Box Score | Plays | Cumulative

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (9-0) overcame an 11-run deficit to win gold at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier with a 29-28 win over Venezuela (6-3) in seven innings on Sunday in Aguascalientes.

When Team USA faced Venezuela in the Opening Round, nearly a week earlier, the 25-24 game ended with a U.S. walk-off home run. Fast forward to Sunday and the two teams combined for eight more runs scored in the contest, but this time it ended with a walk-off drag bunt.

The battle between the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier’s two highest scoring teams lived up to the hype. Team USA led 15-6 in the third before Venezuela scored 19 unanswered runs to lead by 10 in the fifth, 25-15. The U.S. added two in the bottom of the fifth, but Venezuela added three in the sixth to earn the game’s largest lead at 28-17 headed into the final inning.

With three outs left in the game, Team USA stayed calm, collected, and patient at the plate to score seven until it had one out to go. Zaylon Johnson stepped up to the plate with the bases-loaded and hit a grand slam to tie the game. One inning later, an error on a sacrifice bunt allowed Team USA to win gold and set a 12U National Team record for most runs scored in a single game.

The game started by Venezuela scoring one in the top of the first. Leyland Henry, Johnson, and Nathan Handley-White responded with homers; three-run, solo, and a three-run, respectively, in the bottom frame to take a 7-1 lead.

Venezuela stayed in the game by using home runs, singles and wild pitches to score five, closing the gap to three runs in the second.

A Ty Glaus RBI-double, a Ryder Serna RBI, a Jett Schoolcraft RBI-single, and a Tyler Early RBI kept Venezuela at bay through two complete.

In the bottom of the third, Team USA kept the pressure on thanks to a two-RBI double from Bryant Ju and a two-run home run by Boston Targac. The stars and stripes took a 15-6 lead into the fourth inning.

That's when Venezuela took control, scoring 19 unanswered runs in the span of two innings to flip the script and go up by 10 after four-and-a-half innings for its first lead since the top of the first.

Targac tried to power Team USA with a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth, but a Venezuela double-play two batters later ended any momentum that was gathering.

A three-run homer from Venezuela in the top of the sixth provided the largest lead for either team, 28-17.

Team USA stayed resilient, fought back with its impressive 11-run sixth inning and walk-off run in the seventh to head home with a gold medal.

Team USA had five players earn honors at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. Johnson earned tournament MVP honors and Jacob Miller earned the tournament’s Best Pitcher award, recording the most wins (3) and lowest ERA (0.50). Additionally, Early, Targac, and Johnson were named to the All-Tournament Team at left field, catcher, and designated hitter, respectfully.

With the top-four finish at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, Team USA will head to the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan, this summer. The U.S. is the defending champion after defeating Venezuela in the 2022 edition. This will be the sixth World Cup appearance for the 12U National Team after winning four of the five that it has previously participated in. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (8-0) punched its ticket to the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier gold medal game with a 13-0 win over Panama (4-4) on Saturday in Aguascalientes.

In a rematch of the 2022 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Championship Game, No. 1 Team USA will face off against No. 3 Venezuela (6-2) in the final game of the U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier on Sunday. In the Opening Round, the U.S. used a walk-off home run to come out victorious over Venezuela, 25-24, in a back-and-forth game last Saturday.

Against Panama, Team USA was paced by a strong performance on the mound from Jacob Miller (3-0). The righty pitched 4.0 innings, gave up just six hits, struck out four, and did not allow a run. Miller lowered his WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier-leading ERA to 0.50.

On offense, Greyson Wuis (4), Boston Targac (3), and Jett Schoolcraft (2) led the way with multi-RBI performances.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Leyland Henry jump started Team USA in the bottom of the first with a solo home run, providing an early lead.
• In the bottom of the second, Wuis gave the red, white, and blue a 5-0 advantage by smashing a grand slam to right center.
• Targac kept things rolling in the third with a two-run home run to dead center, giving Team USA a 7-0 lead.
• Team USA wrapped up its scoring in the bottom of the fourth with six runs. Bryant Ju laced an RBI-single through the left side, Targac reached on a fielding error to score Zaylon Johnson, Schoolcraft added two with a two-RBI single, and Tyler Early came around to score on a wild pitch.
• Michael Ohman came on in the top of the fifth to close the door on Panama and give Team USA the 13-0 victory.

NOTABLE:

• The win extended the 12U National Team international competition win streak to 20, dating back to 2019.
• Team USA has scored 10 or more runs in every game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier and has won seven of its eight games by double-digits.
• Miller was able to work his way out of two bases-loaded jams to keep Panama scoreless.
• Henry has now hit a home run in six of his last eight games.
• Team USA and Venezuela are the two highest-scoring teams in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, averaging 16.88 and 19.12 runs per game, respectively.
• When Team USA defeated Venezuela, 25-24, in the Opening Round of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, the 49 combined runs set a Team USA 12U National Team record for most combined runs scored in a single game.

ON DECK

Team USA will face Venezuela on Sunday afternoon in the final game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. local/4:00 p.m. ET at Cecadi. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (7-0) completed an Opening Round sweep of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier with a 10-0 win over Mexico (6-1) on Friday in Aguascalientes.

The victory earned Team USA the No. 1 seed in the semifinals, and it will face off against No. 4 Panama on Saturday morning. No. 2 Mexico will face No. 3 Venezuela on Saturday afternoon.

Friday’s game against Mexico was a continuation of the contest that began on Monday that was delayed due to a power outage. The game resumed play with Team USA leading 5-0 in the bottom of the third. The stars and stripes added five more runs to earn its sixth double-digit victory in seven games.

Tyler Early (2-0) earned the win with a lights-out performance. The lefty worked 4.1 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just four hits and striking out eight. He also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, two walks and a run scored. Leyland Henry led the offense with a 2-for-2 performance, recording an RBI-single and a solo home run.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Henry got Team USA on the board in the bottom of the first inning with an RBI-single, scoring Early. A Mexico error resulted in two more U.S. runs, creating a 3-0 lead.
• In the bottom of the third, Henry knocked a solo homer and Zaylon Johnson later scored on a fielding error. When the game resumed on Friday, Early got the scoring going with an RBI-single and Boston Targac scored on a passed ball to cap a four-run inning, giving Team USA a 7-0 advantage.
• Mexico loaded the bases in the top of the fifth but Nathan Handley-White came on to pitch in relief and stranded the runners by striking out two in seven pitches to preserve Team USA’s lead.
• In the bottom of the fifth, Jett Schoolcraft laced an RBI ground-rule double to center field before Greyson Wuis ended the game with a two-RBI ground-rule double, giving Team USA its 10-0 final score.

NOTABLE:

• Team USA swept the Opening Round of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier and secured the No. 1 seed heading into the Medal Rounds.
• The win extended the 12U National Team international competition win streak to 19, dating back to 2019.
• Team USA has scored 10+ runs in every game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier and has won six of its seven games by double-digits.
• Early and Handley-White combined for 10 strikeouts in five innings.
• Where Team USA players rank on the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier Leaderboard:
  • Batting Average: T-2^nd – Leyland Henry (.667)
  • Home Runs: T-2^nd – Tyler Early (6)
  • RBI: 5^th – Greyson Wuis (14)
  • Runs: T-2^nd – Tyler Early & Zaylon Johnson (15)
  • OBP: 1^st – Leyland Henry (.815); 3^rd – Tyler Early (.759)
  • ERA: 1^st – Jacob Miller (0.75)
  • IP: 2^nd – Jacob Miller (8.0)
  • SO: T- 2^nd – Jacob Miller & Tyler Early (8)

ON DECK

Team USA will face Panama on Saturday morning in the semifinals of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 10:00 a.m. local/12:00 p.m. ET at Cecadi. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (6-0) remained undefeated in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier with a 20-5 win over Puerto Rico (2-5) on Thursday in Aguascalientes.

The U.S. enters the final day of the Opening Round tied for the No. 1 seed with Team Mexico. The two will face off in a continuation of their suspended game – which the U.S. leads 5-0 in the third inning – on Friday to determine final standings. Venezuela and Panama have also clinched spots in the top four and have qualified for the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan later this summer.

Thursday’s victory was due in large part to the offensive performances of Jett Schoolcraft and Tyler Early, who each recorded five RBIs. Early had a two-run and a three-run home run in the contest and has now homered in each of his last four games.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Wuis used heads-up base running in the first inning to score on a wild pitch and give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.
• In the top of the second, Schoolcraft busted the scoring open with a grand slam to put Team USA ahead 5-0.
• Puerto Rico got on the board in the bottom of the second with two runs from walks and a wild pitch to come within three at 5-2.
• Team USA stayed on the attack in the top of the third, scoring four runs. Bryant Ju used a stolen base and a failed pickoff attempt to score before Early launched a three-run home run to give the stars and stripes a 10-2 lead.
• The U.S. kept the momentum going in the top of the fourth inning with seven runs. Ryder Serna started with a solo home run, Early launched a 2-run homer, Ju came through with a two-RBI double, Boston Targac hit an RBI-single, and Schoolcraft capped off the inning with an RBI-single to put the stars in stripes in front by 15.
• Puerto Rico used a wild pitch and an RBI-fielder’s choice to keep the game alive in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the U.S. lead to 17-4.
• Ty Glaus tacked on the final runs of the game for the U.S. in the top of the fifth with a three-run home run to give Team USA a 20-4 advantage.
• A single and an error led to another Puerto Rico run in the bottom of the fifth, but that was all it mustered as Team USA closed out the game, 20-5.

