The sun is rising on a new summer season at USA Baseball. This year, the diamond is set for new competition, old rivalries, and big-time plays.

The saying “Our Pastime’s Future” continues to ring true with every tournament, as promising young players pass throughout the complex. In Cary, North Carolina, many of these teams took the field as early as 8:00 a.m ET. Despite rain and extreme heat, nothing could stop these athletes from showing just how important this milestone is in their baseball journey.

Across the board, the excitement to kick off the summer of events in Cary spread from players and their families to staff and administrators within the National Training Complex. For Champs NC Tournament Director Ben Kelley, he expressed just how vital these tournaments are in shaping these athletes' next steps in their baseball careers.

“We’re excited to welcome some of the best young talent in the country to North Carolina for the 17U National Team Championships,” remarked Kelley. “This event is a key step in our national team identification process, and we’re committed to providing a first-class experience for players, coaches, and families from across the nation.”

On the other side of the country, the National Team Championships in Arizona begins action as well. Up to bat, this year’s tournament showcases 64 of the nation’s top 17U squads in a competitive slate, expected to deliver high-level baseball. With elite talent on display, teams will battle through pool play and bracket rounds in hopes of earning the sacred gold medal.

Some clubs arrive looking to introduce promising new talent, while others aim to defend their legacy. The clash between these hungry newcomers and tested veterans sets the stage for a thrilling championship week.

USA Baseball President John Gall had much to say about the level of competition out in Arizona. “It’s a big competition. You face the best hitters, the best pitchers, that’s what this tournament is all about.”

“It’s a cross of newcomers and vets, in a way,” John continued. “There are underdogs that end up getting a chance to be on the field with the first-rounders, and that just makes Arizona more unique.”

His son, Drew, also commented on the intensity that Champs Arizona brings.

“It’s special,” Drew stated. “Everybody here is here for a reason. Everyone is competing nonstop, and it's about getting your chance and taking advantage of it.”

Arizona’s summer heat will only be matched by the intensity on the field as teams fight for national recognition and a place in USA Baseball history.

These athletes, having traveled from all over the country, competed in front of supportive crowds filled with family and friends. For some, those loved ones provide more than just encouragement—they serve as steady guides through the highs and lows of baseball.

For brothers Ty and Logan D’Amico, that sentiment rings especially true. They've leaned on each other through thick and thin, both on and off the field. Coaching his younger brother on Dirtbags National, Ty understands what it takes to play at the next level.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for these guys to get in front of some scouts, showcase their abilities, and really compete against some of the top talent in the country. You’ve got some of the best young talent in the nation all in one place. To have the chance to see our guys compete at this level, to see how they measure up against elite competition is truly special.”

First by his brother's side, it’s now Logan’s time to step up to the plate, especially now as a Wake Forest Baseball commit. He explained the key role that these tournaments play in the development of young athletes like himself.

“​​ It's been a great day. It's a beautiful day out, and this means a lot because this is the best competition in the whole country. It's a privilege to play against some of the best and to be a part of the event. This is a great complex, so playing against the best people in the country makes me play better.”

The summer promises intensity, passion, and the kind of baseball that defines champions. For both tournaments in North Carolina and Arizona, this will be the proving ground for many athletes as they compete for a spot on the USA Baseball national team. The road to play for Team USA starts through these championships, making USA Baseball the place to be.