolette’s base hit to right.

NOTEWORTHY

• O’Ferrall finished 2-for-4, marking his sixth multi-hit performance in eight CNT games.
• Holman allowed just three baserunners—a single and a walk in the second, followed by a double in the fourth—while recording the top strikeout total by a Team USA pitcher in the club's eight games to date.
• Holman hiked his CNT strikeout total to a club-high 15, which is seven more K’s than any other pitcher on the staff has posted.
• Holman, Abeldt and Neely combined to fan 12 Japan hitters, marking the second-consecutive game the U.S. has registered a double-digit strikeout total and the fifth such total in its eight games.
• Like O’Ferrall, Culpepper extended his CNT hit streak to eight straight games with his third three-hit performance of the campaign.
• Tonight’s game represents the fifth contest in which the U.S. has surrendered five hits or less; Team USA has yet to allow more than eight hits in a game.

ON DECK

• The scene will shift for the final two contests of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), with game four slated for 6:30 p.m. ET, Tuesday (July 11) at Joseph Riley Jr. Park in Charleston, S.C.
• Tickets for this year’s Collegiate National Team’s series with Japan can be found HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Stay tuned to @USABaseballCNT on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 Collegiate National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

CARY, N.C. – Powered by a five-run, fourth-inning rally and another strong performance from its pitching staff, the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team evened the 44thCollegiate All-Star Championship Series with an 8-5 victory over Japan Saturday night at Coleman Field.

One day after being held to its lowest run total of the CNT campaign, Team USA scored eight times over a two-inning span, highlighted byRodney Green Jr.’s(Cal) two-out grand slam that punctuated the decisive fourth-inning outburst.

The U.S. also benefited from a strong mound effort to avenge its game one setback to Japan, as three pitchers joined forces to allow just one run on three hits over the first eight frames.Drew Beam(Tennessee) permitted a single run over the first four frames, beforeFran Oschell III(Duke) andHagen Smith(Arkansas) combined to log 4.0 hitless innings of relief.

KEY MOMENTS

• Charlie Condon (Georgia) sparked the game’s key rally with a one-out solo shot that handed the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the fourth.
• Jac Caglianone *(Florida) contributed a hit in each of the U.S.’s two scoring rallies, including a base hit following Condon’s homer to ignite the offense; *Kaelen Culpepper (Kansas State) added a hit, and Seaver King (Wake Forest) beat out an infield single to load the bases with two out.
• Green then worked a full count against Sho Kusaka before launching a no-doubter over the right-field wall to extend the U.S. advantage to 5-0.
• Japan loaded the bases in the bottom half of the fourth, before Kuyto Ueda’s sac fly plated a run to snap Beam’s shutout bid.
• Team USA struck for three more in the fifth, as Griff O’Ferrall’s (Virginia) leadoff single started another scoring opportunity; JJ Wetherholt (West Virginia) drew a walk, and Caglianone’s second hit of the game brought in the sixth U.S. run of the night.
• King capped the rally with a two-run single to shallow right-center, stretching the U.S. lead to 8-1.
• Japan mounted a late charge, scoring four times in the ninth and putting the potential tying run on base before Brandon Neely (Florida) closed out the win with a strikeout to leave the bases loaded.

NOTEWORTHY

• Beam earned his second win of the CNT campaign, striking out four and allowing just one run on three hits in his four innings.
• Both O’Ferrall and Condon recorded hits, extending their CNT hit streaks to seven games apiece.
• The U.S. gashed Japan pitching for 12 hits, including two-hit performances from Ryan Stafford (Cal Poly), O’Ferrall, Caglianone and King.
• Japan put a runner in scoring position in just one of the first eight innings and didn’t record its first extra-base hit until the ninth inning.
• The six U.S. hurlers who appeared in the contest combined for 12 strikeouts, with Oschell matching Beam’s four K’s to lead the way.

ON DECK

• The USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., will host game three of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Sunday (July 9) at 5 p.m. ET.
• Games four and five of the series will be played at Joseph Riley Jr. Park in Charleston, S.C., on July 11 and 12.
• Tickets for this year’s Collegiate National Team’s series with Japan can be found HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Stay tuned to @USABaseballCNT on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 Collegiate National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

CARY, N.C. – Japan used a three-run fourth inning and a shutdown pitching performance to hand the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team a 5-2 setback Friday evening in the opening game of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series at Coleman Field.

Kaito Shimomura and Natsuki Takeuchi combined to strike out eight batters and hold Team USA to seven hits, with each allowing just a single run.

Japan led 1-0 after three innings when doubles by Misho Nishikawa and Kyuto Ueda on consecutive pitches ignited a three-run rally, from which the U.S. never recovered. 

