CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler released the following statement mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda. Lasorda led Team USA to the gold medal in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, defeating two-time defending gold medalist Cuba 4-0 in the championship game.

“Words cannot begin to express the profound loss we feel with the passing of Tommy Lasorda. His achievements on the baseball field are legendary but his legacy will forever exceed his baseball accomplishments. His patriotism was inspiring and the people who were fortunate enough to meet and learn from him will forever carry on his passion and goodwill for international baseball and our country. He is the epitome of a titan in our game and USA Baseball will forever honor his memory.

“We are thankful that we were able to reconnect Tommy with his Olympic players and staff as we celebrated the twentieth anniversary of the gold medal victory in the Sydney Olympic Games in September.”

We join the entire baseball world in mourning the passing of our 2000 Olympics skipper, Tommy Lasorda. We are deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

📝: https://t.co/G8BgXyuBI8 pic.twitter.com/NlbtmexFPV

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) January 8, 2021

Lasorda was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 following a career that included four National League pennants and two World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was named the manager of the USA Baseball Sydney 2000 Olympic Games baseball team and led the U.S. to its second gold medal in Olympic Games history (Seoul 1988 Olympic Games).

His ties to USA Baseball ran deeper than the jersey. Lasorda maintained a close relationship with the late Rod Dedeaux, a fellow USA Baseball Olympic Team manager (Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games), and remained active with the Rod Dedeaux Foundation, the longtime partner with USA Baseball. He also spoke with USA Baseball’s national teams and its athletes on numerous occasions, spreading his love of country and his passion for American baseball on the international stage.

CARY, N.C. –  USA Baseball announced today its 2020 15U National Team Trials roster selections. The list features 60 athletes chosen from a USA Baseball identification event, including the 2019 13U Athlete Development Program, 13U and 14U National Team Identification Series Champions Cups, and 14U National Team Development Program, as well as the 2020 15U National Team Championships North Carolina.

The announcement comes after the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) rescheduled the 2020 WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup, originally scheduled to take place in November in Tijuana, Mexico, to March 2021 because of COVID-19. However, after careful consideration and deliberation, USA Baseball has declined its invitation to compete in the rescheduled event due to the ongoing pandemic and its commitment to the long-term health and safety of its athletes and staff. Consequently, USA Baseball will not name a final 15U National Team in 2020.

“It is a pleasure to recognize this group of tremendously gifted young athletes after earning a spot on the 15U National Team Trials roster,” said USA Baseball Senior Director of Baseball Operations Ashley Bratcher. “Although we will not ultimately name a final national team roster this year to compete in next year’s World Cup, it does not detract from the achievements of these athletes who excelled during one of our national team identification events.

“These sixty kids have separated themselves as the best fifteen-and-under baseball players in the United States and we look forward to watching how they continue to progress on and off the field as we evaluate them for future USA Baseball national team programs.”

The Trials roster features 17 national team alumni, eight participants of the inaugural 13U Athlete Development Program and 18 members of the 14U NTDP. Three-time national team alumnus Kai Caranto (Castaic, Calif.) headlines the roster and is joined by fellow 2019 15U National Team members Spencer Butt (Davie, Fla.), Brandon Olivera (Hialeah, Fla.) and Ben Reiland (Villa Park, Calif.). All three athletes won a gold medal last year at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, defeating Panama 3-1 in the final.

Additionally, 17 players on the roster have won a gold medal with the 12U National Team, including 10 members of the 2017 World Champion 12U squad that won the U.S. its third consecutive U-12 Baseball World Cup title in Taiwan: Daniel Arambula (Yucaipa, Calif.), Butt, Caranto, Owen Egan (Yucaipa, Calif.), Colt Emerson (Cambridge, Ohio), Gavin Grahovac (Orange, Calif.), Olivera, Bryce Rainer (Simi Valley, Calif.), Reiland and Raffaele Valazquez (Long Beach, Calif.).

In total, the 60 athletes span 21 different states and 35 of them are new to USA Baseball national team programming. Twenty-four athletes earned a spot on the 15U National Team Trials roster after representing their respective region at the 2019 NTIS Champions Cup, four invitees were selected from both the 2019 Athlete Development Program and 14U NTDP, while 23 were chosen after their performance at the inaugural National Team Championships in North Carolina.

Jared Halpert (Harvard-Westlake School; Chatsworth, Calif.) was named the 15U National Team manager for 2020 with Steve Butler (Eagan High School; Eagan, Minn.), Adam Moseley (Hoover High School; Hoover, Ala.) and Jeff Sherman (Marcus High School; Flower Mound, Texas) joining him on the staff as assistant coaches. Team USA is the current defending world champions after winning the nation’s first-ever U-15 Baseball World Cup title in 2018.

For more information on the 15U National Team and the selection process, please visit USABaseball.com or follow along on Twitter, at @USABaseball15U.

 

2020 15U National Team Trials Roster
Name; Position; Hometown; Identification Event (Region/Team)

*Daniel Arambula; IF/RHP; Yucaipa, Calif.; 14U NTIS (Southwest)
Cade Arrambide; C/IF; Tomball, Texas; Champs NC (Team Elite)
Conner Barth; IF/C; Roseville, Calif.; 13U NTIS (Northwest)
*^Tristan Bristow; RHP/OF; Helotes, Texas; 13U NTIS (South)
*^Spencer Butt; IF/RHP; Davie, Fla.; 14U NTDP
*^Kai Caranto; IF/OF; Castaic, Calif.; 14U NTDP
Matthew Champion; IF/RHP; Fontana, Calif.; 14U NTIS (Southwest)
*^Masato Chilcutt; C/IF; San Antonio, Texas; 13U ADP
Bryce Clavon; IF; Hampton, Ga.; Champs NC (Carolina Elite National)
Cooper Cohn; C/IF; McHenry, Ill.; 14U NTIS (Midwest)
Samuel Cozart; RHP; High Point, N.C.; 13U NTIS (Southeast)
^Connor Crisp; RHP/OF; Locust Grove, Ga.; Champs NC (5 Star National Dobbs)
^Derek Curiel; OF; West Covina, Calif.; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
Daniel Cuvet; IF; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Champs NC (Elite Squad)
Sebastian David; IF/RHP; Medina, Wash.; 14U NTIS (Northwest)
*^Owen Egan; OF/RHP; Yucaipa, Calif.; Champs NC (Elite Squad)
*^Colt Emerson; IF; Cambridge, Ohio; Champs NC (Team Elite)
Hayden Federico; IF/C; West Monroe, La.; 14U NTIS (South)
*^Ross Felder; RHP/IF; Springdale, Ark.; 13U ADP
Jack Frankel; RHP/IF; Plano, Texas; (USA Prime National 2022)
Theodore Gillen; IF/RHP; Austin, Texas; 14U NTIS (South)
*^Gavin Grahovac; C/IF; Orange, Calif.; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
Konnor Griffin; OF/IF; Florence, Miss.; 13U NTIS (Southeast)
Aidan Hall; IF/RHP; Galt, Calif.; 13U NTIS (Northwest)
*^Kailand Halstead; C/IF; Cosmopolis, Wash.; 13U NTIS (Northwest)
^Ryder Helfrick; C/OF; Brentwood, Calif.; (Meta Prime 2023)
Caleb Hoover; RHP/C; Heath, Texas; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
Kaohu Kawelu; IF; Hilo, Hawaii; 13U NTIS (Southwest)
Boston Kellner; RHP/OF; Colorado Springs, Colo.; 13U NTIS (Midwest)
^Trenton Lape; IF/RHP; Bossier City, La.; Champs NC (5 Star National Dobbs)
Brandon Luu; IF/LHP; Irvine, Calif.; 14U NTIS (Southwest)
Manuelle Marin; IF; Hialeah, Fla.; Champs NC (Elite Squad)
Ethan Martinez; IF/LHP; Fort Worth, Texas; 14U NTIS (South)
Maximo Martinez; IF/OF; Hawthorne, Calif.; 13U NTIS (Southwest)
Coleman Mayfield; LHP; Elk City, Okla.; Champs NC (Team Elite)
Frank Menendez; LHP/OF; Miami, Fla.; Champs NC (Elite Squad)
Evan Miranda; RHP/IF; Fontana, Calif.; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
^Andre Modugno; IF/OF; Upper Saddle River, N.J.; 14U NTIS (Northeast)
Lucas Moore; OF; West Chester, Ohio; Champs NC (Tri State Arsenal)
*^Dean Moss; IF/OF; Atherton, Calif.; 13U NTIS (Northwest)
^Chris Newstrom; C/IF; Scottsdale, Ariz.; 14U NTIS (Southwest)
*^Brandon Olivera; RHP; Hialeah, Fla.; 14U NTDP
*^Josiah Palomino; C/UTL; Riverside, Calif.; 13U ADP
*^Bryce Rainer; IF/OF; Simi Valley, Calif.; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
*^Benjamin Reiland; OF; Villa Park, Calif.; 14U NTDP
Brett Renfrow; OF/RHP; Manassas, Va.; 14U NTIS (Northeast)
^Luca Reyes; OF/IF; Teaneck, N.J.; Champs NC (Team Elite)
Christian Rodriguez; OF/RHP; Coral Springs, Fla.; 14U NTIS (Southeast)
Jackson Sanders; LHP/OF; Opelika, Ala.; Champs NC (Team Elite)
Campbell Smithwick; C/OF; Conway, S.C.; Champs NC (Canes Baseball National)
^Ty Southisene; IF; Henderson, Nev.; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
^Nolan Stevens; LHP/OF; Elk Grove, Calif.; (NCTB Alpha Dogs)
*^Brady Strohm; IF/RHP; Winchester, Calif.; 13U NTIS (Southwest)
Landon Stump; RHP; Morgan Hill, Calif.; (Meta Prime 2023)
Drew Titsworth; RHP; Frankenmuth, Mich.; Champs NC (Team Elite)
Anthony Tralongo; IF; Wellington, Fla.; Champs NC (Team GA Baseball)
Jeremiah Vargas; OF/IF; San Diego, Calif.; 13U NTIS (Southwest)
*^Raffaele Velazquez; C/IF; Long Beach, Calif.; Champs NC (Empire Baseball)
Landon Victorian; RHP/OF; Lake Charles, La.; (Banditos Black)
^Braeden Weckman; OF/RHP; Winter Springs, Fla.; 13U ADP