NOTABLE:

• Team USA and Team Mexico are the only undefeated teams left in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier.
• The win extended the 12U National Team international competition win streak to 18, dating back to 2019.
• Team USA has scored 10+ runs in every game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier and has won five of its six games by double-digits.
• Nine different players for the U.S. have hit multiple home runs.
• All 18 players on Team USA’s roster have recorded at least one run scored.

ON DECK

Team USA will face Mexico on Friday afternoon, finishing the suspended game from earlier in the week, to close out the opening round of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. The game will resume in the third inning with the U.S. leading 5-0 and is set for 2:00 p.m. local/4:00 p.m. ET at Estadio Ferrocarrilero. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (5-0) clinched a spot in the in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup on Wednesday with a 19-9 win over the Dominican Republic (2-4) at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes.

The win kept Team USA undefeated as it heads into the final two days of the Opening Round and extended the 12U National Team international competition win streak to 17, dating back to 2019.

Up next, the U.S. will look to clinch the No. 1 seed in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier ahead of the medal rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

Against the Dominican Republic, Team USA was paced by big offensive days from Tyler Early (3), Greyson Wuis (2), Leyland Henry (2), Bryant Ju (2), Ryder Serna (3), Jett Schoolcraft (2), and Ty Glaus (3) who all recorded multiple RBIs.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Dominican Republic capitalized on walks from Team USA and used a two-run single to take an early 2-0 lead.
• Early hit his third leadoff home run of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier to start the scoring for Team USA in the bottom of the first to make the score 2-1, Dominican Republic.
• The Dominican Republic lead didn’t last long as the stars and stripes scored seven in the bottom of the second to take an 8-2 lead. Serna hit a 3-run home run, Early scored Glaus with an RBI-single, Henry launched a two-run home run of his own, and Ju plated one with an RBI-double.
• Two home runs gave the Dominican Republic a combined three runs to close in on Team USA’s lead in the top of the third, making the score 8-5.
• Glaus responded with a two-run home run in the bottom of the third to give the red, white, and blue a 10-5 advantage.
• The Dominican Republic scored one run in the fourth inning and threatened with the bases loaded. Schoolcraft came on in relief and worked out of the jam to give the U.S. went a 10-6 lead heading into the bottom frame.
• Team USA kept the offense going in its half of the fourth as Ju,Schoolcraft, and Wuis all contributed with an RBI-single, an RBI-double and an RBI fielder’s choice, respectively, to put the U.S. ahead 14-6.
• In the top of the fifth, the Dominican mounted a comeback attempt by adding three runs to make the score 14-9.
• In the final frame, Team USA capitalized on walks and wild pitches from the Dominican Republic to score four runs. Wuis stepped in and delivered an RBI-single for the final run of the inning and the game.

NOTABLE:

• Team USA and Team Mexico are the only undefeated teams left in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. Both will have one game on Thursday before resuming their suspended game on Friday.
• Maddox McBryde (1-0) was credited with the win after pitching 2.0 innings in relief and striking out two.
• Early has now hit three leadoff home runs.
• Henry has recorded at least one home run in four of his five games.
• Six different players for Team USA recorded an RBI in Wednesday’s contest.
• By qualifying, the 12U National Team will compete in its sixth World Cup, having won four of the five that it has previously participated in.

ON DECK

Team USA will face Puerto Rico on Thursday morning in the next game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 10:00 a.m. local/12:30 p.m. ET at Estadio Ferrocarrilero. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative Stats

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (4-0) used seven home runs to defeat Panama (2-3), 18-8, Tuesday afternoon to stay undefeated in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes.

After Monday night’s game against Mexico was suspended due to a power outage, Team USA came out swinging against Panama. Tyler Early (4-for-4, two home runs, two RBIs and two runs scored) and Leyland Henry Jr. (3-for-4, two RBIs) paced the offense while the pitching staff of Nathan Handley-White, Michael Ohman, and Jacob Miller (2-0) allowed just four earned runs.

The victory pushes the 12U National Team international competition win streak to 16, dating back to 2019.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Early took Panama deep on the third pitch of the game for his second leadoff home run of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier and put the U.S. ahead, 1-0.
• Team USA put up 10 runs in the second inning. Boston Targac scored on a wild pitch, Henry followed with an RBI-single, and Zaylon Johnson cleared the bases with a grand slam. Two hitters later, Targac returned to the plate and hit a two-run home run to right field. Omar Henriquez scored on a wild pitch and a Henry hit-by-pitch scored Jett Schoolcraft to cap off the scoring, giving Team USA an 11-0 lead.
• Panama got onto the board in the bottom of the second with a solo home run to come within 10 at 11-1, Team USA.
• Two RBI-singles and a wild pitch gave Panama two more in the bottom of the third to cut Team USA’s lead down to single digits at 11-4.
• Early extended the stars and stripes’ lead in the top of the fourth with his second home run, making the score 12-4.
• In the bottom of the fourth, Panama capitalized on errors from Team USA to plate four and bring the score to 12-8.
• Henriquez responded in the top of the fifth, scoring Bryant Ju on a sacrifice fly to make the Team USA lead 13-8.
• The U.S. broke things open again in the top of the sixth as Greyson Wuis hit a 3-run home run and Ju followed with a 2-run home run for a five-run inning. Team USA took an 18-8 lead into the bottom of the sixth and closed out the game.

NOTABLE:

• Five different players for Team USA had multi-hit performances: Early (4), Henry (3), Targac (3), Johnson (2), and Knight (2).
• With the win, Miller moved to 2-0 and lowered his ERA to 0.75.
• Six different players for Team USA hit at least one home run.
• Team USA has now won three of its four games by double-digits.

ON DECK

Team USA will face the Dominican Republic on Wednesday morning in the next game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 10:00 a.m. local/12:00 p.m. ET at Estadio Ferrocarrilero. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Due to a lighting outage on Monday night, Team USA's game vs. Mexico at the World Baseball Softball Classic (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier was suspended in the third inning with the U.S. leading 5-0. The game is scheduled to be resumed on Friday, May 26, at 2:00 p.m. CST/4:00 p.m. ET at Estadio Ferrocarrilero.

Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative Stats

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (3-0) continued its strong start in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes, Mexico, by defeating Cuba (1-2), 14-4, on Sunday evening to remain undefeated.

Zaylon Johnson and Greyson Wuis led the way offensively for the stars and stripes, while Jacob Miller shined on the mound. Johnson went 2-for-3 with two home runs, two RBIs and four runs scored, while Wuis added a team-high three RBIs on 2-for-3 hitting with a walk and three runs scored. Miller (1-0) worked 3.1 innings in relief, striking out four while giving up one run.

The 12U National Team international competition win streak extended to 15, dating back to 2019 with the victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Tyler Early got things going for Team USA, sending the second pitch of the game over the right field wall.
• Cuba answered in the bottom of the second by scoring on a wild pitch and a bases-loaded walk. Miller came on in relief and worked out of a bases-loaded jam to keep the score 2-1, Cuba.
• Johnson quickly tied the game at 2-2 with a solo home run in the top of the second.
• Team USA added three more in the top of the third, taking its first lead of the game at 5-2 thanks to a Leyland Henry home run, a Bryant Ju RBI, and Johnson’s second home run in as many innings.
• The red, white, and blue kept things going in the fourth with a sacrifice fly from Ju, an RBI-single from Wuis, a Cuba error, and a Jett Schoolcraft RBI-single, extending its lead to 9-3.
• Team USA took advantage of a few more Cuba miscues in the fifth, plating two on a throwing error and one on a wild pitch. Wuis capped off the five-run inning with a home run to deep right field, scoring Boston Targac, putting the U.S. up by double-digits, 14-3.
• Cuba’s comeback attempt fell short in the bottom of the fifth, scoring only one run via an RBI groundout, to end the game at 14-4.

NOTABLE:

• Team USA has now scored in every inning (15) of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier.
• With the two-hit performance, Henry is now 4-for-5 in the event with three home runs, six RBIs, four walks, and three hit-by-pitches.
• Miller earned the win with 3.1 innings of relief, striking out four. He now leads the Americas Qualifier in strikeouts with seven.
• Henry, Johnson, Targac, and Wuis all recorded two hits on the day.

