EM Majors: The Model of Success

Jordan Posway

Rogers, Arkansas is home to one of the hottest teams in the nation, the 14U EM Majors. Led by Coach Brett Huskey, the Majors have compiled a 23-2 record this spring after posting an impressive 141-21-3 record in the 2013-14 season. This past weekend, the EM Majors were crowned champions of the 14U Central Regional, securing a trip to the PG Super25 National Championship for a second consecutive season.

The EM Majors are no strangers to success. The reigning Arkansas State Champions have a long list of accolades including 8 National Tournament Titles. They were the 2013 12U USSSA National Champions as well as the 2014 13U USSSA National Runner-Ups. A key factor as to why his teams have been so successful the last three years has been the continuity of the roster. Many of the players who won the 12U National Championship carried over onto the 13U team and so on.

Since moving to the older age groups, the EM Majors’ roster has expanded by joining forces with another successful organization, the Arkansas Mighty Ducks. Though the EM Majors carry a larger roster with many new players, the coaches still promote the “team game”. “We are very big on keeping the team game, teaching the team game, and promoting that within our kids. We have seen a huge benefit in how our kids play and how comfortable they are with each other,” said Coach Huskey.

Though continuity has been key throughout the years for Coach Huskey’s teams, he listed the versatility and depth of their expanded roster as their biggest strength this season.

“Our biggest strength is the ability for different players to be able to play different positions. Before these teams, we didn’t have the personnel to be able to move around freely,” Huskey said. “…The depth that we have and the quality of talent that we have to be able to put kids in different positions and not see a drop off at all from a production standpoint or an ability standpoint is something that has been a huge asset, and something that has helped this team a lot this year.”

Although the EM Majors’ roster is devoid of many “big bruisers”, they do have another quality that separates them from the pack—speed.

“We’ve got a lot of very athletic, very fast kids. We tell our kids and teach our kids to play the game fast. That’s something that we do on offense and defense.”

The Majors aren’t short on speed, and they sure aren’t short on talent. Coach Huskey had only good things to say about his “special” team. When asked about players who are excelling so far in 2015, he mentioned quite a few young talents.

Peyton Holt, their top hitter who wears #3, has consistently provided an offensive spark while their lead-off hitter, #2 Kamron Hunt, brings the aforementioned speed to the table. Hunt's athleticism has even received praise from the PG Super25 National Director, Drake Browne.

"Hunt was one of the most impressive athletes at last year's 13U National Championship." said Browne. "His infield actions were smooth, he's a quick twitch player, and his range was already better than most high school shortstops."

However, someone who has really caught the eye of their coach recently has been #24 Brandon Ulmer. “Brandon Ulmer is a kid who over the last three weeks has really stepped his game up tremendously. He has really caught fire at the plate.” Huskey said.

Ulmer and company have really hit their stride coming off a Central Regional tournament win. The team is not short on confidence, as their expectation is to make it to the championship in every tournament that they play in. The Majors, who enjoy playing at a high level, believe they can compete with the top organizations in every tournament, and they have the accolades to back it up.

Every player, coach, and parent involved with the EM Majors takes pride in what their teams have accomplished over the years. “The most rewarding part is seeing how much these kids continue to improve,” said their coach.

According to Coach Huskey, the team chemistry and the confidence in their abilities displayed over the past three years continues to get better and better, which will be fun to watch at this year's National Championship. EM Majors will square off against a highly talented field that includes the reigning National Champions, PSA Sox Red. Other teams that have already qualified include last year's National Runner-Up, Dallas Tigers - Hernandez, the Houston Banditos, TC Nationals Force, and CBC Elite out of Puerto Rico.

PERFECTGAME.TV

Give us your feedback

Game Recaps
17U Florida Super Qualifier

5/6 Game Recaps
12U Florida Super Qualifier

5/6 Game Recaps
11u Florida Super Qualifier

Georgia Super Qualifiers Claimed
The East Cobb Astros and the Georgia Bombers (Hill) were able to emerge as the champions on Sunday at the 2018 PG Super25 13u and 14u Georgia Super Qualifiers.

PERFECTGAME.TV