*Denotes national team alum
^Denotes Athlete Development Program or National Team Development Program participant

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball today announced the launch of its Homegrown program to provide youth participants with a unique opportunity to learn and grow with athletes from their hometown in fun and interactive settings. The program features two different initiatives – Homegrown Clinics and Homegrown Connections – that will allow Team USA alumni to give back to their hometowns and youth-based organizations that hold personal meaning or supported their overall personal or professional development.

In addition to welcoming USA Baseball alumni back into their communities, the Homegrown program also allows the organization to continue its efforts to increase participation in the sport at the grassroots level. Participants will be connected with USA Baseball National Member Organizations to learn about local league registration opportunities and schools participating in the Homegrown program that are not already part of the USA Baseball Fun At Bat program will be able to incorporate the free initiative into their educational curriculum going forward.

Fun At Bat is part of Major League Baseball’s PLAY BALL initiative–the sport’s largest collective effort to encourage young people to participate in baseball- or softball-related activities. The Fun At Bat program reaches nearly 3.5 million children across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Mexico, London and Brazil. The program is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese, and also includes a literacy component focusing on character development and teaching traits such as leadership, teamwork and responsibility.

“The Homegrown program is an exciting chance for our athletes to give back to the places where their baseball journeys began,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. “Both the Homegrown Connections and Homegrown Clinics will present unique opportunities for USA Baseball alumni to stay connected to the places that helped them as they started their careers, and we look forward to helping create impactful interactions between these young participants and their hometown heroes.”

The USA Baseball Homegrown program will begin in the fall of 2020 with Homegrown Connections, a virtual, webinar-like experience that will provide youth with a rare opportunity to connect with national team alumni from their community in a personalized setting. Students from elementary schools and youth-based or youth mission-driven organizations will get to know their hometown heroes through these live, interactive events.

The first Homegrown Connections webinar featured two-time Team USA alum Michael Cuddyer on November 17. The webinar consisted of an interactive discussion before concluding with a question and answer session featuring questions submitted by participants from his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Cuddyer was a member of the 1996 and 1997 18U National Teams. In 1997, he led Team USA in home runs (3), runs scored (8), total bases (15) and stolen bases (3), and tied for the lead in RBIs with six, helping the 18U National Team win the 1997 USA Baseball Team of the Year Award.

He was selected ninth overall in the 1997 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Minnesota Twins and made his major league debut with the club on September 23, 2001. He went on to play 15 seasons in the big leagues, finishing with a .277 career batting average, two All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger Award. After playing 11 seasons with the Twins, Cuddyer was inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame in 2017. 

In addition to Homegrown Connections, the USA Baseball Homegrown program will also include Homegrown Clinics, which are in-person baseball events for youth from elementary schools and youth-based or youth mission-driven organizations between the ages of 5-12. Set to begin in the fall of 2021, this initiative will allow participants to be given a chance to get outside to learn and play alongside USA Baseball alumni.

For more information on the Homegrown program, Fun At Bat and all USA Baseball Development initiatives, visit USABDevelops.com or follow @FunAtBat and @USABDevelops on Instagram and Twitter.

CARY, N.C. – Following the successful completion of the inaugural National Team Championships North Carolina in August, USA Baseball has shifted its focus to 2021 programming. Next year’s calendar is set to include 2021 Olympic Games qualifying opportunities and hosting the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, as well as numerous national team identification events throughout the country.

The National Team Championships North Carolina marked the final event of 2020 as the 15U and Women’s National Team Trials will not be held this year. Both the 15U and Women’s National Team programs were set to compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup and Women’s Baseball World Cup, respectively; however, the events were postponed due to COVID-19. Additionally, no regional identification events for the 2021 USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup will be held in 2020.

“We are looking forward to a full slate of USA Baseball programming in 2021, including opportunities to qualify for the Olympic Games, compete for world championships and earn a gold medal on our home turf at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Florida,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. “This year, while challenging, has given us a chance to learn and develop as an organization and we are excited for the opportunities presented to us to get back into action in 2021 and continue developing young athletes both on and off the field.”

A full schedule of USA Baseball’s 2021 events and national team programming will be announced at a later date. The upcoming year will include the ninth annual National High School Invitational (NHSI), as well as the Futures Invitational, the National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina, and the National Team Identification Series, among others.

Next year will also feature the 2021 Olympic Games, which are currently scheduled to take place from July 23-August 8 in Tokyo, Japan. Team USA will compete for one of two remaining spots in the Olympic Games baseball tournament.

For further information on USA Baseball national teams, events and philanthropic efforts, follow @USABaseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

CARY, N.C. – On September 30, 2020, USA Baseball held its inaugural Day of Giving to raise funds for the organization’s athletes, coaches, national teams, events and programs. During the 24-hour campaign, 154 donors contributed a total of $23,000 in support of USA Baseball’s continued commitment to the growth of amateur baseball across the U.S.

“Our inaugural Day of Giving was a great success,” said Senior Director of Development, Will Chriscoe. “The USA Baseball community truly came together to show its support of Team USA and the growth of amateur baseball in the United States. This is a great foundation for this new program as we aim to support our many initiatives and national teams in the future.”

This year’s Day of Giving donors hailed from 29 different states and all six national team programs received gifts throughout the 24-hour campaign. The organization’s education and development programs, as well as the USA Baseball National Training Complex, also received donations. The largest overall Day of Giving fundraising effort went to the Organization Greatest Needs fund which raised money to support any and all future USA Baseball strategic initiatives and emerging priorities.

Through this campaign, the USA Baseball community did more than just raise money for the future of baseball and Team USA – it raised the hopes of every athlete and coach striving to impact our game and all those who dream of representing the U.S. on the world stage. Every donor opened doors for millions of athletes across the country and invested in their futures as people and players.

To learn more about USA Baseball’s inaugural Day of Giving or to continue to support the organization, its national teams, events and programs, visit GiveForGlory.com.

CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball announced today that eighty USA Baseball alumni are set to play in the first-ever 16-team MLB postseason. All 16 postseason teams have at least one former Team USA member on their rosters. The Cincinnati Reds lead the way with eight alumni, while the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals each have seven.

The National League has a combined 47 alumni on its rosters while the American League boasts 33 players who have previously worn the red, white and blue.

The 2020 MLB Postseason began on Tuesday, September 29, with Game One of the American League Wild Card Series featuring the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins.