ON DECK

Team USA will face undefeated host Mexico under the lights on Monday in the next game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 8:30 p.m. local/10:30 p.m. ET at Estadio Ferrocarrilero. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative Stats

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (2-0) came out victorious, 25-24, over Venezuela (1-1) in the highest scoring game in 12U National Team history in its second game of the World Baseball Softball Classic (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The U.S. hit eight home runs in the win, with the final one coming as a walk-off from Boston Targac. Targac was second on the team in RBIs, trailing only Maddox McBryde who had seven on 2-for-2 hitting with two home runs and a walk.

The back-and-forth game featured seven lead changes and a total of 15 home runs. The win was the 14th consecutive victory for the 12U National Team in international competition, dating back to 2019.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Venezuela used walks and singles to jump out to an early 4-0 lead to start off the game.
• Team USA didn’t stay down long as a bases-loaded walk was followed by a McBryde grand slam. Bryant Ju stepped in to face a new pitcher for Venezuela and launched a home run of his own to put the U.S. ahead, 6-4.
• Three Venezuela home runs gave the away team a 10-6 lead in the top of the second.
• McBryde responded in the bottom of the frame with his second home run, scoring Leyland Henry and Michael Ohman. Greyson Wuis sent a sacrifice fly to center to tie things up at 10-10.
• The lead and momentum swung back to Venezuela when two bases-loaded walks were followed by a grand slam and a two-run home run to make the score 18-10 in the third.
• Henry kept the hit party going, launching a home run to dead center to score Tyler Early. With the bases load, Zaylon Johnson drew a walk to plate another run. Wuis followed by hitting what was initially a grand slam, however, after an appeal that he did not step on home plate was upheld, he was credited with a triple and called out. Team USA trailed 18-16 heading into the fourth inning.
• The top of the fourth was the only scoreless frame in the game as Johnson locked down Venezuela.
• Jett Schoolcraft brought the score within one in the bottom of the inning with an RBI ground rule double. With Henry on third and Schoolcraft on second, Ty Glaus hammered a ball to deep right field, giving the U.S. a 20-18 lead.
• A home run and a fielder’s choice from Venezuela in the fifth inning tied the game once again at 20-20.
• Ryder Serna picked up where he left off the day before, sending a ball to deep left field for a 2-run home run to give the stars and stripes the lead once again at 22-20.
• With the game on the line in the top of the sixth, Venezuela answered with four runs to take a 24-22 lead into the last half inning.
• After Ju reached base safely, Johnson brought him home with a game-tying two-run home run. Targac stepped to the plate and ended the game with a walk-off home run to left center field.

NOTABLE:

• Eleven different players for Team USA recorded at least one hit.
• McBryde led the team with seven RBIs and added three runs scored.
• Johnson made an impact on both sides of the dish, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs to go along with 2.2 innings pitched and five strikeouts.
• Johnson (3), Targac (3), Serna (2), McBryde (2), and Wuis (2) all had multi-hit days for Team USA.
• Early (1-0) was credited with the win after using only two pitches to escape a jam in the top of the sixth.

ON DECK

Team USA will face Cuba in the next game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. local/5:00 p.m. ET at Estadio Ferrocarrilero. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

Box Score | Plays | Cumulative Stats

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico – Team USA (1-0) launched five home runs and threw a collective no-hitter on the way to a 16-1 victory over Brazil (0-1) in its opening game of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Four different players had a multi-RBI performance with Ryder Serna going 2-for-2 with two home runs and five RBIs to lead the way.

The victory kicked off a stretch of seven games in as many days in the opening round of the Americas Qualifier. Additionally, the result marked the 13th consecutive win for the 12U National Team in international competition, dating back to 2019.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The red, white, and blue started the game with seven runs in the bottom of the first. Leyland Henry launched a home run to left field to plate the first three and two Brazil errors followed to make the lead 5-0. Serna plated Boston Targac with his first home run of the day to close out the inning.
• Maddox McBryde kept the momentum going in the bottom of the second, sending a ball over the left field fence to plate Henry. Serna followed suit with his second home run of the day, scoring three to make things 12-0 in favor of the U.S.
• Despite Team USA throwing a combined no-hitter, Brazil was able to plate a run after a walk, balk, and wild pitch in the top of the third.
• The stars and stripes quickly responded with three more runs in the bottom of the frame, this time thanks to a Nathan Handley-White three-run home run to make things 15-1.
• After a quick shut down top of the fourth, the U.S. only needed one run to end the game via run-rule. Colton Byrnes started the inning off with a single, and scored the winning run on an error two batters later.

NOTABLE:

• Team USA recorded five home runs that came from: Henry, Serna (2), Maddox, and Handley-White.
• The pitching trio of Jacob Miller, Cooper Knight, and Michael Ohman combined for eight strikeouts and no hits while allowing just one run.
• Ohman (1-0) was credited with the win after pitching one inning and striking out three on 11 pitches.

ON DECK

Team USA will face Venezuela in the next game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. local/5:00 p.m. ET at Cecadi, Ojocaliente. Stay tuned to @USABaseball12U on Twitter for the most up-to-date news about the 2023 12U National Team.

FLOWER MOUND, Texas – USA Baseball today finalized the 12U National Team roster that will compete in the upcoming World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. The final 18-man roster was selected following three days of Training Camp and will travel to Aguascalientes, Mexico, to participate in the nine-team tournament from May 19-28.

With a top-four finish in the qualifier, Team USA would secure its spot in this summer’s WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup from July 28-August 6 in Tainan, Taiwan. The U.S. is currently the defending world champion after winning gold at last summer’s tournament with an unbeaten 9-0 record.

“All twenty-four athletes who competed at Training Camp displayed great talent and character,” said 12U National Team Manager David Sharp. “Deciding a final roster is always a difficult task, but we feel that the eighteen athletes who we have selected to travel to Mexico will represent the United States well both on and off the field. We look forward to competing against some of the best baseball nations in the world, starting on Friday against Colombia.”

The 18-man roster announcement comes after three days of Training Camp in Flower Mound, Texas. During Training Camp, players competed in intrasquad games, on-field workouts, and more, giving the coaching staff ample opportunity to evaluate the athletes in game situations.

Seven players on the roster were originally identified at the 2022 National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina. Colton Byrnes, Tyler Early, Kingston George, Omar Henriquez, Michael Ohman, Jett Schoolcraft, and Ryder Serna all came through USA Baseball’s NTIS, which is the organization’s most comprehensive player identification process spanning all six regions of the United States.

In addition, seven different states are represented on the 18-man roster. California leads all states with seven representatives on the team, while Texas follows with five.

Three-time Team USA coach and world champion manager David Sharp will lead the 12U National Team at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. Sharp is making his second appearance on staff as manager after he led the stars and stripes to a gold medal at the 2017 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. Sharp–who was named the 2017 USA Baseball Developmental Coach of the Year following the 12U National Team’s gold-medal run–also served as an assistant for the program in 2015 and 2016. The former Huntsville High School (Huntsville, Ala.) Head Coach is currently the Deep South Supervisor for Prep Baseball Report Alabama.

Sharp will be assisted by three coaches with extensive experience. Pitching coach Jason Sekany is making his fifth appearance on a 12U National Team staff and has had extreme success with the U.S., helping guide the program to three gold medals. Longtime Team USA coach Lunch McKenzie and legendary Alabama high school coach Roger Wright round out the Team USA coaching staff as assistant coaches. McKenzie has been a mainstay in USA Baseball programming over the past 20 years, including a successful stint as the 16U National Team manager in 1998. Wright makes his Team USA coaching debut after over two decades at the helm at Buckhorn High School (New Market, Ala.).

The 12U National Team has won five gold medals in international competition, most recently winning gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in 2022. Additionally, the U.S. has medaled in all three WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifiers it has competed in, earning silver medals in 2014 and 2016 before capturing gold in 2018. Overall, the 12U National Team owns a 23-4 all-time record at WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

The U.S. begins play at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier on Friday, May 19, against Colombia. First pitch is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET, with all games streaming live on YouTube. Team USA’s schedule can be found here.

For the most up-to-date information on the 12U National Team, visit USABaseball.com or follow @USABaseball and @USABaseball12U on Twitter.

2023 12U National Team Roster

(Name; Position; Hometown)

• Colton Byrnes; INF/C/RHP; Truckee, Calif.
• Tyler Early; INF/LHP; Ferriday, La.
• Kingston George; OF/RHP; Gunter, Texas
• Ty Glaus; INF; Del Mar, Calif.
• Nathan Handley-White; RHP/INF; Bradenton, Fla.
• Omar Henriquez; INF; New Milford, N.J.
• Leyland Henry; INF; Houston, Texas
• Zaylon Johnson; INF/RHP; Stonewall, La.
• Bryant Ju; C/INF; Cerritos, Calif.
• Cooper Knight; OF/LHP; Buda, Texas
• Jesse Maddox; LHP/OF; San Diego, Calif.
• Maddox McBryde; RHP/C; Tomball, Texas
• Jacob Miller; RHP/INF; Temecula, Calif.
• Michael Ohman; LHP; South San Francisco, Calif.
• Jett Schoolcraft; OF/LHP; Beaverton, Ore.
• Ryder Serna; INF; Redlands, Calif.
• Boston Targac; C/INF; Flatonia, Texas
• Greyson Wuis; INF; Kalamazoo, Mich.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today named the 24-man roster for the 2023 12U National Team Training Camp, which will take place from May 13-15 in Flower Mound, Texas. Following the conclusion of Training Camp, the final 18-man roster will travel to Aguascalientes, Mexico, for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier from May 19-28.

