CARY, N.C. – It didn’t take long to realize something was going on at the USA Baseball National Training Complex on Wednesday evening. The line to get into the recently renovated USA Baseball Team Store stretched out into the parking lot as families gathered for the Opening Ceremony of the second week of the National Team Identification Series (NTIS) Champions Cup.
This week brings the 12U and 13U age divisions from the six NTIS regions to Cary, North Carolina, to compete in a championship-style tournament and participate in workouts while being evaluated by national team coaches and scouts.
While some of the athletes here this week have been here for other USA Baseball events like the National Team Championships or Futures Invitational, many are playing at the National Training Complex for the first time. To be able to play at these world class facilities at such a young age is an honor for both these players and their families.
A lot of parents stopped to take photos of their athletes with the field in the background or next to signage around the complex – like those that feature USA Baseball alumni Chris Archer and Mike Trout. These athletes may be just 12 and 13 years old but their aspirations are to one day be like the MLB All-Stars that are highlighted on these signs and flags.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited to play baseball in my life,” said one player as he checked in and received his jersey and hat before the evening’s ceremony. “These are like the nicest fields ever and I know some of the best players ever have come through here.”
As families got checked in and settled before the festivities, they had the opportunity to shop in the team store, grab a bite to eat from food trucks, and just take in the electric atmosphere. With the stands packed at Coleman Field, several speakers addressed this week’s participants, including USA Baseball Assistant Director of Baseball Operations Ann Claire Roberson.
“It’s exciting seeing these players and their families come into the Complex each week and the 12U and 13U groups are no different,” said Roberson. “We’re looking forward to another great week of competition and providing these young athletes with a once in a lifetime experience.”
The experience continues tomorrow with photo day, Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) testing, and the first games of the tournament for each of the 12 teams at each age group. Games will be taking place this weekend at both the National Training Complex and Thomas Brooks Park and the action will be plentiful as the USA Baseball task force searches for the future of America’s pastime.
“The fact that you are here today means you have already been identified as a potential candidate for USA Baseball programming,” 2021 12U National Team Manager RJ Farrell reminded athletes in his closing remarks. “When you put into perspective how many athletes play this game, remember what an honor it is to be a part of the group here.”