The opening round matchup featuring the most USA Baseball alumni is between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds in the National League Wild Card Series, which will include a total of 15 players that have suited up for the stars and stripes. The series begins on Wednesday, September 30, at 12 p.m. ET.

The complete list of USA Baseball alumni on 2020 MLB Postseason rosters is as follows:

 

American League

 
Chicago White Sox (5):
Gio Gonzalez - 2013 Professional (WBC)
Yasmani Grandal - 2009 Collegiate
Nick Madrigal - 2011 14U; 2012 15U; 2014 18U; 2017 Collegiate
James McCann - 2011 Professional
Carlos Rodon - 2012, 2013 Collegiate

Cleveland Indians (3):
Francisco Lindor - 2009 16U; 2010 18U
Tyler Naquin - 2011 Collegiate
Adam Plutko - 2012 Collegiate

Houston Astros (6):
Alex Bregman - 2010 16U; 2011 18U; 2013, 2014 Collegiate; 2017 Professional (WBC)
Chase De Jong - 2011 18U
Lance McCullers - 2010 18U
George Springer - 2010 Collegiate
Kyle Tucker - 2012 15U
Justin Verlander* - 2003 Collegiate

Minnesota Twins (3):
Tyler Clippard - 2017 Professional (WBC)
Brent Rooker* - 2019 Professional
Caleb Thielbar - 2019 Professional

New York Yankees (3):
Gerrit Cole - 2009, 2010 Collegiate
Erik Kratz - 2010, 2019 Professional
Giancarlo Stanton - 2013, 2017 Professional (WBC)

Oakland Athletics (5):
Matt Chapman* - 2013 Collegiate
Robbie Grossman - 2007 18U
Mike Minor - 2007, 2008 Collegiate
Matt Olson - 2010 16U
JB Wendelken* - 2015 Professional

 
Tampa Bay Rays (2):
Austin Meadows* - 2011 16U
Brett Phillips - 2015 Professional

 
Toronto Blue Jays (6):
Cavan Biggio - 2012 18U
A.J. Cole - 2007 16U
Randal Grichuk - 2007 16U
Robbie Ray - 2009 18U
Tanner Roark - 2017 Professional (WBC)
Matt Shoemaker - 2011 Professional

  

National League

 
Atlanta Braves (7):
Ian Anderson - 2015 18U
Travis D'Arnaud - 2011 Professional
Freddie Freeman - 2005 16U; 2006 18U
Mark Melancon - 2005 Collegiate; 2017 Professional (WBC)
A.J. Minter - 2014 Collegiate
Dansby Swanson - 2014 Collegiate
Kyle Wright - 2016 Collegiate

 
Chicago Cubs (5):
Kris Bryant - 2012 Collegiate
Nico Hoerner - 2011 14U; 2012 15U
Craig Kimbrel - 2013 Professional
Kyle Ryan - 2009 18U
Kyle Schwarber - 2013 Collegiate

 
Cincinnati Reds (8):
Trevor Bauer - 2009 Collegiate
Nick Castellanos - 2009 18U
Kyle Farmer - 2012 Collegiate
Sonny Gray - 2009, 2010 Collegiate
Michael Lorenzen - 2008 16U; 2010 18U; 2011, 2012 Collegiate
Mike Moustakas - 2006 18U, 2010 Professional
Lucas Sims - 2010 16U
Jesse Winker - 2011 18U

 
Los Angeles Dodgers (6):
Walker Buehler - 2014 Collegiate
Joe Kelly - 2007 Collegiate
Clayton Kershaw - 2005 18U
Jake McGee - 2017 Professional (WBC)
A.J. Pollock - 2011 Professional
Corey Seager - 2010 16U

 
Miami Marlins (1):
Ryne Stanek - 2011, 2012 Collegiate

 
Milwaukee Brewers (6):
Brett Anderson - 2004 16U; 2005 18U; 2008 Professional (Olympic)
Ryan Braun - 2009, 2013 Professional (WBC)
Josh Hader - 2015 Professional
Keston Hiura - 2016 Collegiate
Corey Knebel - 2011 Collegiate
Christian Yelich - 2017 Professional (WBC)

San Diego Padres (7):
Jason Castro - 2009 Professional
Jake Cronenworth - 2019 Professional
Zach Davies - 2007 14U
Trent Grisham - 2014 18U
Eric Hosmer - 2007 18U; 2010 Professional; 2013, 2017 Professional (WBC)
Manny Machado - 2009 18U
Drew Pomeranz - 2009 Collegiate

 
St. Louis Cardinals (7):
Jack Flaherty - 2013 18U
Dexter Fowler - 2008 Professional (Olympic)
Paul Goldschmidt - 2017 Professional (WBC)
Andrew Miller - 2017 Professional (WBC)
Brad Miller - 2009, 2010 Collegiate
Matt Wieters - 2005 Collegiate
Kolten Wong - 2009 Collegiate

 

*= Athlete not currently on club's active roster due to designation to short-term disabled list, paternity leave, or temporary bereavement list

Appy League to Become First Collegiate Summer League in Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) for Rising College Freshmen and Sophomores

Plan Retains High-Level Baseball in the Region for the Long-Term Under Appalachian League Banner, Adds New Opportunities

Major League Baseball and USA Baseball jointly announced today a new format for the Appalachian League, which will feature the nation’s top rising college freshmen and sophomores in wood-bat play each summer. The new format affirms MLB’s commitment to the region, maintains the existing branding of the league, and assures that the Appalachian League will continue to host high-caliber baseball and future Major Leaguers for years to come.

The Appalachian League will become a part of the Prospect Development Pipeline (“PDP”), the collaborative effort between MLB and USA Baseball that establishes a player development pathway for amateur baseball players in the United States, and will be an integral part of the identification and development process for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team and other future national teams. Appalachian League participants will receive extensive visibility to MLB Club scouts through both in-person observation and state-of-the-art scouting technology. Players will receive instruction from former MLB players and educational programming designed to prepare them for careers as professional athletes. Plans include a 54-game regular season and an annual All-Star Game. MLB and USA Baseball will provide support for the league’s staffing, player participation, and administrative functions. The parties are in communication with the NCAA to ensure athlete eligibility requirements are met.

To herald the start of this exciting new format, each of the 10 teams in the Appalachian League have decided to undertake a process for changing their names and logos to incorporate symbols and images important to their respective local communities, to be adopted before the 2021 season. MLB and USA Baseball have already begun the process of identifying and inviting the top 320 players to participate in the 2021 Appalachian League.

Morgan Sword, MLB’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Economics & Operations, said: “We are thrilled to partner with USA Baseball and the Appalachian League communities to create a one-of-a-kind summer league that will attract the nation’s top collegiate players and allow local fans to see top prospects and future big-league stars in their hometowns. This announcement continues MLB’s commitment to preserving and growing baseball in communities around the United States. The road to the big leagues now runs through Appalachia.”

Mike Gaski, President of USA Baseball, said: “USA Baseball is excited for this unique opportunity to enhance the offerings within the Prospect Development Pipeline through the creation of a premier summer collegiate baseball league. Our commitment to the continued development of amateur athletes is paramount to our mission as the national governing body for the sport in the United States and it is an honor to align ourselves with a historic baseball brand such as the Appalachian League, as well as our partners in Major League Baseball. We look forward to welcoming elite-level college athletes to the Appalachian League and identifying players who will hope to one day play for Team USA.”

Dan Moushon, the President of the Appalachian League, said: “The communities of the Appalachian League have supported baseball since our founding in 1911. We are grateful to MLB and USA Baseball for bringing this exciting opportunity to our fans and look forward to welcoming players, coaches, MLB scouts, and fans into our cities next summer.”

The league will be guided by a Steering Committee composed of leaders from collegiate and professional baseball:

- CHRIS ALLEN – PRESIDENT & COO – BOYD SPORTS

- ASHLEY BRATCHER – SENIOR DIRECTOR – BASEBALL OPERATIONS, USA BASEBALL

- ERIC CAMPBELL – GENERAL MANAGER – NATIONAL TEAMS, USA BASEBALL

- TIM CORBIN – HEAD BASEBALL COACH, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

- JOHN D’ANGELO – VICE PRESIDENT – AMATEUR & MEDICAL, MLB

- DAN HARTLEB – HEAD BASEBALL COACH, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

- GIL KIM – DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT, TORONTO BLUE JAYS

- BRYAN MINNITI – ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

- DAN MOUSHON – PRESIDENT, APPALACHIAN LEAGUE

- JALEN PHILLIPS – COORDINATOR – DRAFT OPERATIONS, MLB

- STEVE SANDERS – ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER, PITTSBURGH PIRATES

- JOHN SAVAGE – HEAD BASEBALL COACH, UCLA

- BILL SCHMIDT – VICE PRESIDENT – SCOUTING, COLORADO ROCKIES

- EDWIN THOMPSON – HEAD BASEBALL COACH, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

Watch more on the impact of the new Appalachian League here and stay up to date here.

