Clear skies, 80-degree weather, and for the first time in nine months, the National Team Championships North Carolina returned to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.
The morning got started early with each team going through a pro-style workout and getting testing feedback in several areas of the game. Outfielders got the chance to track their velocities on throws to third and home, while hitters took swings in the cages using Diamond Kinetics technology. The SwingTracker gives real-time data on various parts of a batter’s swing, and this morning it made for great friendly competition amongst teammates as they got ready for the day ahead.
“It’s good for everybody to let us know where we’re at and where we stand against other competition,” said Micah Matthews, a member of the Canes National team. Seeing these assessment results gives players tangible things to work on to improve their game. The goal? To keep getting better in every aspect of the game. Seeing these results pay off makes all the hard work worth it.
And 12U National Team alum Dillon Adkins has experienced this firsthand. After impressing at the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) in 2018, Adkins got the chance to play for the 2019 12U National Team at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-12 Baseball World Cup. Now, he’s back this year at the National Team Championships with Knights Knation National and ready for more.
“We’re really excited to compete with other big teams, a lot of people think we’re underdogs,” Adkins said of his Knights team. “I think we have a pretty good chance at doing good while we’re here. We’re really excited to compete and showcase our talent.”
Alandez Blaylock shared the same sentiment about his East Coast Sox Franchise team. “I’m excited to be playing better competition, this field of teams is stacked, so you just have to expect the best,” he said.
After a morning of testing, the teams took the field ready to prove themselves. With 16 of the premier clubs from across the country, the competition is stout and the teams are ready to show they belong here.
Not only are these teams getting the opportunity to play against some of the best competition in the country, but they are also getting to do it at one of the finest facilities in the country. The USA Baseball National Training Complex is home to four major league-quality fields, highlighted by the 1,754 seat Coleman Field. Getting the chance to play where MLB All-Stars and Team USA alums like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Marcus Stroman, and many more have played is an opportunity the players are grateful for.
“These are the best fields I’ve ever seen, I’ve never seen anything like it, and I can’t wait to get out there,” said David Shields, a Pittsburgh native playing for Canes National this week. Shields’ teammate Micah Matthews added, “It’s big for us. For us young kids getting to experience this, it’s really special and I’m really excited.”
The stage is set. Teams got started their journey to gold today and with a full week ahead, players will have plenty of chances to put their talents on display.
Aidan Nohava from the Cangelosi Sparks summed it up well, saying “I’ve never played on any fields like this and never seen any competition like this either. I’m ready to play.”
A full slate of game action will highlight day two of the event on Thursday as each team will play twice to finish out pool play before the bracket is set on Friday.
Let’s play ball.
