This week marks the conclusion of Champs NC for the summer at USA Baseball, wrapping things up with the 14U age group. Plenty of Task Force and 15U National Team coaches are out making rounds, looking for what could be the next star in the making. Out scouting players at the National Training Complex this week is Coach JD Pruitt, with prior USA Baseball experience including the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and 15U National Team Training Camps.

The USA Baseball National Team Championships are one of the primary identification events for players to be considered for a national team. At the 14U age group, athletes are one step closer to the 15U National Team, which makes playing well here a huge priority for young players.

Not every player is built the same, whether players hit for power, contact, or are a weapon on the base paths, the opportunity to make the 15U National Team is “all-inclusive,” in the words of Pruitt.

In his experience so far with USA Baseball, Pruitt has seen some incredible talent, showcasing that Champs events produce top talent.

“The first summer that I got the opportunity to work with USA Baseball was with the 2024 graduating class. You had kids here at Champs NC like Derek Curiel, who just won freshman of the year, Konnor Griffin, just to name a few. The event here is full of talented guys,” said Pruitt.

Speaking to the firepower of players to come through Champs NC – it’s all part of what makes the event so great. Evaluating players doesn’t come easily with this level of talent consistently rolling through the complex.

“You start to split hairs when you’re trying to narrow down the selection process, I think that’s part of why kids come to an event like this, getting the opportunity to play with and against the best of the best is a one-of-a-kind experience,” stated Pruitt.

Coaches and the Task Force are constantly looking for players who fit the mold and know what it means to represent USA Baseball. Not everyone has to be a five-tool player to be seen; others get noticed because of the sixth tool – instincts.

“One piece that doesn’t get talked about as much is that sixth tool, which is instinct, and the ability to be a good teammate,” Pruitt said.

“The skill set is important, what each player can bring to the table and to a team from a skill piece. What are they defensively? How does the arm play? Are they a bang guy [Power], or are they a guy that can manipulate the barrel to do other things in some short game scenarios?” said Pruitt.

Making sure that the players take pride in being able to wear U-S-A across their chest is something Pruitt emphasized heavily. One word always came up describing what players should know they bring to the table was value – how they help the team win in more aspects than just on-field performance.

“Not everyone’s going to get the opportunity to play, so when it’s not your time in the lineup or your time on the mound, you know what value you bring to the team that's eventually going to help the team win,” proclaimed Pruitt. “You got the U-S-A across your chest; that should mean something. So, anything selfish needs to be put aside, making it critical we find the right type of players that can do that.”

Trying to make the 15U National Team is a goal of any of these young players at the complex, but advice may be hard to come by. The process involves finding many different kinds of players to build a complete package.

“There are certain situations where we do look for the glue guys, a guy that players can gravitate towards, that can be a great leader. We’re the United States, finishing second or third, or anything after that is not acceptable. We want the best collection of talent that works inside the framework we have as an organization to be successful,” exclaimed Pruitt.

“There are a lot of different things that go into it, as the old saying goes, the cream will always rise to the top.”

Development is an incredibly important aspect of the process these 14U players go through, with a common factor showing up – strength. Players chasing the next level of their game must constantly go through the process of getting stronger, faster, and smarter, with strength being a standout factor to coaches and the Task Force.

“The ability to match velocity; that is a premium. What you also can’t do is get lost in the idea of chasing velocity per se on the mound,” said Pruitt. “I also say it doesn’t matter how hard you throw ball four, so you have to be able to command the zone, and most importantly, with different pitches.”

“You’ve got to pound the weight room, and you’ve got to be physical to compete at a high level.”

Following the conclusion of 14U Champs NC, Pruitt will be making his national team coaching debut with the 15U National Team. Spending his fourth summer with USA Baseball, taking in the organization's history and all it has to offer, including connecting with other coaches, Pruitt is using this time as a learning experience.

“Talking to different people who have a lot of skin in this organization and what it’s all about, so that I can prepare as best as I can to be able to go coach and perform. Supporting Casey Scott [15U Manager] and the other assistant coaches the best way that I can is important to me,” Pruitt said.

Taking more of a backseat approach for now, trying to get as much useful information in order to prepare himself is one big point of emphasis for Coach Pruitt.

“It’s a listening process for me, reaching out to other coaching buddies of mine that have experience in international play, it’s imperative for me to be able to soak all of that in.”

At the end of this week's action, selected players at this year's 14U Champs NC will earn an invitation to the 2025 13U/14U ADP taking place from July 31-August 3 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. With some players even having the chance to make 15U National Team Training Camp, which will be held from August 4-8 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.