 

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
ABOUT THE NEW APPALACHIAN LEAGUE

- UNITED STATES SENATOR MARK WARNER OF VIRGINIA said: “For years, Minor League Baseball teams have provided affordable family entertainment for Virginians and fostered players who became Big League stars. This new Appalachian League format will continue that tradition, ensuring that high-level baseball will continue being played in our state for the long-term. I look forward to seeing the next generation of big league stars, and cultivating the next generation of baseball fans, right here in Virginia.”

- UNITED STATES SENATOR JOE MANCHIN OF WEST VIRGINIA said: “After months of conversations with Major League Baseball, USA Baseball, and the Appalachian League, I am pleased by this agreement to bring the Appalachian League into the Prospect Development Pipeline. This collaboration will directly benefit our two Appalachian League teams in Bluefield and Princeton, which provide many West Virginians with entertainment and family time and foster a love of the American pastime. Through this new arrangement, our communities will host the premier baseball players in the country, giving West Virginians a chance to see baseball’s future stars before they reach the big leagues. I am committed to ensuring the future of all of West Virginia’s minor league teams, and I will work with everyone involved to ensure these teams receive the support they need to succeed during this transition and look forward to seeing top talent play in the Mountain State for many years to come.”

- UNITED STATES SENATOR TIM KAINE OF VIRGINIA said: “I am delighted that MLB and the Appalachian League have come to this agreement. I’ve called for baseball to remain in communities like Bluefield, Danville, Pulaski, and Bristol — this format will do just that with high-quality competition on the field for these communities to enjoy for years to come.”

- UNITED STATES SENATOR SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO OF WEST VIRGINIA said: “Though we have missed baseball this summer on the diamonds across West Virginia, Major League Baseball and USA Baseball are ensuring future summer nights in Princeton and Bluefield will be spent watching our National Pastime. It will be a thrill to watch the nation’s premier college players chase their dreams of the Majors while keeping the rich baseball traditions alive for these two communities.”

- WEST VIRGINIA GOVERNOR JIM JUSTICE said: “I’m thrilled beyond belief that two of West Virginia’s fantastic baseball teams – the Bluefield Blue Jays and the Princeton Rays – will be charter members of the groundbreaking Appalachian League. I’ve had many conversations with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred as we work together to preserve the tradition of baseball in these communities as well as in Charleston and Morgantown, and I know he truly appreciates how important these teams are to the thousands of West Virginians who enjoy great baseball. They are crucial parts of our local economies and communities, bringing in all kinds of jobs. And when it comes to tourism, they are absolute home runs.

“It’s going to be an absolute treat to see some of the very best college baseball players in the country perfect their skills right in our backyard. These ballclubs in Bluefield and Princeton are two of West Virginia’s finest gems and I can’t wait for this exciting new chapter to get started.”

- UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN PHIL ROE, M.D., OF TENNESSEE said: “This agreement between the Appalachian League and Major League Baseball sounds like good news for our community. We have a long, rich history of baseball in Northeast Tennessee, and I am glad that tradition will continue.”

- UNITED STATES CONGRESSWOMAN CAROL MILLER OF WEST VIRGINIA said: “I applaud Major League Baseball and USA Baseball for joining together to create the new Appalachian League. This exciting decision will bring top-tier baseball talent into our communities and create new economic investment opportunities in West Virginia and rural areas across our region. Our baseball teams are the spirit of our small towns, and I am excited to attend a game in the newly formatted Appalachian League.”

- UNITED STATES CONGRESSMAN DENVER RIGGLEMAN OF VIRGINIA said: “The Danville Braves have been an integral part of the Danville community and I am pleased to see them enter this new chapter. I am happy that baseball will remain in Danville with the creation of this new league.”

- CURT ALEXANDER, MAYOR OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE ELIZABETHTON, TENNESSEE, said: “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to partner directly with Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. The City of Elizabethton is a baseball community, one that has supported this wonderful game for more than 45 years. Our baseball tradition runs deep in Elizabethton. We have a long history of championships and a big roster of former E-Twins players that have made it to the big leagues. Major League Baseball is providing us with another opportunity to enjoy a pipeline of great baseball players that have that same chance to make it big in the Majors. It’s an exciting time and we welcome this partnership with Major League Baseball and USA Baseball.”

- JEFF DISIBBIO, PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE TWO VIRGINIAS, said: “In Appalachia, America's favorite pastime is built on the dreams of the children playing catch in the backyard, using a limb from the closest tree for a bat. Thanks to the new Appalachian League format, local kids will continue to see the future stars in person, build relationships with them, and fall in love with a game trying to live out the hope that they can become one of their heroes one day. Thank you to the local organizers and teams who worked to save our league; without them these dreams could have been lost.”

- RANDALL C. EADS, CITY MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE BRISTOL, VIRGINIA, said: “Minor League Baseball has a storied history in Bristol, and we are proud and excited that we are going to both preserve and improve America’s Pastime here in our community. In 1969, the Bristol Tigers debuted as Bristol’s minor league team. Over the years, the minor league teams have been affiliated with the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell are just two noteworthy Major League stars that began their careers here in Bristol. I look forward to seeing tomorrow’s Major League stars playing in Bristol soon!”

- DAVID GRAHAM, THE MAYOR OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA, said: “The City of Princeton and our many local baseball fans eagerly look forward to the return of Appalachian League Baseball to our community. Minor League Baseball has been enjoyed locally for the past 30 plus years and we have a wonderful facility in which to host it. The new structure of the League, plus the opportunity to name our own team will absolutely create enhanced interest and community support. We appreciate the efforts of Major League Baseball, the Appalachian League and our local team representatives in this endeavor.”

- SCOTT HUMMEL, PH.D., PRESIDENT OF TUSCULUM UNIVERSITY IN LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE GREENEVILLE, TENNESSEE, said: “While we still have a lot to work out, Tusculum University is excited the about the possibility of bringing an MLB presence and USA Baseball to Greeneville. This could be a win-win-win for baseball, Greeneville, and Tusculum University. The summer collegiate league in our beautiful stadium will make for some magical nights of baseball in Greeneville.”

- RON MARTIN, THE MAYOR OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE BLUEFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA, said: “The City of Bluefield is extremely excited about the prospect of a wooden-bat collegiate baseball league coming to Bluefield and other Appalachian League cities. This will continue the long tradition of excellent baseball being played at Bowen Field. This summer of COVID-19 has shown us what a summer without baseball in Bluefield is like. We are all anxious to see the players take the field at Bowen in 2021.”

- JAMIE NULL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MERCER COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, said: “The Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud and excited to promote and support the new Appalachian League format. We believe that this league will create a sports tourism destination in Mercer County. The CVB will be able to market Mercer County as a place to watch new talent and rally around a new hometown league. We believe that this new league will bring tourism dollars to the area as fans, visitors, scouts and families will travel to Mercer County - all in the name of baseball. We look forward to working with both the Princeton and Bluefield Baseball clubs on this endeavor to continue America's favorite pastime right here in Mercer County, West Virginia.”

- DANE RIDEOUT, CITY MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE BLUEFIELD, WEST VIRGINIA, said: “When the baseball club briefed us on the prospect of a wooden-bat league, I was blown away. This will be extremely high- level ball, featuring the best college players with an excellent chance of making it to the majors. We’ve missed baseball this summer, and we are so glad that baseball will be returning to our city. We encourage our citizens to show up at Bowen Field next year and support the new league.”

- DEWEY RUSSELL, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER/PRESIDENT OF PRINCETON BASEBALL ASSOCIATION, said: “Princeton baseball has been a summer destination for the majority of our population. This partnership with MLB, USA Baseball and the Appalachian League is something our community will fully embrace from the youngest to the oldest fan. We believe that this league will bring a new set of fans to Hunnicutt Field in anticipation of seeing the next MLB stars and well as following the player throughout his college career. Thank you to all of those involved for making this dream a reality.”

