Mason Barth, shortstop/right hander for Canes Midwest and a University of Notre Dame commit, made his return to the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina at the 16U National Team Championships with an explosive showing at the plate.
Returning to Cary for the first time since he attended the National Team Identification Series Champions Cup, Barth is one of the offensive leaders of the 16U age group.
In the team’s first three games, the rising junior started at shortstop and went an impressive .667 at the plate with six hits and two RBIs.
At the conclusion of day two, Canes are 2-1 in the tournament with a 8-0 shut out of Legacy Baseball Group 16u Black and a tough 10-2 loss to 2025 Texas Twelve Red Sox on the second day of competition.
The team will compete in bracket play at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the National Training Complex. They will face Power Baseball 2025 Marucci who is undefeated in the tournament thus far.
Following Canes’ second game of the day, Barth spoke to USA Baseball about his dominance at the plate and the team’s performance on day two of the 17U National Team Championships in North Carolina:
Q: It was a solid 2-1 start to the tournament for Canes Midwest. What did you think of both your performance and the team’s today?
A: “I thought we played really well. Individually, I thought I did pretty well. I’m feeling comfortable at the plate. As a team, I think we're in it together. We can string up a lot of hits. This last game wasn't how we wanted, but it happens. We’ll bounce back tomorrow.”
Q: You’re batting an impressive .667 in the tournament. What has been your approach at the plate this week?
A: “All of the pitchers here are going to have some velocity so I sit on the fastball and if I get two strikes, I just have to battle it out.”
Q: Knowing that there are members of the USA Baseball task force, coaches, and scouts at the event, how do you keep your focus on the field?
A: “I just try to have fun with it. I try to make sure no moment is too big and I go out there and just play as hard as I can and hope that it goes my way.”
Q: How does it feel to be playing here at the National Training Complex?
A: “It's great. I was here last year for a little bit at NTIS and I thought it was really fun, so being able to come back is just a dream. Hopefully it continues to build on that.”
Q: I know it’s still early in the tournament, but you guys were able to get off to a good start. What do you think of Canes’ chances heading into bracket play tomorrow?
A: “I think we have a good chance. The first two games we played really well and we played as a good team. We’ve been putting the hits together so I think if we continue that you're gonna be okay.”
