For Joey Marasco, 2023 marks the second consecutive year he has represented the Northwest region at the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup at the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.
The NTIS is the most comprehensive player identification program offered by USA Baseball and provides all athletes from across the country an opportunity to compete for a chance to play for Team USA.
At the Champions Cup, athletes participate in workouts and a championship-style tournament while being evaluated by national team coaches and scouts.
Marasco, an infielder/catcher from Northern California, was selected for the 15U and 16U teams in consecutive years after attending Northwest region tryouts and being one of 36 athletes selected for the two All-Region teams.
At the 2022 15U NTIS Champions Cup, Marasco and Northwest Stars reached the championship game but fell short to Southwest Stars and earned the silver medal.
In 2023 and now competing at the 16U level, Marasco hopes to once again reach the gold medal game and this year bring the championship home to the Northwest.
Ahead of Northwest Stars’ first game at the 16U NTIS Champions Cup, Marasco spoke with USA Baseball about his journey to playing in the 16U NTIS, his experience at the 15U NTIS last year, and representing the Northwest region once again:
Q: What was the process of making one of the two Northwest All-Region teams like?
A: “It took a lot of hard work and effort. There were multiple rounds of tryouts that we had to go through to get here. I couldn’t have done it without my family and their support. It was something that was a goal for me so I’m proud of myself for reaching this point.”
Q: How did you feel going into regional tryouts?
A: “I felt good. The best thing is to make sure you’re confident in yourself and your ability and I was confident. I just went in and I knew that I could do it.”
Q: What was your reaction to finding out you had been selected to represent the Northwest region for a second time?
A: “I was super stoked to get the opportunity to come back here again. It’s something I look forward to for the whole summer. I was hoping to be able to have the chance to come back here and represent the Northwest and I was super excited to be back with all my buddies and play some more baseball here.”
Q: What is it like to be back at the National Training Complex playing with and against some of the top talent in your age group?
A: “It’s awesome knowing that we’re playing against some of the best kids in the country. The facilities are beautiful so it’s a pleasure just to be out here playing at the complex.”
Q: How do you feel about the Northwest Stars as a team and what do you think of your chances this week?
A: “A lot of us know each other and a lot of us have played together in the past here, especially last year. I think we’re one of the best regions and I think we’re going to get it done this year. Last year we did really well and made it to the championship but came up just short and I think this year we have all the tools to come back and win a gold medal.”
Q: What are your personal goals for the week?
A: “Just to have fun, first of all, and then have a good tournament and play well.”