- BILL SGRINIA, DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF DANVILLE (VA) PARKS AND RECREATION, said: “Danville has had a long tradition as a baseball community and is extremely excited about keeping quality baseball in the city. We greatly enjoyed having the Danville Braves as part of our community and are sad to see them leave. However, we are appreciative of MLB and USA Baseball providing this opportunity for continued baseball in Danville. We look forward to a new team as part of the community.”

- PAT SHULL, THE MAYOR OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE, said: “I am pleased that Kingsport will continue to host high quality, exciting baseball. Let’s show our Kingsport spirit and get ready to welcome talented players from all over our nation. I’m ready for the first pitch now.”

- BILL SORAH, CITY MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE BRISTOL, TENNESSEE, said: “The City of Bristol has enjoyed professional baseball for over 75 years. As a member of the Appalachian League, Bristol has long enjoyed wholesome family entertainment provided by young athletes seeking to fulfill their dream of playing professional baseball at its highest level. These athletes have promoted goodwill and served as role models for our youth. The value of their presence in our community cannot be overstated. It is with great enthusiasm to learn of MLB’s proposal to create a new format for the Appalachian League that will bring collegiate baseball players to our region to further develop their skills. The opportunity to once again enjoy high-quality baseball played by aspiring young athletes is a reason for our region to celebrate.”

- CHARLIE STAHL, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE, said: “Learning that MLB, in affiliation with the Appalachian League, is committed to establishing a collegiate summer league keeps baseball alive and well in Johnson City and other Appalachian League communities for hopefully many years to come, continuing a tradition our citizens have enjoyed for over a century.”

- JONATHAN D. SWEET, PULASKI COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, said: “Minor League Baseball has a storied history in the Town of Pulaski and we so are proud and excited that our community will be a big part of preserving and improving America’s pastime. The new Appalachian League format ensures high-level baseball will continue being played right here in Calfee Park for a long time to come. I look forward to seeing the next generation of big league stars come through our town, and as a community of baseball fans, we are committed to supporting these players and our teams.”

- HARDIN WATKINS, CITY MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE BURLINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA, said: “Minor League Baseball has an amazingly positive history in Burlington dating back to 1986. The City is proud and excited that we are going to both preserve and improve America’s Pastime here in our community. The new Appalachian League format ensures high-level baseball will continue being played at Burlington Athletic Stadium for the delight of folks in our community for the long-term. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of big league stars come through our city and cultivating the next generation of baseball fans right here in our backyard.”

“The Burlington Royals have provided exciting, affordable entertainment for Burlington families for over thirty years and nurtured players who have gone on to impressive big league careers. This new format for the Appalachian League guarantees that fans right here in Burlington will continue to see future baseball stars, and that those players will get the support, kindness, and exposure they deserve on their path to the Majors. This is exciting for those players, for the Burlington Royals and for fans like me who can’t wait to get back to the ballpark.”

- MICHAEL WATSON, TOWN MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE BLUEFIELD, VIRGINIA, said: “We are extremely excited to see baseball continue in our area. The support by MLB has been a blessing and will continue the baseball legacy that has been a part of the community for decades.”

- MIKE WEBB, CITY MANAGER OF LONGTIME APPALACHIAN LEAGUE VENUE PRINCETON, WEST VIRGINIA, said: “Elite level baseball with a personal touch. Local team names and favorite players to watch as their careers progress to the MLB level. This is great for the City of Princeton and small-town America throughout the Appalachian League community and for Minor League Baseball!”

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA captured its first-ever Olympic gold medal by defeating Cuba 4-0. Ben Sheets earned the win on the mound as Team USA finished the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games with an 8-1 record.

In a rematch for the ages, Sheets took the mound with teammate Pat Borders behind the plate. Borders had been battling an ankle injury that occurred during the first matchup between the two squads and was returning for the first time since.

After using ace Jose Contreras to beat Japan in the semifinal, Cuba went with typical closer Pedro Luis Lazo as the starter. Lazo had managed the first two outs of the game when Team USA’s Mike Neill hit a solo home run to left field to open up the game and put the American’s on top early, 1-0.

In the bottom half of the first, Sheets struck out the first two batters before giving up a single to Cuba’s Omar Linares. Shaking off the early hit, Sheets recorded another strikeout to end the inning and with one inning under their belt, Team USA never looked back.

John Cotton led the second inning off with a double and forced the hand of Cuba’s pitching staff, bringing in Jose Ibar to relieve Lazo. Ibar and Sheets went to head-to-head in the second, third and fourth innings, matching zeros heading into the top of the fifth with Team USA still ahead 1-0.

In the fifth, Team USA broke through again as Doug Mientkiewicz managed a walk. Pat Borders doubled to right center, easily bringing home Mientkiewicz and extending the lead to 2-0. Borders was thrown out at third on a bunt by Adam Everett, however in the next at bat, Brent Abernathy recorded a base hit and put runners on the corners.

Cuba made a second a change on the mound bringing in Maels Rodriguez and hoping the sudden increase in speed could slow down the Americans. However, Team USA couldn’t be shaken at the plate as Wilkerson forced a walk and loaded the bases for Mike Neill.

Neill, with a home run already in the game, couldn’t repeat and struck out for the second out in the inning. Ernie Young, who had gotten hit in the pool play matchup with Cuba, came through for Team USA with a two-run single right back up the middle, running the score to 4-0 for Team USA.

With top notch defense backing up Sheets, including a Mientkiewicz diving stop in the fourth, Everett stopping every groundball that came near him and a Young sliding catch to end the eighth inning, manager Tommy Lasorda refused to take him out of the game, even after surpassing the 90-pitch count.

The Cubans had only managed three singles heading into the bottom of the ninth and Sheets wouldn’t have them add any more. Finishing the game, the way he started, Sheets struck out the first two batters in the final inning.

With one out left in the Olympics, Neill made the sliding snow cone grab in left field for the final out. For the first time in USA Baseball history, Tommy Lasorda and Team USA were Olympic Gold Medalists.

 

WE ARE OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS 🥇#ForGlory🇺🇸 #otd #20thAnniversary pic.twitter.com/PxvCLkpUco

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 28, 2020

Relive every out of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games gold medal game between USA and Cuba, courtesy of The Olympic Channel. Team USA captured the gold after Ben Sheets threw a complete-game shutout to win 4-0. For more information on this game, visit the "On This Date" article here.

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA defeated Korea 3-2 in the Olympic semifinal with a walk-off two-run home run by Doug Mientkiewicz. With the win, Team USA secures a spot in the gold-medal game and a rematch against the two-time defending champion Cuba.

Roy Oswalt was on the mound for Team USA in another bout with Korean pitcher Tae-Hyon Chong after opposing each other in their first contest in pool play. Throughout the first two innings, the game held a lot of similarity as neither pitcher allowed anything to get going at the plate.

However, Korea managed to break through first scoring two runs on two hits in the top of the third and taking the first lead of the game. Oswalt got out of the inning with a strikeout and a fly out and Team USA answered in the fourth.

Brad Wilkerson led off the inning with a double to right field and made his way to third on a ground out by Mike Neill. John Cotton, who had previously been in an 0-for-14 slump at the plate, doubled to the gap in left-center field, scoring Wilkerson and bringing the score to 2-1.

Until the seventh, the two pitchers matched and held the other’s offense at bay. Ryan Franklin came in to pitch in relief for Team USA and kept Korea scoreless. The Americans picked back up their attack when Mike Kinkade laid a bunt down the third-base line and was called safe at first in a close play. Despite a pitching change for Korea, Doug Mientkiewicz singled to right and Kinkade took an extra base, sliding safely into third in yet another close play. A Marcus Jensen sac-fly brought home Kinkade and the game was tied again at 2-2.

In the eighth, after Brent Abernathy doubled and made his way to third base, the weather was too much and caused a two-hour rain delay, Team USA’s second of the tournament. After the delay, Neill was intentionally walked, and on a Cotton grounder to third, both Abernathy and Cotton were called out on a force play at home and an interference call when Abernathy collided with the catcher, ending the threat by Team USA.

Todd Williams took over on the mound for Team USA in the top of the ninth making quick work of the side with two strikeouts and a fly-out.