The 12U National Team Training Camp will feature three days of intrasquad games, on-field workouts, and more. The final 18-man roster will then go to Mexico, where a top-four finish would secure Team USA’s spot in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup from July 28-August 6 in Tainan, Taiwan.

“We feel confident that the Training Camp roster we have assembled is full of high-character and talented individuals,” said Cole Beeker, USA Baseball’s 12U National Team Director. “Our coaching staff has done extensive work to find the best twenty-four players to compete for a spot on the final roster, and we are excited to get on the field on May 13 to begin preparing to represent the United States in Mexico.”

The 24-man Training Camp roster features 11 players who participated in the 2022 11U National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina. The NTIS is the most comprehensive player identification program offered by USA Baseball, utilizing a six-region system to find the best amateur players throughout the nation. Five players on the Training Camp roster participated for the Northwest region at the 2022 NTIS, the most representatives from a single region on the roster.

Overall, eight states are represented on the 12U National Team Training Camp roster. California boasts 10 players on the roster to lead all states, followed by Texas’ five representatives.

David Sharp will lead Team USA at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, marking his second stint as manager and fourth overall appearance on staff. Sharp led the 12U National Team to a gold medal at the 2017 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup as manager after helping guide the U.S. to a gold medal two years prior as an assistant coach. Currently the Deep South Supervisor for Prep Baseball Report (PBR) Alabama, Sharp spent six seasons as the head coach at Huntsville High School (Huntsville, Ala.). He is joined on staff by longtime U.S. coach Lunch McKenzie, four-time assistant Jason Sekany, and Alabama high school coaching legend Roger Wright.

The 12U National Team has won five gold medals in international competition, most recently winning gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in 2022. Additionally, the U.S. has medaled in all three WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifiers it has competed in, earning silver medals in 2014 and 2016 before capturing gold in 2018. Overall, the 12U National Team owns a 23-4 all-time record at WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

Click here to view the schedule for the 12U National Team program in 2023, including Training Camp and the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier.

For the most up-to-date information on the 12U National Team, visit USABaseball.com and follow @USABaseball and @USABaseball12U on Twitter.

2023 12U National Team Training Camp Roster:

(Name; Position; Hometown)

• *Colton Byrnes; INF/C/RHP; Truckee, Calif.
• *Tyler Early; INF/LHP; Ferriday, La.
• *Kingston George; OF/RHP; Gunter, Texas
• Ty Glaus; INF; Del Mar, Calif.
• *Adam Gonzalez; INF/RHP; Canyon Country, Calif.
• Nathan Handley-White; RHP/INF; Bradenton, Fla.
• *Omar Henriquez; INF; New Milford, N.J.
• Leyland Henry; INF; Houston, Texas
• Zaylon Johnson; INF/RHP; Stonewall, La.
• Bryan Johnson Jr.; RHP/INF; Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Bryant Ju; C/INF; Cerritos, Calif.
• Cooper Knight; OF/LHP; Buda, Texas
• Jesse Maddox; LHP/OF; San Diego, Calif.
• *Uriyeh "Ozzee" Marguth; INF/OF; Gresham, Ore.
• Maddox McBryde; RHP/C; Tomball, Texas
• Jacob Miller; RHP/INF; Temecula, Calif.
• *Jaylen O'Bannon; RHP; South San Francisco, Calif.
• *Michael Ohman; LHP; South San Francisco, Calif.
• *Jett Schoolcraft; OF/LHP; Beaverton, Ore.
• *Ryder Serna; INF; Redlands, Calif.
• Brandon Sweeney; INF/C; Menlo Park, Calif.
• Boston Targac; C/INF; Flatonia, Texas
• *Jon Robert "JR" Waddell; INF/OF; Shreveport, La.
• Greyson Wuis; INF; Kalamazoo, Mich.

*denotes NTIS Champions Cup participant

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today named the coaching staff for the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, highlighted by appointing three-time Team USA coach David Sharp as manager. Sharp, who has previously won two gold medals on the staff, returns for his second tenure as manager after leading the U.S. to a world championship in 2017. Joining him on the coaching staff is longtime Team USA coach Mark “Lunch” McKenzie, four-time assistant Jason Sekany, and ABCA Hall of Famer Roger Wright.

The staff will lead Team USA at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier from May 19-28 in Aguascalientes, Mexico. The defending world champion United States will look to secure its spot in the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, which will take place in Tainan, Taiwan, from July 28-August 6.

“We are extremely excited about the staff we have put together for the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier,” said Cole Beeker, USA Baseball’s 12U National Team Director. “David Sharp has successfully led the 12U National Team to a world title, while Lunch McKenzie, Jason Sekany, and Roger Wright have all accomplished great things in baseball. We could not be more confident that our staff will provide unparalleled leadership in our pursuit of a gold medal next month.”

"Putting that jersey on with USA across the front is the highest honor on the baseball field,” said Sharp. “We have assembled top-notch assistant coaches and even higher quality men. The group has plenty of experience, and we look forward to welcoming a new face to the USA Baseball family. The staff does not take the job lightly and will work diligently to put the best product on the field while helping these young players learn the 'USA Way’ on our upcoming journey."

A three-time Team USA coach and a world champion manager, Sharp brings a bevy of international coaching experience to his second stint as manager. Sharp was on staff for three consecutive summers from 2015-2017, winning a gold medal at the 2015 and 2017 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cups as the assistant coach and manager, respectively. Following a strong tournament performance in which the U.S. went 8-1 and beat host Chinese Taipei in the title game, Sharp was named the 2017 USA Baseball Developmental Coach of the Year. Sharp also served as an assistant for the U.S. in 2016, helping to guide the team to a silver medal at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier.

Sharp speaks to the 12U National Team in 2017, his first stint as manager

Sharp is the Deep South Supervisor for Prep Baseball Report (PBR) Alabama. Before joining PBR, Sharp spent six seasons as the head coach at Huntsville High School (Huntsville, Ala.), where he led the Panthers to six straight playoff appearances during his time, highlighted by four 7A Area Championship titles and an appearance in the 2014 USA Baseball National High School Invitational (NHSI). Prior to becoming the head coach at Huntsville, Sharp spent nine years as an assistant on the staff and was honored as the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Assistant Coach of the Year in 2010.

A former member of the USA Baseball National Board of Coaching Education, McKenzie will make his fourth appearance on a national team coaching staff and first since 2008. A mainstay with USA Baseball national teams and events for over 20 years, he made his international coaching debut in 1997 with the 16U National Team. McKenzie took over as manager of the program the following summer and led the stars and stripes to a perfect 8-0 record and a gold medal at the 1998 IBAF World Youth Championships. Thanks to Team USA’s efforts that summer, the 16U National Team earned the USA Baseball Team of the Year award and McKenzie was named the USA Baseball Developmental Coach of the Year.

In addition to his USA Baseball experience, McKenzie was the head coach at Concordia University, St. Paul for 20 years and is the program’s all-time wins leader. He led the Golden Bears to the NCAA Central Region Tournament for the first time in program history in 2008 and compiled a 456-361-1 overall record.

McKenzie instructs at the 2022 Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League in Cary, North Carolina

A four-time 12U National Team coach, Sekany returns as pitching coach looking for a fourth gold medal in 2023. He debuted as an assistant in 2013 and returned in 2015, helping the U.S. to two world championships at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. Under Sekany’s watch, the U.S. had a 1.66 ERA and a 2.31 ERA in 2013 and 2015, respectively. He returned as pitching coach in 2018 as the U.S. staff turned in a 1.35 ERA–its second lowest in program history–en route to a gold medal at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Aguascalientes, Mexico. His most recent stint with the red, white, and blue was in 2019 when the pitching staff posted a .182 batting average against at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.

Sekany pitched at the University of Virginia before being drafted in the second round of the 1996 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He played three years in Triple-A and spent parts of the 2000 and 2001 seasons on Boston’s big-league roster. Sekany is currently the Northwest Regional Director for the USA Baseball NTIS. Additionally, he is an assistant coach at Granada High School (Livermore, Calif.) and is the founder and lead pitching instructor at TPC Baseball and The Pitching Center in Livermore, California.

