Just days after launching baseballs into the seats at a sold-out Citizens Bank Park during MLB All-Star Week, Brady Cunningham arrived at USA Baseball’s 18U National Team Training Camp Phase 1 carrying the confidence that comes from performing on one of baseball’s biggest stages.

Fresh off winning the 2026 High School Home Run Derby in front of thousands of fans in Philadelphia, Cunningham has quickly shifted his focus from individual accolades to competing for a spot on the 18U National Team.

One of just eight high school players invited to compete in the Derby, Cunningham made the most of his opportunity.

The annual event showcases the nation’s top amateur power hitters, and since its inception in 2013, six USA Baseball national team alumni have claimed the title: Luken Baker (2014), Nolan Gorman (2017), Bobby Witt Jr. (2018), Aidan Miller (2022), PJ Morlando (2023), and Josiah Hartshorn (2024).

Cunningham totaled 20 home runs in the opening round on July 10 before advancing to the championship with four home runs in a 30-second tiebreaker.

Three days later, under the lights at Citizens Bank Park and in front of the same sold-out crowd gathered for the MLB Home Run Derby, Cunningham launched nine home runs in the one-minute championship round to claim the title.

Despite performing on one of baseball’s biggest stages, his focus never changed.

“I was just trying to stay in the moment,” Cunningham said. “It was unbelievable. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a loud stadium. The nerves were definitely kicking in a little bit at the start, but once I got those first few swings, everything kind of relaxed. I could hear the crowd cheering in the background, and it was just awesome.”

The victory was even more memorable because his family was there to experience it alongside him.

“It was incredible, especially to share that moment with my family,” he said. “They all came down, so they were in the stands watching. After giving them hugs and everything, it was just a special moment to share.”

For Cunningham, that support has been constant throughout his baseball journey.

“They’ve always been in the stands watching,” he said. “It felt like another day, another event where my family was there, but to share that moment with them was unbelievable.”

The experience extended well beyond the competition itself. The championship round took place after the opening round of the MLB Home Run Derby, giving Cunningham and the other finalist, fellow 2026 18U National Team Training Camp invitee Sullivan Reed, the chance to share a clubhouse with some of the game’s biggest stars before taking the field themselves.

“Growing up and watching these guys on TV, now we’re meeting them and talking with them,” Cunningham said. “We had great conversations. Everyone was super casual about it, so it was awesome to get to know those guys and learn a little bit from them.”

His championship performance came from trusting the same approach that had carried him through the entire event.

“My approach all week was just to stay relaxed, stay calm, and trust my mechanics,” he said. “I know I’ve done a good enough job to get here, so I didn’t want to try to do something different because that would ultimately make me unsuccessful. I just let the barrel eat through the zone and stayed calm and collected with my swing.”

Now in Cary, Cunningham has turned his attention to another opportunity: earning the chance to represent his country.

“Talking to some of the guys here, you start to understand that this means more,” he said. “To represent the United States and have those letters across your chest, you don’t get many opportunities like this to represent your country. I’m just trying to take everything in and learn as much as I can.”

His goals for the rest of the summer reflect the same mindset that helped him succeed in Philadelphia.

“I just try to take it day by day and be where my feet are,” he said. “I want to get better at every part of my game that I’m lacking right now, and I feel like that’ll put me on the right path for the future.”

Less than a week after celebrating a national Home Run Derby title on one of baseball’s biggest stages, Cunningham has already moved on to his next challenge. The trophy and memories from Philadelphia now serve as motivation as he shifts his focus to earning the opportunity to wear U-S-A across his chest.