In the bottom half of the inning, Mike Kinkade reached base after getting hit and was replaced on the base path by Travis Dawkins, Team USA’s fastest runner. When Dawkins was picked-off at first, Doug Mientkiewicz stepped up to the plate and called game. On a 2-1 pitch, Mientkiewicz sent a solo shot over the right field fence to walk-off and send Team USA to the gold-medal game.

Team USA will match up with Cuba in the championship game in a rematch for the history books. The two teams will enter the final day with 7-1 records each.

 

A two-hour rain delay, a walk-off and a spot in the #Sydney2000 gold medal game. Twenty years ago today, this game had it all. #ForGlory🇺🇸

📝: https://t.co/1rgGXUXo3f pic.twitter.com/YFZ6ajnPVb

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 26, 2020

QUOTABLES

- “One of the biggest hits of my life, for sure. Felt really good to come through for us in that situation, and get us on the scoreboard.” John Cotton (Miracle on Grass)

- “I remember seeing the pitch come up off his fingers, and the first thing I thought, the first instant when I saw the ball come out of his hand, was ‘Game over. Just put a good swing on it, put a good swing on it, it’s a change-up.’ I remember being a little bit out in front of it, but I got a good part of the bat on it, and I remember running to first base thinking, ‘That never happens. That never happens.’” Doug Mientkiewicz (Miracle on Grass)

- “One second I was so angry that Gookie had gotten picked off first, and by the time I had gotten back to the dugout, Doug had hit that ball over the fence. And it was pure joy." Tommy Lasorda (Miracle on Grass)

- Before his at-bat, Doug and I had a talk, and he said, ‘Skip, I’ll do whatever it takes for us to win the game.’ He’s never thought about his individual accomplishments this whole time, just of the team and winning.” Tommy Lasorda (Miracle on Grass)

 

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA finished play in the preliminary round with a 12-1 win over Australia. With the win, Team USA heads into the semifinals with a 6-1 record and the second seed in the medal round.

Former major-league pitcher Mark Hutton got the start on the mound for the host nation Australia in what would be their Olympic finale. Despite Hutton’s best efforts, Team USA’s play at the plate just could not be stopped.

The offensive slump that Team USA experienced in its loss to Cuba did not translate over, and in the second inning, the Americans scored four runs on three hits and never looked back. A 34-minute rain delay put the game on pause after Team USA added another run in the second to bring the score to 5-0, but they didn’t stop there.  

In the top of the fourth, the Americans brought around five runs and set the score at 10-0. Every Team USA player either had a hit or scored a run throughout the course of the game. 

On the defensive side of things, Kurt Ainsworth was on the mound for Team USA and through five innings he had only allowed one run on five hits, while striking out three in the process.  

With a 10-1 ballgame in the sixth, Marcus Jensen hit a solo home run to extend the lead by 10 runs. Team USA added a final run in the seventh and was complemented by Chris George pitching two shutout innings of relief to keep the score at 12-1. The extra runs ended the game after the seventh due to the international run-rule.

With the results of Korea over South Africa and Cuba over Japan, now second seeded Team USA will take on third seeded Korea in the semifinals. First seeded Cuba will take on fourth seeded Japan in the other semifinal.

 

September 24, 2000: We finished out the #Sydney2000 preliminary round 💪🏼 against Australia #ForGlory🇺🇸

📝: https://t.co/z1RGf3rTpQ pic.twitter.com/tdYy536bRV

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 24, 2020

 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

QUOTABLES

- "I felt good about our ballclub, and I feel good about it now. I think our chances are good. If we play like we're capable of, we'll see what the results are." Tommy Lasorda (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “Our emotions had dropped a little after last night, and tonight we got our intensity back. We focused right in and got Kurt some runs and got off to a good start, which we haven’t been doing enough. We had a more businesslike attitude tonight, and that’s what we need for the final two games.” Doug Mientkiewicz (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “We were more relaxed tonight, and we went out and hit like we did in the exhibitions. The last few games, we’ve had some struggles, but the team made some adjustments.” Reggie Smith (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- "I think when we play the way we're capable of, there's no team in this tournament that can beat us. It's up to us to play up to our capability." Brent Abernathy (Baseball America)

 

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA suffered its first loss of the 2000 Olympics to the two-time defending gold medalist Cuba in a 6-1 decision. The two clubs hold 5-1 records, the best of the tournament’s eight teams.

Lefthander Rick Krivda got the start on the mound for Team USA in his first appearance of the tournament. Along with being a lefty, Krivda came with major-league experience and a breaking ball manager Tommy Lasorda hoped would hold off the Cubans at the plate.  

After Cuba’s Jose Ibar retired the American side in order in the top of the first, it was Krivda’s chance to do the same. Despite his best efforts, Krivda was unable to find his rhythm and Cuba tallied four runs in the first inning.  

After a solid second inning for Krivda, he was relieved by Jon Rauch. Rauch was able to quiet the Cuban side, striking out eight through four innings and allowing only one run. With his eight strikeouts, Rauch pushed his Olympic total to 21 in just 11 innings on the mound.

With Cuba leading 6-0 heading into the ninth, Team USA was able to avoid the shutout as Pat Borders managed an RBI single and brought home Sean Burroughs putting the Americans on the board.

With the loss, Team USA heads into the final game before the four-team medal round with a 5-1 record. They will take on Olympic host Australia with medal-round seeding yet to be determined.

 

September 23, 2000: Not the result we wanted, but this one just fueled our fire 😤 #otd

📝: https://t.co/fkeJ8KRm9x pic.twitter.com/Rvo4m1zIdR

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 23, 2020

QUOTABLES

- "I ran into trouble when I walked Omar Linares. They hit some high changeups, and even when I made a better pitch, Miguel Caldes was able to hit it into the gap. If I could have that first inning back, maybe it would be a different game.” Rick Krivda (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “I didn't go out there and do anything different. I just threw strikes. It's nice to go out and do well.” Jon Rauch (Baseball America)

 

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA clenched a berth in the medal round of the Sydney Olympics with a 4-2 win over Italy. The win brought Tommy Lasorda’s squad to a tournament-best 5-0 record in the Games.

Ben Sheets got the start on the mound for the Americans and Team USA wasted no time in providing run support for their ace. Brent Abernathy started off the bottom of the first with a leadoff single followed by a Brad Wilkerson single of his own to right field to put runners on the corners.

Mike Neill brought home Abernathy on a fielder’s choice and made his way to second on a wild pickoff throw, putting Team USA on the board first and up 1-0. Ernie Young followed the trend with another single and brought Neill around giving the Americans the early 2-0 lead.

Despite the first inning jump, Team USA was relatively held at bay by the slower than usual speed of Italian starter Battista Perri. In the fourth, the Italians responded with three hits and two runs, tying the score at 2-2. 

The tie remained after six innings and Lasorda was forced to pull Sheets and bring in his top reliever in Ryan Franklin. Franklin had yet to allow a baserunner or a hit in his two appearances in the Olympics and continued the trend by sitting down the Italians in order in both the seventh and eighth innings.

In the bottom of the eighth, Young and John Cotton each managed a walk, forcing a change in pitching and in the pace of the game. Mike Kinkade reached on an overthrow to first base, and with plenty of foul territory at Homebush Bay, both Young and Cotton scored putting Team USA back up 4-2.

Todd Williams recorded the final three outs in relief for Team USA earning his first save alongside Franklin’s third win of the tournament.

 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
ITA	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	5	2
USA	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	-	4	6	1

Win: R. Franklin Loss: B. Perri Save: T. Williams | Box Score

#OTD 20 years ago, @TeamUSA celebrated skipper @TommyLasorda’s birthday with its fifth-straight #Sydney2000 victory #ForGlory🇺🇸

GAME RECAP: https://t.co/mgzg9R4lae pic.twitter.com/S3ydvxo3lc

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 22, 2020

 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

- Ben Sheets recorded three strikeouts and allowed only four hits through six innings

- Ryan Franklin brought his record to 3-0 in the Olympics

- Brent Abernathy was 2-for-4 with one run

- Ernie Young was 2-for-3 with one RBI

 

QUOTABLES

- “I lost my voice from yelling so much because this was a tough, tough game. We were lucky to win tonight. But tomorrow when you look at the standings, it will say, ‘United States of America, 5-0.’” Tommy Lasorda (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “Some of these other teams aren’t as bad as everybody thinks. There's a lot of parity in this tournament.” Mike Neill (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- "That's the game you guys have been talking about for five games. We'll find out about Cuba tomorrow. But we won't know what happens until we play them." Ernie Young (Baseball America)

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA shut out Korea 4-0 in a pitcher’s duel for the ages. Roy Oswalt threw seven shutout innings of his own and recorded his first win of the tournament as Team USA brought its Olympic record to 4-0.