Wright will make his Team USA coaching debut in May, bringing with him years of experience at the high school and collegiate levels of baseball. Wright was the head coach at Buckhorn High School (New Market, Ala.) for over two decades, taking over the program in 1997 and concluding his time with the Bucks in 2019. He amassed 453 wins at Buckhorn and led the Bucks to a combined 14 Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state playoff appearances, including eight at the 5A level and six at the 6A level. In addition, Wright spent two seasons as the pitching coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) from 2015-2016 before returning for one more season following his retirement from Buckhorn in 2019. At UAH in 2020, he helped lead the Chargers to an NCAA South Regional appearance.

Wright was named the Huntsville Metro Coach of the Year five times and, after over 20 years of service to baseball in the state of Alabama, was inducted into the Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016 and the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2022. Additionally, his son, Kyle, played for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team in 2016 and is currently a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

12U National Team Training Camp will take place from May 13-15 in Flower Mound, Texas, featuring three days of intrasquad games, on-field workouts, and more. The final 18-man national team roster will be announced on May 15.

The 12U National Team has won five gold medals in international competition, most recently winning gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in 2022. Additionally, the U.S. has medaled in all three WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifiers it has competed in, earning silver medals in 2014 and 2016 before capturing gold in 2018. Overall, the 12U National Team owns a 23-4 all-time record at WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

The schedule for the 2023 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier will be announced at a later date.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball announced today that 156 alumni kicked off the 2023 Major League Baseball season on Opening Day rosters. In addition, all 30 Major League Clubs feature at least two former USA Baseball national team members to begin the season.

The New York Mets lead all clubs with 11 former Team USA members, while the Philadelphia Phillies have the second-most on their roster with nine. The Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals have eight each on their roster, and seven alums are with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, and San Diego Padres.

In total, 23 of the 30 Clubs feature four or more players who suited up for the red, white, and blue in international competition.

Three alums were named as the Opening Day starting pitchers for their respective clubs: Miles Mikolas (St. Louis Cardinals), Max Scherzer (New York Mets), and Marcus Stroman (Chicago Cubs). Mikolas most recently won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he surrendered one earned run in a combined six innings out of the bullpen.

Brice Turang (Milwaukee Brewers) and Blake Sabol (San Francisco Giants) debuted on an MLB roster to begin the 2023 season; meanwhile, reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander is in his 18th season in the big leagues and reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt began his 11th season in the MLB on Friday.

Eight alums are managing around the league, including Aaron Boone (New York Yankees), Terry Francona (Cleveland Guardians), Joe Girardi (Philadelphia Phillies), AJ Hinch (Detroit Tigers), Mark Kotsay (Oakland Athletics), Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers), David Ross (Chicago Cubs), and Scott Servais (Seattle Mariners). Francona is the only alum managing an MLB team that has played and coached for a USA Baseball national team.

Additionally, five USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award winners find themselves on an opening day roster, including a pair of Chicago White Sox teammates in Andrew Benintendi and Andrew Vaughn, as well as Kris Bryant (Colorado Rockies), Kyle Lewis(Seattle Mariners), and Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles).

The complete list of USA Baseball alumni on Opening Day rosters is as follows:

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Corbin Carroll – 2018 18U
• Zach Davies – 2007 14U
• Merrill Kelly – 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Evan Longoria – 2007 Professional; 2009 World Baseball Classic
• Jake McCarthy – 2017 Collegiate
• Scott McGough – 2010 Collegiate; 2021 Olympics
• Alek Thomas – 2017 18U

Atlanta Braves

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

Baltimore Orioles

• Adam Frazier - 2012 Collegiate; 2015 Professional
• Kyle Gibson - 2008 Collegiate
• Cole Irvin - 2011 18U
• Cedric Mullins - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Adley Rutschman - 2018 Collegiate

Boston Red Sox

• Triston Casas - 2015 15U; 2016 & 2017 18U; 2021 Olympics
• Tanner Houck - 2015 & 2016 Collegiate; 2019 Professional
• Reese McGuire - 2012 18U
• Robert Refsnyder - 2007 16U

Chicago Cubs

• Nico Hoerner - 2011 14U; 2012 15U
• Eric Hosmer - 2007 18U; 2010 Professional; 2013 & 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Nick Madrigal - 2011 14U; 2012 15U; 2014 18U; 2017 Collegiate
• Drew Smyly – 2011 Professional; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Marcus Stroman - 2011 Collegiate; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Dansby Swanson - 2014 Collegiate
• Jameson Taillon - 2009 18U
• Keegan Thompson - 2011 16U; 2012 18U

Chicago White Sox

• Tim Anderson - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Yasmani Grandal - 2009 Collegiate
• Kendall Graveman - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Joe Kelly - 2007 Collegiate
• Lance Lynn - 2007 Collegiate; 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Andrew Vaughn - 2013 15U; 2017 & 2018 Collegiate; 2019 Professional

Cincinnati Reds - 3

• Will Benson - 2015 18U
• TJ Friedl - 2016 Collegiate
• Hunter Greene - 2014 15U; 2015 & 2016 18U

Cleveland Guardians

• Hunter Gaddis - 2017 Collegiate
• Cam Gallagher - 2015 Professional

Colorado Rockies

• Daniel Bard - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Kris Bryant - 2012 Collegiate
• Kyle Freeland - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Mike Moustakas - 2006 18U; 2010 Professional

Detroit Tigers

• Riley Greene - 2017 18U
• Alex Lange - 2016 Collegiate
• Austin Meadows - 2011 16U
• Spencer Torkelson - 2018 & 2019 Collegiate

Houston Astros

• Alex Bregman - 2010 16U; 2011 18U; 2013 & 2014 Collegiate; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Ryan Pressly - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Ryne Stanek - 2011 & 2012 Collegiate
• Kyle Tucker - 2012 15U; 2023 World Baseball Classic

Kansas City Royals

• Jackie Bradley Jr. - 2010 Collegiate
• MJ Melendez - 2016 18U
• Brady Singer - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Bobby Witt Jr. - 2018 18U; 2023 World Baseball Classic

Los Angeles Angels

• Tyler Anderson - 2010 Collegiate
• Reid Detmers - 2019 Collegiate
• Brett Phillips - 2015 Professional
• Anthony Rendon - 2010 Collegiate
• Matt Thaiss - 2015 Collegiate
• Mike Trout - 2010 Professional; 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Taylor Ward - 2014 Collegiate

Los Angeles Dodgers

• Mookie Betts - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Freddie Freeman - 2005 16U; 2006 18U
• Clayton Kershaw - 2005 18U
• Will Smith - 2023 World Baseball Classic

Miami Marlins

• Braxton Garrett - 2015 18U
• A.J. Puk - 2015 Collegiate

Milwaukee Brewers

• Matt Bush - 2002 16U; 2003 18U
• Hoby Milner - 2011 Collegiate
• Garrett Mitchell - 2019 Collegiate
• Brice Turang - 2014 15U; 2016 & 2017 18U
• Devin Williams - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Jesse Winker - 2011 18U
• Christian Yelich - 2017 World Baseball Classic

Minnesota Twins

• Kyle Farmer - 2012 Collegiate
• Joey Gallo - 2011 18U
• Sonny Gray - 2009 & 2010 Collegiate
• Joe Ryan - 2021 Olympics
• Cole Sands - 2012 15U; 2016 Collegiate
• Caleb Thielbar - 2019 Professional

New York Mets

• Pete Alonso - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Tommy Hunter - 2006 Collegiate
• Francisco Lindor - 2009 16U; 2010 18U
• Jeff McNeil - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Stephen Nogosek - 2009 14U; 2015 Collegiate
• Adam Ottavino - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• David Peterson - 2016 Collegiate
• Brooks Raley - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• David Robertson - 2017 World Baseball Classic; 2021 Olympics
• Max Scherzer - 2005 Collegiate
• Justin Verlander - 2003 Collegiate

New York Yankees

• Kyle Higashioka - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Giancarlo Stanton – 2013 & 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Jose Trevino - 2012 Collegiate
• Anthony Volpe - 2013 12U; 2016 15U; 2018 18U

Oakland Athletics

• Nick Allen - 2013 15U; 2016 18U; 2021 Olympics
• Zach Jackson - 2015 Collegiate
• Shea Langeliers - 2018 Collegiate
• Brent Rooker - 2019 Professional

Philadelphia Phillies

• Alec Bohm - 2019 Professional
• Nick Castellanos - 2009 18U
• Dalton Guthrie - 2016 Collegiate
• Josh Harrison - 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Craig Kimbrel - 2013 World Baseball Classic
• JT Realmuto - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Kyle Schwarber - 2013 Collegiate; 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Bryson Stott - 2018 Collegiate
• Trea Turner - 2012 & 2013 Collegiate; 2023 World Baseball Classic

Pittsburgh Pirates

• David Bednar - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Chase De Jong - 2011 18U
• Ke'Bryan Hayes - 2014 18U
• Andrew McCutchen - 2004 18U; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Bryan Reynolds - 2014 Collegiate