KEY MOMENTS

• Japan grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second after Yuyo Shinto lined a two-out double to right-center to bring in Ueda all the way from first.
• Back-to-back doubles by Nishikawa and Ueda on the first two pitches of the fourth from U.S. starting pitcher Ryan Johnson (Dallas Baptist) led to the second Japan run of the night.
• A walk to Tai Sasaki, followed by the third double of the inning—a liner into the right-center field gap off the bat of Ryuta Hirose—stretched the lead further, and Shinto’s bouncer to the right side plated a third run in the inning to make it a 4-0 game.
• Team USA answered in the home half of the fourth, putting its first run of the night on the board courtesy of a 440-foot Jac Caglianone (Florida) home run that cleared the scoreboard in right-center field.
• The U.S. manufactured a second run in the eighth after Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia) drew a leadoff walk against Takeuchi; a wild pitch and a balk moved the runner to third, and Charlie Condon (Georgia) brought O’Ferrall home with a sacrifice fly to center.
• Hirosi answered the U.S. tally with a leadoff homer to left on the first pitch of the ninth inning to establish a three-run cushion for Japan once again.

NOTEWORTHY

• Matt Ager (UC Santa Barbara) kept the U.S. within striking distance by retiring 10 hitters in a row and 13 of 14 overall; in all, the right-hander allowed a single run on three hits over his 4 1/3 innings of relief.
• Johnson logged a pair of scoreless innings and finished his night permitting three runs on four hits in his three-plus frames.
• O’Ferrall, who hit .619 in Team USA’s five-game sweep over Chinese Taipei, recorded a hit in his sixth-consecutive game to open the CNT slate.
• Condon registered a hit in his sixth straight game as well, finishing 1-for-3 with an RBI.
• Caglianone’s fourth-inning home run marked his second of the CNT season and was clocked at an exit velocity of 116 mph.
• Three Japan hitters recorded two-hit games, including a 2-for-4, 2-RBI performance by Hirose.
• In addition to its strong effort on the mound, Japan turned a pair of double plays to thwart U.S. scoring opportunities and played error-free defense in the contest.
• The U.S. continued its standout defensive start to the campaign as well, logging its fifth error-free game in six outings.

ON DECK 

• The USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., will host games two and three of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Saturday (July 8) and Sunday (July 9), while games four and five of the series will be played at Joseph Riley Jr. Park in Charleston on July 11 and 12.
• Tickets for this year’s Collegiate National Team’s series with Japan can be found HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Stay tuned to @USABaseballCNT on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 Collegiate National Team.

Box Score | PxP | Cumulative Stats

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – In a preview of the Fourth of July fireworks that followed the contest, Charlie Condon’s (Georgia) two-run single in the bottom of the seventh handed the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory over Chinese Taipei Tuesday evening at Segra Stadium.

The late rally sealed Team USA’s fifth-straight win over Chinese Taipei, completing a clean sweep of the two clubs’ 20th International Friendship Series.

It would take a star-spangled rally for the U.S. to rally from a two-run, sixth-inning deficit after Chinese Taipei scored three times in the top of the frame to claim its first lead in the series.

One of Team USA’s brightest stars throughout the series ignited the comeback, as Kaelen Culpepper (Kansas State) delivered a leadoff single in the home half of the sixth. He would come home on a Jac Caglianone (Florida) ground ball to slice the deficit in half heading into the final inning of the weather-shortened series finale.

Two more U.S. stalwarts, Seaver King (Wake Forest) and Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia) wasted no time in electrifying the holiday crowd by coming through with back-to-back singles to open the seventh. A passed ball allowed O’Ferrall to move into scoring position, setting up Condon’s sharp liner through the left side of the infield to chase home both the tying and winning runs.

O’Ferrall’s game-winning tally marked his ninth run of the series, as the shortstop finished the five-game set with a blistering .619 batting mark to lead all hitters. Condon was equally as impressive at the plate, driving in his eighth and ninth runs of the series, which also represented a series best.  

KEY MOMENTS

• Just as it had in each of the first four contests of the series, the U.S. struck first after O’Ferrall drew a leadoff walk to start the home half of the first, moved to third on a JJ Wetherholt (West Virginia) base hit and scored on Condon’s double-play grounder.
• Chinese Taipei drew even in the second, as Wen-Hsio Ma hit his second home run of the series to tie it up at 1-1.
• Following an 89-minute weather delay after rain and lightning halted play in the top of the second, the U.S. kicked its offense into gear in the bottom of the second; following a Chinese Taipei error, Braden Montgomery(Stanford) belted a long two-run homer to right to hand Team USA a 3-1 advantage.
• But the visitors battled back as they would throughout the contest, erasing the two-run U.S. cushion on Yu Wei Kao’s two-out double to right in the third.
• Team USA reclaimed the lead in the fifth, thanks to a one-out triple by King and another clutch hit by O’Ferrall.
• The one-run advantage would be short-lived, however; Chinese Taipei responded with its biggest rally of the series in the sixth, sending nine hitters to the plate as part of a three-run surge.
• With one on and two out, Chun Kai Liao singled, before Jui Mu Chen coaxed one of three walks handed out by U.S. pitchers in the inning to load the bases; Min Sih Chen beat out an infield chopper to plate the tying run, before a bases-loaded walk and another infield single brought in the go-ahead runs.