After falling 15-0 in an exhibition game to Team USA, Korea decided to switch up their pitching in game four of the Olympics and started their submarine pitcher, Tae-Hyon Chong. The decision proved to be the right move as Chong pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out five, forcing Oswalt to match.

However, Oswalt lived up to the challenge, even striking out one more on 100 pitches. Behind Oswalt was impeccable defense such as Adam Everett’s continuous work at shortstop and Mike Kinkade’s clutch play at third. In a bases-loaded sixth inning, Kinkade made a diving play, tagging third and making the throw to first for the inning-ending double play and preserving the shutout for the Americans.

The Koreans switched up pitching in the eighth resulting in just what Team USA needed. In the bottom half of the inning with one out, Mike Neill connected on a single to right and Ernie Young managed to get on base with a walk. Despite a change in pitchers, Kinkade forced a walk and loaded the bases for Doug Mientkiewicz.

With one swing on a 3-2 count, Mientkiewicz broke through the shutout and hit a go-ahead grand slam for Team USA.

Chris George and Ryan Franklin ended the game on the mound for Team USA as the squad defeated Korea and moved on to their next challenge in Italy.

 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
KOR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	2
USA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	4	8	0

Win: R. Oswalt Loss: T. Chong | Box Score

September 20, 2000: Roy Oswalt came through with seven shutout innings to help #TeamUSA remain undefeated through four #Sydney2000 games 👏🏼

📝: https://t.co/AtoBt5nwpv pic.twitter.com/fvegKPCYk2

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 20, 2020

 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

- Roy Oswalt recorded six strikeouts and didn’t allow a single run in seven innings on 100 pitches

- Doug Mientkiewicz was 3-for-4 with four RBIs on the go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the eighth

- Ernie Young was 1-for-3 with one run and a stolen base

- Brent Abernathy recorded his third double of the Olympics

 

QUOTABLES

- “I was at second base, so I had a perfect angle to see the pitch. Doug was seeing the ball really clearly, because he laid off some tough pitches to hit. I knew the way he was seeing it, he was going to have a productive at-bat, and he didn’t miss the fastball. The guy had to challenge him, with a full count.” Ernie Young (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- "We've had some difficulty with the different pitching we've faced, but we're finding ways to score," Mientkiewicz said. "We've had different guys come through." Doug Mientkiewicz (Baseball America)

- “If Kinkade doesn’t make that double play, we lose. I don’t get my chance to shine. But I have a great still-frame memory of that moment, running up the line with my finger in the air, and (first-base coach) Reggie Smith high-fiving me. That was one of the longest home runs I’ve ever hit in my life.” Doug Mientkiewicz (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

 

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA moved to 3-0 in the Sydney Olympic Games with a 6-2 win over the Netherlands. Kurt Ainsworth got the start on the mound for Team USA in what he called the most important game of his life.

Brent Abernathy got Team USA started with a leadoff double and the rest of the American squad wasted no time in following suit. Brad Wilkerson put runners on the corners with a bunt and Ernie Young brought the pair home with a double of his own to left field, taking a 2-0 first inning lead.

Despite a bases-loaded inning in the bottom half of the first, Ainsworth was able to preserve the lead, allowing only one run and getting out of the inning with a force out and double play.

From there, the offense just clicked for Team USA. Young and Wilkerson added to the lead each with solo home runs in the third and sixth innings respectively and single runs sparked by Young in the seventh and eighth widened the gap to 6-2 for Team USA.

With the win, Team USA moved to 3-0 to tie Cuba for the best record in the Olympics.

 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
USA	2	0	1	0	0	1	1	1	0	6	8	0
NED	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	8	0

Win: K. Ainsworth Loss: R. Cordemans | Box Score

September 19, 2000: it was the most important game of @TeamUSA starter Kurt Ainsworth's life and he didn't disappoint while the offense put on another show 💪🏼

📝: https://t.co/CXOYqN9HXv pic.twitter.com/TgoLr6Eg7y

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 19, 2020

  

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

- Ainsworth allowed only one run on five hits through 6 2/3 innings and recorded three strikeouts

- Abernathy was 2-for-4 with a leadoff double

- Wilkerson was 2-for-5 with a home run in the sixth inning

- Ernie Young was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run in the third inning

 

QUOTABLES

- “We beat a good team. They beat us in the exhibition round, so it was important that we came back and won this one. We can't look past any team. We have to win every game, and it doesn't matter who we play.” Ernie Young (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “This was the best we've played as a team. We put everything together today, with power, timely hits and error-free baseball. That's important. Now we just have to keep doing it." Ernie Young (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA continued its Olympic run and moved to 2-0 after a dominating 11-1 victory over South Africa. Jon Rauch got the start on the mound for the Americans recording 13 strikeouts and allowing only three hits and one run on the day.

After trailing 1-0 in the first inning, Brad Wilkerson tripled to right field and fired up the Team USA offense. Ernie Young managed to get on base with a walk and John Cotton brought the pair home with a two-run double down the first-base line, giving Team USA a 2-1 lead.

Cotton continued to lead the way at the plate collecting an Olympic record five RBIs as Team USA tallied nine more runs throughout the second, fourth and sixth innings and never looked back. Brent Abernathy, Doug Mientkiewicz and Pat Borders all managed hits as the American squad crusied to a 10-1 lead after five innings.

Mike Neill recorded his second home run of the Games in as many days in the sixth inning, giving Team USA a 10-run lead. After South Africa was unable to produce a run in the top of the seventh, Neill’s solo shot was the deciding factor and ended the game early due to the international 10-run rule.

 

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
RSA	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	1
USA	2	5	0	3	0	1	-	11	9	1

Win: J. Rauch Loss: L. Mauritz | Box Score

 

A statement-making, record-breaking performance #ForGlory🇺🇸 #OTD 20 years ago at the #Sydney2000 Olympics.

📝: https://t.co/0BC4jZbvlT pic.twitter.com/9jQ6YeHCBz

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 18, 2020

 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

- Jon Rauch’s 13 strikeouts was one short of the Team USA Olympic record for strikeouts in a game (B.J. Wallace, 1992)
- John Cotton’s five RBIs set a Team USA Olympic record
- Mike Neill hit his second home run of the Games
- Brad Wilkerson was 2-for-3 at the plate and recorded a stolen base

 

QUOTABLES

- “I had to settle down and focus and get back to what I do best, which is throw strikes. It took me a while to settle down and get in a rhythm with (Pat) Borders, but once I did that, I threw well.” Jon Rauch (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “The record really does mean everything…I’m getting a chance to show teams in the U.S. and overseas that I can play this game, and hopefully help us win a gold medal, too.” John Cotton (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- “It’s important that we are off to a 2-0 start, but every night is important. That’s what’s different about this tournament.” John Cotton (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

 

On this date in USA Baseball history, Team USA opened the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with an instant classic against Japan. After six scoreless innings and still tied throughout nine, the second game of the Olympics became the longest in history since baseball became a medal sport. Mike Neill gave Team USA its first Olympic win with a two-run walk-off home run in extra innings.

Ben Sheets threw seven scoreless innings on the mound and recorded three strikeouts for Team USA before reaching his pitch count for the day. Japan’s Daisuke Matsuzaka held Team USA off until the bottom of the seventh when John Cotton tripled to lead off the inning. Cotton put Team USA on the board after coming around on a single by Mike Kinkade. A hit-and-run by Doug Mientkiewicz moved Kinkade to third and a Marcus Jensen fielder’s choice brought the score to 2-0 for Team USA.

Japan answered with a run in both the eighth and ninth innings and forced the game into extras. Ryan Franklin took over on the mound for Team USA and threw four shut-out innings, tallying four strikeouts along the way.

In the bottom of the 13th inning, Mike Neil hit a towering two-run home run to right field and gave Team USA a 4-2 walk-off win over Japan.

 

#OTD 20 years ago, we began our road to #Sydney2000 Olympic 🥇 in walkoff fashion with a 13-inning victory over Japan.