San Diego Padres

• Jake Cronenworth - 2019 Professional
• David Dahl - 2011! 18U
• Trenton Grisham - 2014! 18U
• Josh Hader - 2015 Professional
• Nick Martinez - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Michael Wacha - 2011 Collegiate
• Ryan Weathers - 2017! 18U

San Francisco Giants

• Michael Conforto - 2012 & 2013 Collegiate
• Brandon Crawford - 2006 Collegiate; 2017 World Baseball Classic
• Blake Sabol - 2013 15U

Seattle Mariners

• JP Crawford - 2009 14U
• Marco Gonzales - 2012 Collegiate
• Jarred Kelenic - 2016 & 2017 18U
• Penn Murfee - 2019 Professional
• AJ Pollock - 2011 Professional
• Robbie Ray - 2009 18U
• Paul Sewald - 2015 Professional
• Kolten Wong - 2009 Collegiate

St. Louis Cardinals

• Nolan Arenado - 2017 & 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Alec Burleson - 2019 Collegiate
• Jack Flaherty - 2013 18U
• Paul Goldschmidt - 2017 & 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Nolan Gorman - 2017 18U
• Miles Mikolas - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Andre Pallante - 2018 Collegiate
• Zack Thompson - 2018 Collegiate

Tampa Bay Rays

• Jason Adam - 2023 World Baseball Classic
• Zach Eflin - 2015 Professional
• Taylor Walls - 2016 Collegiate

Texas Rangers

• Robbie Grossman - 2007 18U
• Travis Jankowski - 2015 Professional
• Josh Jung - 2018 Collegiate
• Ian Kennedy - 2002 18U; 2004 & 2005 Collegiate
• Brad Miller - 2009 & 2010 Collegiate
• Corey Seager - 2010 16U

Toronto Blue Jays

• Cavan Biggio - 2012 18U
• Matt Chapman - 2013 Collegiate
• Kevin Gausman - 2009 18U; 2011 Collegiate
• George Springer - 2010 Collegiate
• Dalton Varsho - 2019 Professional

Washington Nationals

• CJ Abrams - 2018 18U
• Mason Thompson - 2013 15U
• Trevor Williams - 2012 Collegiate

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball and USA Baseball Sports Properties within LEARFIELD today announced an exclusive multi-year relationship with Chinook Seedery to become the Official Sunflower Seed Supplier for the organization. Through this relationship, Chinook Seedery will supply sunflower seeds for all USA Baseball national team and national team development programs.

Additionally, Chinook Seedery will also supply promotional items to USA Baseball for its foul ball program. Beginning in 2023, fans will receive a complimentary pack of sunflower seeds when they return a foul ball during USA Baseball events at the National Training Complex.

"USA Baseball is pleased to name Chinook Seedery the Official Sunflower Seed Supplier for the organization,” said USA Baseball Chief Operating Officer David Perkins. “Chinook Seedery produces a flavorful variety of healthy snacks that will help fuel USA Baseball national team and national team development program athletes. We appreciate their support and look forward to collaborating with them to develop future sunflower seed flavors.”

"Few things are more Americana than baseball and sunflower seeds. Chinook's partnership with USA Baseball is a natural fit that is only bolstered by our recent flavor collaboration with Team USA alum Bobby Witt Jr. We could not be more excited to bring the 'best seeds ever' to the best ballplayers in our great country," said Chinook Seedery Founder Mark Pettyjohn.

Launched in 2020, USA Baseball Sports Properties within LEARFIELD is dedicated to representing USA Baseball by developing and managing sponsor relationships with brands looking to align with USA Baseball and its events and programming.

About Chinook Seedery

Based in Austin, Texas, Chinook Seedery is the country's fastest-growing sunflower seed brand, providing a "better-for-you option" that is lower in sodium, non-GMO certified, gluten-free, and Keto friendly. Chinook combines a unique small-batch process with the largest, most premium seeds grown in the US, resulting in the "best seeds ever.” For more information or to try the product, visit http://www.chinookseedery.com, or follow us on Instagram (@chinookseedery), Facebook (@chinookseedery), and Twitter (@chinookseedery).

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today announced organizational changes and a series of promotions and title changes, including the appointment of Ashley Bratcher as General Manager of National Teams and Eric Campbell as the General Manager of Collegiate and Professional National Teams.

Bratcher has served multiple critical roles in the organization since 2009 and will now oversee and support all three youth national team programs, the Women's National Team program, national team and athlete development programs, and national team identification events. Additionally, Campbell will continue to lead the Collegiate and Professional National Team programs.

"USA Baseball has grown tremendously over the past few years, and we are happy to announce several changes and promotions within our organization," said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. "The changes showcase the organization's growth as the national governing body for baseball in the United States. Notably, we are thrilled to elevate Ashley Bratcher to General Manager of National Teams. Ashley's outstanding leadership and wealth of experience will continue to impact our organization and the amateur baseball landscape significantly and profoundly."

USA Baseball also announced three additional promotions in the Baseball Operations department. First, Brett Curll will lead the defending world champion 18U National Team Program after serving in a support role with both gold-medal-winning 18U National Teams in 2022. Curll joined the organization in 2018 after spending seven years working in amateur baseball following his collegiate baseball career at the University of Maryland and Liberty University.

Ben Kelley is taking over the two-time defending world champion 15U National Team Program. Kelley joined the organization in 2017 and has helped manage facility operations at the USA Baseball National Training Complex and run the National Team Championships in Arizona over the last five years. In addition, he oversaw the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program and supported several youth national team programs. Cole Beeker joined USA Baseball full-time in the fall and will serve as the program director for the defending world champion 12U National Team. Beeker was an intern for the 18U National Team in 2021 and, most recently, was an amateur scouting assistant for the Detroit Tigers.

An additional change made within the Baseball Operations department is Director of Player Development Jim Koerner will now be responsible for guiding the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP). Koerner, who spent 20 years coaching at the collegiate level, joined USA Baseball full-time in 2021 and will simultaneously continue on as the Field Coordinator for the MLB/USA Baseball Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League as well.

The organization also made several changes within the Communications–formerly Media Relations–and Creative Services teams. Josh Spitz, who joined the organization in 2021 following four years working in the Athletic Communications office at Stony Brook University, was promoted to Assistant Director of Communications. Additionally, Mark Jenkins is the newest Director of Creative Services, and Kevin Jones currently serves as the Director of Brand for the organization. Jenkins joined USA Baseball in 2021 following stops working in creative services for Memphis, Southern Methodist (SMU), and UL Lafayette football programs. Jones has been with USA Baseball since 2012, serving as both a video producer and graphic designer, and spent the last five years as the Director of Creative Services. In his new role, Jones will oversee and develop the identity of USA Baseball in an expanding digital landscape.

Lastly, Lisa Braxton will continue to oversee BASE (Baseball Athlete Safety Education) in her new role as Director of Athlete Safety, in addition to holding expanded responsibility with the entire USA Baseball athlete safety program. Braxton spent nearly a decade at soccer.com, managing team sales, marketing, and institutional and club business before joining the organization in 2021. She also worked for two years for the NCAA.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today named its annual organizational award winners, recognizing the top athletes, coaches, and performances from its 2022 USA Baseball national teams and development programs. 18U National Team member Bryce Eldridge is the Richard W. “Dick” Case Award winner, the fifth 18U National Team alumnus to earn athlete of the year honors since 2011. The award is given annually to USA Baseball’s top player in honor of the organization’s founding Executive Director and CEO.

The 18U National Team collected honors in three additional categories in 2022, boasting Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year Denny Hocking, International Performance of the Year winner Christian Rodriguez, and “Doc” Counsilman Science Award recipient Adam Moseley.

Seven-time Women’s National Team alumna Kelsie Whitmore is the 2022 Sportswoman of the Year, the 12U National Team earned Team of the Year honors, and Mike Bianco capped off an incredible 2022 by being named the USA Baseball College Coach of the Year.

The Developmental Coach of the Year Award went to 15U National Team Manager Drew Briese, and the Volunteer Coach of the Year honor went to André Butler. Rounding out the awards in 2022 is Coach Educator of the Year Bill Krejci, and Daisy Nelson, the organization’s Service Provider of the Year.

“It is our honor to recognize a group of talented people for their tremendous performances both on and off the field,” said USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO Paul Seiler. “2022 will go down as one of the most successful years in USA Baseball history. Our national teams combined to win four gold medals, three world championships, an international friendship series, and a bronze medal, and the efforts of this group of esteemed individuals were paramount to achieving such unrivaled success this year.”