NOTEWORTHY

• Brandon Neely (Florida) fanned two of the three hitters he faced in a perfect fifth inning, finishing the series with five punchouts in his 2.0 innings of work.
• Jay Woolfork (Virginia) also registered a 1-2-3 inning of relief—his second in the series—to keep the U.S. within one run late in the contest.
• O’Ferrall logged his fourth multi-hit game of the series, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI, finishing the series 13-of-21 at the plate.
• Culpepper also torched Chinese Taipei pitching to the tune of a .533 (8-of-15) batting mark, while King also notched a two-hit performance in the victory.
• Team USA batted .333 as a team and outscored Chinese Taipei 46-11 in the series, with eight different hitters finishing with batting averages of .300 or better.
• U.S. pitching also registered a strong week, logging a 2.41 ERA while limiting the opposition to .176 hitting in the series.
• Of the 19 Team USA hurlers who made mound appearances, 13 turned in scoreless series.

ON DECK

• The USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., will host the opening three games of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series, July 7-9, while games four and five of the series will be played at Joseph Riley Jr. Park in Charleston on July 11 and 12.
• Tickets for this year’s Collegiate National Team’s series with Japan can be found HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Stay tuned to @USABaseballCNT on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 Collegiate National Team.

Box Score | PxP

DURHAM, N.C. – Behind another big night from its offense and more shutdown pitching, the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team ran away with its fourth-consecutive win in the 20th International Friendship Series, routing Chinese Taipei by a 17-1 score in seven innings on Monday evening at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Griff O’Ferrall (Virginia) continued his torrid start to the CNT tour, logging his third multi-hit performance of the series with a 4-for-5 night and four runs batted in. Kaelen Culpepper (Kansas State) added three hits—including a pair of home runs—and matched O’Ferrall with four RBIs.

Team USA scored four times in the second to take an early lead, then plated seven runs in the fifth to establish a double-digit lead that Chinese Taipei would never seriously threaten.

Chinese Taipei scored its only run in the fourth, snapping an 18-inning scoreless streak that extended back to the fourth inning of game two.

However, after allowing just one baserunner in Sunday’s game three shutout victory, four U.S. pitchers combined to limit the opposition to five hits. Luke Holman fanned five in 3.0 scoreless innings and Ben Abeldt (TCU) struck out five of the six hitters he faced over two perfect frames.

KEY MOMENTS

• Malcolm Moore’s (Stanford) one-out hot shot back to the mound went for an infield single to ignite Team USA’s four-run second; Seaver King (Wake Forest) followed with an RBI triple into the right-field corner to open the scoring.
• With two out, O’Ferrall delivered his second consecutive single to drive in King, and *JJ Wetherholt *(West Virginia) hit the first pitch he saw over the right-field wall for a two-run shot that made it a 4-0 game.
• A leadoff walk to Jace LaViolette (Texas A&M), followed by a hit batsman and a Culpepper infield single, loaded the bases with nobody out in the third; Chinese Taipei reliever Kai Hsiang Hsu recorded back-to-back strikeouts to nearly escape the inning unscathed, but Rodney Green Jr. (Cal) coaxed a free pass to force home the fifth U.S. run of the night.
• Chinese Taipei put its only notch in the scoring column in the fourth, snapping a string of 18 consecutive scoreless frames from Team USA pitching. Yu Wei Kao doubled to start the inning, before Tai Lin Tsai brought him home with a two-out two-bagger to left.
• The U.S. broke the game wide open in the fifth, sending 11 batters to the plate; Culpepper sparked the outburst with the first of his two homers to lead off the inning, before O’Ferrall drove home two with a base hit and Charlie Condon (Georgia) launched a one-out grand slam to extend the margin to 12-1.
• Culpepper added a two-run shot in the seventh, and O’Ferrall capped the scoring with another run-scoring base hit to secure the 17-1 victory.

NOTEWORTHY

• Five Team USA hitters logged at least two hits in the victory; in addition to O’Ferrall’s four hits and Culpepper’s three, LaViolette added a 2-for-3 night, Moore finished 2-for-5 with three runs scored, and King went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.
• Four U.S. hitters recorded multi-RBI nights as well, led by four apiece from O’Ferrall, Condon and Culpepper and complemented by Wetherholt’s two RBIs.
• O’Ferrall hiked his club-best batting average to .611 (11-for-18) in the series.
• The U.S. clubbed four home runs and has out-homered Chinese Taipei by a 10-1 margin over the four games.
• Team USA pitchers struck out a series-high 13 batters in just seven innings and have totaled 42 K’s while issuing just five walks over 34.0 total innings vs. Chinese Taipei.

ON DECK

• The fifth and final game of the 20th USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) will be held Tuesday (July 4) at 6 p.m., at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville.
• The National Training Complex will host the opening three games of the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series from July 7-9, while games four and five of the series will be played at Joseph Riley Jr. Park in Charleston on July 11 and 12.
• Tickets for this year’s Collegiate National Team, including all tickets to Team USA’s games against Chinese Taipei and Japan, can be found HERE.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Stay tuned to @USABaseballCNT on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 Collegiate National Team.