📝: https://t.co/sks0x0Bt38 pic.twitter.com/VMxEmEDOp8

— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) September 17, 2020

QUOTABLES

- “I wouldn’t say anything about it was normal. I got caught up in the moment. It was an unbelievable feeling, because I knew it was gone when I hit it. It was an intense game, and I’m glad it’s over with.” Mike Neil (Baseball America, Miracle on Grass)

- "We’ve got a good ballclub. I think we have a pretty complete team, because we played great defense today, we showed we can pitch and have a good bullpen, and we have a little power.” Tommy Lasorda (Baseball America)

- “This is bigger than the Dodgers, bigger than Major League Baseball. We’re doing this for America.” Tommy Lasorda (Miracle on Grass)

 

CARY, N.C. - USA Baseball today announced its first-ever Day of Giving, a 24-hour online fundraiser set to take place on Wednesday, September 30. The "Give For Glory" campaign will allow the Team USA community to join together and collectively influence our pastime's future both on and off the field.
Celebrated in coordination with the 20th anniversary of the gold medal-victory over Cuba in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, USA Baseball encourages its alumni, community and fans to celebrate its past accomplishments by sharing stories of impact and helping spread the word on what it means to be a part of USA Baseball.
"The inaugural Give For Glory campaign will unite all of our alumni and supporters to commemorate the respective impact USA Baseball has had on their lives while contributing to the future of the organization," said USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO Paul Seiler. "Every gift will allow us to reach our full potential as the national governing body for baseball in the United States as we aim to build champions in baseball and in life."
All gifts made on the day of giving will be tracked in real time at GiveForGlory.com. There, supporters can direct their gifts into several different USA Baseball programs, including one of its six national team programs, the national team development program, the Golden Spikes Award, the National Training Complex, its youth development and education initiatives, or to a general fund allocated for the greatest needs of the organization.
"USA Baseball has been a part of my life for twenty years and I cannot imagine a better way to support this organization for another twenty years to come than a Day of Giving," said Ernie Young, a member of the 2000 Olympic Team, five-time national team manager and coach, and former USA Baseball Board of Directors member. "As a former player, coach, manager and Olympian, I feel honored to be a part of a prestigious organization that strives for gold both on the field and off."
The 24-hour event will begin at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 30. All gifts are tax-deductible and donors will receive a receipt of their gift for their records.
Fans and supporters alike can follow along with the USA Baseball Day of Giving by following @USABaseball on social media and using the hashtag #GiveForGlory. To receive more information on the philanthropic giving program at USA Baseball, sign up here.
For more information on the USA Baseball development department and its initiatives, contact Senior Director of Development Will Chriscoe via email at WillChriscoe@USABaseball.com or Donate@USABaseball.com.

You go to a USA Baseball national team identification event. You play your best. You get noticed. You get invited to the chance of a lifetime: An opportunity to represent your country as a player on the USA Baseball national team.

That's the common path for a player.

But what about the coaches for the USA Baseball national teams? A coach cannot go 8-for-19 with three home runs over the course of a weekend tournament. So, what do they do? What is their path? How do you become a coach for USA Baseball?

It is a question we get asked a lot.

The answer: Honestly, there is no "path" for the best coaches in the country to carefully weave through, marking off accomplishments from a cultivated list in order to get closer to their coaching dreams. The answer is more complex than that. There are any number of ways someone with the right heart, attitude and abilities can end up wearing U-S-A across their chest and, hopefully, a gold medal around their neck.

For proof of this, look no further than the 2018 15U World Cup champion coaching staff. Four men with wildly different paths to our coaching ranks found themselves all sharing a medal stand in Panama.

The Career Coach: Pitching Coach Adam Moseley

Adam Moseley is the head baseball coach at Hoover High School (Hoover, Ala.). As of 2020 he has been leading a big-time high school baseball program for thirteen years, spending the last six at Hoover. But his path to becoming a decorated head coach was set much earlier in life.

A pitcher by trade, Adam played baseball at Birmingham Southern College. But the on-field opportunity wasn't the main factor that drew him to the NAIA school; it was a coach.

"I knew I wanted to coach when I was in high school," Adam remembered. "It actually affected where I went to college. I wanted to play for someone who really taught the game."

That someone was Coach Brian Shoop. Shoop built a program at Birmingham Southern, turning the small school into an NAIA national champion and eventually an NCAA Division I conference champion and NCAA tournament threat.

Moseley studied under Shoop both as a player and ex-player, returning to camps to help out his mentor. He wanted to one day build his own program into a winner the same way Shoop had.

"We talked coaching all the time," Adam remembered of his time as a collegiate player. "He has been a constant source for me."

After graduating from Birmingham Southern in 1998, Adam started coaching high school baseball while taking graduate school classes. After grad school he began teaching and kept coaching before he eventually got a call from his hometown school, Grissom High School.

Adam would join Grissom as an assistant coach for three years before he took over the program. He led the Tigers for eight years and took the school to new heights, reaching the Alabama state quarterfinals four times in five years and an overall record of 224-153.

In 2014, Adam was hired to be the new head coach at Hoover High School. That same year, he was contacted by then USA Baseball Director of Baseball Operations Brooks Webb.

Why was Adam Moseley on USA Baseball's radar? He was an up-and-coming coach with drive and passion for the game, he already owned a track record of success in a major high school setting and was vouched for by a current USA Baseball coach, David Sharp. He checked all the boxes.

Moseley's insight to USA Baseball came from his relationship with David Sharp, the head coach of another big-time Alabama baseball program: Huntsville High School (Huntsville, Ala.). Sharp had helped with several USA Baseball identification events for the 12U National Team and shared his experiences with Moseley, and also recommended the career coach to USA Baseball.

"Brooks Webb called me and asked if I was interested [in working with USA Baseball]," Moseley remembered. "And I said yes, but I'd be a whole lot more comfortable if the pitchers were 60 feet, six inches away from the plate and the base paths were 90 feet apart."

Luckily, Webb was calling to fill a need at the National Team Championships in Florida, specifically with the 14U and 17U tournaments. Adam admits his first experience at a USA Baseball event was "a little overwhelming" due to the pressure of helping select a national team and the 14-hour days in hot and humid southern Florida. But, once he got settled in, it was "non-stop watching good baseball and learning."

Even though he wasn't coaching, Adam was determined to work as hard as he could at this new opportunity. His goal was to provide the best information possible, and let his dedication and drive show through his work.

He loved it, but it wasn't coaching. And Adam Moseley is a coach. He had known that since he was in high school.

The following year, even though it wasn't coaching, Adam once again returned to the National Team Championships event in Florida to give his time and expertise to USA Baseball and young players from across the country. And it was then that he was asked to lend his services to the 14U National Team Development Program.

"I thought the National Team Development Program was the coolest thing ever," said Moseley. At the National Team Development Program he was back where he felt most at home, back on the field coaching some of the most talented kids in the country. This is where he belonged.

Being back on the field and spending time with these players was something Adam took to heart. "I was there to coach pitchers, but I was there to coach them about life as well," he said.

Adam continued to coach USA Baseball players about pitching and life and "The USA Way" at any event he was asked to attend. And in 2017 he was named head pitching coordinator for the 14U National Team Development Program.

"You look around at these players and you think, well they are going to win a world championship next year," Moseley said. He didn't know it at the time, but he would be right there with them when they did. It was the plan all along.

"It was clear during the 14U National Team Development Program that Adam was meticulous and organized when it came to pitchers," said Ashley Bratcher, USA Baseball Senior Director of Baseball Operations and the 15U National Team program director. "He knew every detail about each player on the field and he created a thorough and development plan for all of them.

"Making him the pitching coach on the 15U National Team in 2018 was one of our easier decisions. He displayed an appreciation to the game, to his craft as a pitcher and to developing the athletes that told us he was the right guy to for the job. It is not an easy task to lead a pitching staff at a World Cup, especially when you were still searching for your first world title, and his experience and dedication to competing that helped lead our program to new heights."

The pitching staff he led in the 2018 U-15 Baseball World Cup posted a combined 1.24 ERA in the nine-game tournament. They outscored their opponents 88-13 on their way to winning the first U-15 Baseball World Cup in USA Baseball history. Adam Moseley returned home from the first international trip of his life with a gold medal.

That gold medal came just one year after he led the Buccaneers to an Alabama State Championship in 2017. It's safe to say the high school player looking at colleges knew exactly what he was meant to do with his life. He chose the right path and USA Baseball is thankful for it.

Adam Moseley's story is the fourth and final story of a four-part series on "How to Become a USA Baseball Coach." The remaining three stories of the series can be found on USABaseball.com.