The complete list of the 2022 USA Baseball organizational award winners is as follows:

• Richard W. “Dick” Case Award: Bryce Eldridge, 18U National Team
• Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year: Denny Hocking, 18U National Team
• Sportswoman of the Year: Kelsie Whitmore, Women’s National Team
• International Performance of the Year: Christian Rodriguez, 18U National Team
• Team of the Year: 12U National Team
• College Coach of the Year: Mike Bianco, Collegiate National Team
• Developmental Coach of the Year: Drew Briese, 15U National Team
• Volunteer Coach of the Year: André Butler
• Coach Educator of the Year: Bill Krejci
• “Doc” Councilman Science Award: Adam Moseley, 18U National Team
• Service Provider of the Year: Daisy Nelson

Bryce Eldridge earned Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year honors after putting together a dynamic performance at the plate and on the mound at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup. The two-way star was named Tournament MVP after batting .316 with three homers and 13 RBIs – both tournament highs – and going 1-0 with a spotless 0.00 ERA and one save in three appearances as a pitcher. The Vienna, Virginia, native picked up at least one hit in five of his seven games at the plate and allowed just one hit over three innings pitched. Eldridge delivered in a major way in the first and last games of the tournament, kicking off the World Cup with a grand slam as part of a five-RBI game to beat the Netherlands in the tournament opener. Then, after leading the U.S. offense throughout the tournament, Eldridge cranked a three-run blast in the top of the seventh of the gold medal game before getting the final three outs on the mound as Team USA beat Chinese Taipei to secure its ninth world championship.

Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year Denny Hocking led the U.S. to its ninth world championship at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, and followed that up by leading another 18U National Team to gold at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. Under his guidance in his Team USA managerial debut, the U.S. claimed a world title on its home soil. The 13-year MLB veteran pushed all the right buttons throughout the World Cup as the U.S. went 8-1 en route to a gold medal. Hocking demonstrated his leadership ability by guiding the U.S. to two wins on the final day. Team USA scored 68 runs – its most at a World Cup since 2015 – and struck out 73 batters to lead the tournament. With the gold medal victory over Chinese Taipei, the United States captured its fifth world title in the last six editions of the event. A second 18U National Team under the guidance of Hocking then traveled to Mexico to qualify for next year’s U-18 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan. Not only did the team qualify, but the U.S. left with a gold medal after outscoring its opponents 79-24, hitting .348, and tallying 10 home runs. In total, Hocking led the 18U National Team program to two gold medals and an overall 16-1 record in 2022.

Sportswoman of the Year Kelsie Whitmore made her seventh career appearance for the Women's National Team this past summer. She played a vital role in helping the stars and stripes clinch their friendship series against Canada in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Whitmore started all five games – two on the mound, one as the designated hitter, and two in the outfield – and tallied at least one hit in four games. In the series opener, Whitmore was lights out as she was a double short of the cycle, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs, while pitching 4.2 innings of shutout ball. She led all players in the series with seven runs, eight hits, 10 RBIs, and a 1.000 slugging percentage. Along with her accomplishments with Team USA, Whitmore made history this spring by becoming the first female to play baseball in a league affiliated with Major League Baseball, making her professional debut with the Staten Island FerryHawks on April 21. She made 39 appearances in her rookie season in the Atlantic League.

Trailing Japan 3-2 in the third inning with the bases loaded and no outs in a Super Round game that would send Team USA to the gold medal game with a win, a torrential downpour set the stage for what would become the 2022 USA Baseball International Performance of the Year. The 18U National Team called on Christian Rodriguez out of the bullpen for the restart the morning after. Rodriguez needed just 13 pitches to strike out the Japan side and strand his three inherited base runners to keep the game within one and the U.S. within striking distance of a berth in the final. He would follow his masterful third inning with four more shutout innings, striking out seven batters, before his teammates would rally for the 4-3 walk-off victory. Rodriguez's performance set the tone for Team USA on the final day of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup as the red, white, and blue capped off the event that afternoon with its ninth world championship following a 5-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the finale.

The 12U National Team traveled to Taiwan in August and returned home with its fourth world championship in program history, earning gold at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup and later being named the 2022 USA Baseball Team of the Year. Amidst strict Covid-19 protocols, the team was required to quarantine in its hotel for three days, but it was not enough to deter the red, white, and blue, as they took care of business by going a perfect 8-0 in tournament play and becoming the first team in 12U National Team history to go unbeaten at the World Cup. After posting four wins in the Opening Round, the U.S. opened the Super Round with a walk-off win over Mexico and a victory over Chinese Taipei before taking down Venezuela twice to claim the title. Team USA clubbed 27 home runs and outscored its opponents 99-31. Seven players for the gold-medal-winning squad earned spots on the All-World Team after the tournament, including Colin Anderson, who was named Tournament MVP. The U.S. now boasts four U-12 Baseball World Cup titles, the most in the world.

Ole Miss Head Coach and 2022 Collegiate National Team Manager Mike Bianco collected plenty of hardware in 2022 to earn USA Baseball College Coach of the Year honors. Bianco led Ole Miss to its first-ever national championship as the Rebels went the distance at the 2022 College World Series. After posting a 42-23 record in regular season play, his squad won the Coral Gables Regional and the Hattiesburg Super Regional before knocking off Oklahoma to win the national championship. Bianco then took the reins as manager of the Collegiate National Team and led the U.S. to a bronze medal at Honkbalweek in Haarlem, Netherlands. Competing against nations featuring numerous players with professional baseball experience, Team USA beat Japan in the bronze medal game, 5-1. The U.S. pitching staff posted a 0.70 ERA in the tournament, the lowest team ERA in Collegiate National Team history.

Developmental Coach of the Year Drew Briese made his managerial debut this past summer with the 15U National Team and led Team USA to its second-straight gold medal at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in Hermosillo, Mexico. Under his guidance, the squad posted an 8-1 record, highlighted by back-to-back wins over Cuba in the semifinal and gold-medal games, as Team USA outscored its opponents 99-30 in the tournament. Briese played an instrumental role in the development of the players with his wealth of knowledge and experience at the youth and collegiate levels of baseball, helping them to prepare for the next level of their careers.

André Butler's impact in four significant events and national team programs for USA Baseball this year led to him being named the Volunteer Coach of the Year. He was a member of the Task Force at the USA Baseball National Team Championships, aiding in identifying players for the National Team Development Programs (NTDP), and a coach at the 16U/17U NTDP, where he helped prepare those kids for a future national team opportunity. Butler was also on the coaching staff at the PDP League and the 18U National Team Training Camp, where he helped identify and develop a group of athletes that would go on to win the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in September - its ninth in program history. Additionally, eight members of the 16U/17U NTDP later went on to win a gold medal at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Mexico in November.

Coach Educator of the Year Bill Krejci has been involved with USA Baseball for nearly three decades as a coach and instructor for national teams and developmental programs, and most recently as a part of the Fun At Bat program. With the Fun At Bat program, he has impacted the growth of baseball among youth, serving as a lead instructor at numerous teacher training sessions and as a lead clinician at multiple USA Baseball Homegrown Clinics in 2022. Krejci spends his time with USA Baseball demonstrating the fundamentals of the game to physical education teachers from across the country, helping them implement it into their everyday curriculum. In 2022, his service to USA Baseball has reached more than 100 teachers and 50,000 students in eight school districts using Fun At Bat and over 200 kids who attended a Homegrown Clinic.

"Doc" Counsilman Award recipient Adam Moseley is one of the foremost leaders within the USA Baseball coaching community to use scientific data and state-of-the-art technology as part of his coaching. Under his guidance as the pitching coach for the 18U National Team at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, Moseley helped lead the U.S. to its ninth world championship thanks to his tireless work using analytical data and ball flight analysis. Not only did his commitment to data allow him to scout opponents in a tournament setting, but he was also able to utilize data from PDP Performance Assessments and Trackman to aid in identifying and selecting the roster for the 18U National Team. Team USA scored 68 runs – its most at a World Cup since 2015 – and struck out 73 batters to lead the tournament.

Daisy Nelson is an unsung hero for the tremendous success of USA Baseball and its many athletes. Nelson has been responsible for staffing and training certified athletic trainers for USA Baseball national teams, training camps, and identification events since 2016. Her contributions, and the extension of her work through USA Baseball's certified athletic trainers, contributed to an unprecedented run of success for the U.S. this year as the stars and stripes won four gold medals, three world championships, a friendship series, and a bronze medal in 2022.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today revealed the 72 athletes selected from the 2022 National Team Identification Series (NTIS) for its 2023 national team programming, following the conclusion of the NTIS Champions Cup, which was held from August 11-28 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. Selections were first announced on the USA Baseball NTIS Selection Show, which can be found on USABaseball.com and the organization’s YouTube channel, USABaseballTV.

Additionally, USA Baseball announced that the Southwest region won the 2022 NTIS Champions Cup for the fourth consecutive summer.

The NTIS is the most comprehensive player identification program offered by USA Baseball. Using a six-region system for the initial player identification process, the NTIS holds tryouts in each region of the country for players to be identified and selected for their regional teams, and invited to the NTIS Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina.

The NTIS Champions Cup consists of tournament-style play, with over 1,200 of the country’s top players competing in 144 games in addition to skill testing and on-field evaluations run by the USA Baseball Task Force and national team coaches.

