Cary, N.C. - National Team Championships North Carolina welcomed a brand-new age group to the tournament in 2022 with 13-and-under squads on Saturday. There was plenty of energy around the USA Baseball National Training Complex, as patrons were eager to see the opportunities the event presents for the young competitors.
Ira Rootman is one of the players who is excited to be a part of USA Baseball history as one of the first participants competing at the 13U National Team Championships North Carolina. The outfielder from Legacy Baseball has participated in the 2019 USA Baseball Futures Invitational and represented the 13U Southwest Stripes at the 2021 USA Baseball National Team Identification Series Champions Cup, and he is pumped up to add National Team Championships to his list of USA Baseball events that he has participated in.
“It was an amazing idea to expand the National Team Champions North Carolina to 13U,” said Rootman. “You come out here and it’s an amazing experience to be around all the top guys in the nation. We’re competing for gold. It’s making everyone better as a player.”
The atmosphere at Coleman Field is providing a big league feel for these young guns ready to prove themselves to the onlookers around the complex. With big-time names of baseball representing their country on these very same fields, it is no surprise there is a sense of euphoria overcoming the ballplayers. Knowing Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Trea Turner, as well as many others, have run around these diamonds can be surreal.
“I played on Coleman Field today and it was like playing in the MLB,” said Rootman. “You hear your name announced and you can feel the presence that superstars played here before. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be here and I’m going to keep balling out.”
The opportunity for the 13-and-under group to compete at the National Team Championships presented itself with the expansion of invitations to the 2022 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP). With ADP increasing the number of invitations from 40 to 72, there was a missing piece at play - a true identification event for the 13U age group.
There was a perfect solution for the dilemma – adding a 13U tournament at National Team Championships North Carolina. This allows for an incredible chance for development at this age, and USA Baseball Task Force member Bryan Madsen sees a bright future in his sights.
“It gives them a chance to develop in an environment that is the best,” said Madsen. “The best training environment that this age group hasn’t had before, which is only going to help benefit the players and the USA Baseball program as they get older. I think you’re going to see a real advancement in the 13- and 14-year-old ages, as well as the 15U National Team, with the expansion of ADP this year.”
A familiar face at the complex echoed a similar message as Madsen’s. 2021 15U National Team Manager Jared Halpert is at the helm for Legacy Baseball hoping to secure a gold medal. While the tournament title is in his sights, Halpert believes this is a great place to begin the transition for younger players towards the next level.
“Giving these younger kids the ability to bridge the gap of high school, collegiate, and professional athletes to play on the same field that they are playing on is incredible,” said Halpert. “For them to have the opportunity to get on the National Training Complex and get comfortable with the dimensions that they’re going to have to play when they get of age is invaluable.”
With all the participants prepared to showcase their skills and keen on earning an ADP invitation, Halpert has words of wisdom for them all.
“My advice to all these players is play like you love it. Put your heart on your sleeve and go out here hard as you can. That’s what these coaches are looking for is kids who love this game and will do anything to get on this field to go compete.”
The love of baseball is here in Cary and USA Baseball is loving this new chapter in its organization.