“We are very excited to reveal the seventy-two athletes who have been selected out of the National Team Identification Series for next year’s national team programming,” said USA Baseball Assistant Director of Baseball Operations Ann Claire Roberson. “As always, the event was full of immense talent in every region and every age group, making the selection process a difficult one. We are eager to watch the selected players continue to grow within our programming and look forward to seeing their impact on the future of USA Baseball.”

Twelve athletes from each age group were invited to compete in the following year’s age-appropriate national team programming events, including 2023 12U National Team Training Camp, the 2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP), 2023 15U National Team Training Camp, and the 2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP).

In total, the 72 athletes selected represent twenty-two different states and all six regions from across the U.S.

The 2023 National Team Identification Series selections are as follows:

Name; Position; Hometown; Region

2023 12U National Team Training Camp invitees:
(from 11U NTIS)

• Colton Byrnes; INF/C; Truckee, Calif.; Northwest
• Tyler Early; INF/LHP; Alexandria, La.; South
• Kingston George; OF/RHP; Gunter, Texas; South
• Adam Gonzalez; RHP/INF; Canyon Country, Calif.; Southwest
• Paris Head; INF/RHP; Chicago, Ill.; Midwest
• Omar Henriquez; INF/OF; New Milford, N.J.; Northeast
• Uriyeh Marguth; INF/RHP; Gresham, Ore.; Northwest
• Jaylen OBannon; RHP/INF; Daly City, Calif.; Northwest
• Michael Ohman; LHP/INF; South San Francisco, Calif.; Northwest
• Jett Schoolcraft; OF/LHP; Aloha, Ore.; Northwest
• Ryder Serna; INF/OF; San Bernardino, Calif.; Southwest
• JR Waddell; INF/OF; Shreveport, La.; Southeast

2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program invitees:
(from 12U NTIS)

• Brooks Blanchard; RHP/INF; Greer, S.C.; Southeast
• Cameron Jamal Gibson; OF/LHP; Conway, Ark.; South
• Noah Jarolimek; INF/RHP; Duncan, S.C.; Southeast
• Cristian Matos; C/RHP; Belleville, N.J.; Northeast
• Carter Nash; OF/RHP; Moore, S.C.; Southeast
• Josiah Park; OF/RHP; Fullerton, Calif.; Southwest
• Caleb Polk; RHP/INF; Forney, Texas; South
• Jesse Romo; RHP/OF; Vacaville, Calif.; Northwest
• Eric Shim; INF; Temecula, Calif.; Southwest
• Cameron Small; RHP/INF; Wake Forest, N.C.; Southeast
• Nateo Victorio; INF/C; Suisun City, Calif.; Northwest
• Jett Wilson; INF/OF; Lindsay, Okla.; South

2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program invitees:
(from 13U NTIS)

• Jacob Carrasco; C/INF; Lancaster, Pa.; Northeast
• Noah Clark; INF/RHP; McLeansville, N.C.; Southeast
• Chase Cotton; RHP/INF; Lincoln, Calif.; Northwest
• Aiden DeLeon; OF/LHP; Victoria, Texas; South
• Orion Gonzalez; INF/RHP; Castaic, Calif.; Southwest
• Andrew Jimenez; INF/RHP; Wildomar, Calif.; Southwest
• Kegan Johnson; OF; Shelbyville, Tenn.; Southeast
• Owen Mescall; INF/OF; Irvine, Calif.; Southeast
• Josh Morgan; OF; Chicago, Ill.; Midwest
• Blake Ragsdale; INF/RHP; Burr Ridge, Ill.; Midwest
• Jael Santos; INF/RHP; Paterson, N.J.; Northeast
• Jacob Seamon; OF/RHP; Waxhaw, N.C.; Southeast

2023 15U National Team Training Camp invitees:
(from 14U NTIS)

• Michael Chin; C/OF; Houston, Texas; South
• Trey Ebel; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Southwest
• JT Girod; RHP/INF; Independence, Ore.; Northwest
• Braylon Kolish; RHP/OF; Henderson, Nev.; Southwest
• Jason Kruczek; RHP/OF; Alexandria, Va.; Northeast
• Carson Lane; C/RHP; Dandridge, Tenn.; Southeast
• Oliver Minyard; C/INF; Dallas, Texas; South
• Kaden Nicholls; INF/LHP; Grass Valley, Calif.; Northwest
• Kevin Roberts Jr.; INF/RHP; Meridian, Miss.; South
• Garner Rodriguez; INF/RHP; Nacogdoches, Texas; South
• Jack Smejkal; INF/RHP; The Woodlands, Texas; South
• Brandon Washington; RHP/INF; Stanley, N.C.; Southeast

2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program invitees:
(from 15U NTIS)

• Evan Amos; RHP/INF; Summerville, S.C.; Southeast
• Jack Boucher; OF/INF; Mission Viejo, Calif.; Southwest
• Thomas Brown; C/INF; Livermore, Calif.; Northwest
• Tristan Dalzell; LHP; Long Beach, Calif.; Southwest
• Brock Foulds; INF/RHP; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Southwest
• Griffin Loy; RHP/INF; Nancy, Ky.; Midwest
• Grant Mehrhoff; LHP/OF; Marthasville, Mo.; Midwest
• Tait Reynolds; OF/INF; Queen Creek, Ariz.; Northwest
• Luke Ryerse; RHP/INF; Woodbury, Minn.; Midwest
• Nicholas Terhaar; RHP/INF; Saginaw, Minn.; Midwest
• Ben Veletean; INF; Lebanon, Ohio; Northeast
• Miles Young; INF; Cypress, Texas; South

2023 16U/17U National Team Development Program invitees:
(from 16U NTIS)

• Anthony Brown Jr.; INF/OF; Jacksonville, Fla.; Southeast
• Patrick (Teddy) Garner III; RHP/INF; Simpsonville, S.C.; Southeast
• Owen Jenkins; C/INF; Versailles, Ky.; Midwest
• Cameron Johnson; RHP/INF; Waco, Texas; South
• Jaxon Miller; OF; Frisco, Texas; South
• Joe Olson; LHP; Chicago, Ill.; Midwest
• David Ramirez; LHP/OF; Kemah, Texas; South
• Edward Rothlander III; RHP/OF; Conroe, Texas; South
• Cooper Rummel; RHP/OF; Austin, Texas; South
• Logan Sariga; OF/INF; Houston, Texas; South
• Landon Schaefer; INF/RHP; Fayetteville, Ark.; South
• Bricen Smith; INF/OF; Perry, Ga.; Southeast

CARY, N.C. -- Just two weeks ago, Cristian Matos was celebrating a world title at the VI World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taiwan.

Now, the world champ is back stateside and looking to continue progressing through USA Baseball programming.

Matos is currently playing for the Northeast Stars at the 12U National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina. With a strong performance at the event, Matos can earn an invitation to the 2023 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP).

“It would mean a lot to be selected to the ADP from NTIS this year,” he said. “I am still trying to get familiar with the ADP, but I really want to make it.”

USA Baseball’s ADP is a highly developed four-day on- and off-field national team-level instruction and education program. The event features advanced on-field skills development in front of USA Baseball task force and coaches, in addition to an off-field component for athletes that focuses on education regarding subjects like the NCAA and recruiting process, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and more.

Twelve players will be selected from this year’s 12U NTIS to participate in next summer’s ADP.

Matos brings experience to the NTIS that only few players at his age have. The Belleville, New Jersey, native learned a lot both on and off the field during his 12U National Team trip to Taiwan and has brought that back with him to Cary.

A major thing that Matos learned in Taiwan was that any player can contribute to the game at any time. After not playing for the first six innings of Team USA’s super round game against Mexico, Matos came off the bench and launched a pinch-hit homer to tie the score in the game’s final frame.

“That game-tying home run against Mexico was really exciting for me,” Matos said. “I sat the entire game and then came in and tied the game with a home run. I was really pumped up and it was really exciting.”

It was one of three homers that Matos hit for the U.S. in the tournament. He batted .500 (4-for-8) with the three blasts, driving in five runs. He also made two appearances on the mound, striking out three batters in two innings of work. Team USA went unbeaten in the tournament, beating Venezuela, 10-2, to earn it’s world-best fourth gold medal.

After returning to the United States on August 8, Matos was back at the USA Baseball National Training Complex just a few days later. His older brother, Rafael, competed for the Northeast Region at the 15U NTIS which began on August 11. It’s now Cristian’s turn at the 12U event, his second consecutive year competing in the NTIS.

Last summer, Matos earned his spot at 12U National Team Trials after being selected from the 11U NTIS. With one day remaining in the tournament, Matos has been enjoying the return to the process.

“Being back at NTIS is great,” Matos said. “This tournament is really fun. Getting to know some of the coaches and the players is really cool. Last year, it didn’t go so well for us but we’re playing well this year.”

Matos is focused on the success of his team this week at the NTIS, but also has his eyes on hearing his name called during the NTIS Selection Show, which will air after all age groups have been completed.

After all, he is locked in on one thing as he continues his young baseball career.

“My goal is to make every single USA Baseball event,” Matos said.