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Showcase  | Story  | 6/11/2023

Kendall Arrives at Junior National

Olivia Bontempo     
Photo: Jacob Kendall (Perfect Game)
Jacob Kendall a rising junior out of St. Augustine, Florida is the top-ranked outfielder in the class of 2025 and the No.5-ranked player in the nation.  

This weekend Kendall, alongside other top players from around the country, was invited to take part in the 2023 Jr. National Showcase in Marietta, Georgia at the East Cobb Baseball Complex.  



Starting Saturday, players have been running through sets of drills from the 60-yard dash to outfield work, and participating in head-to-head games. 

“It's great to be a part of (the Jr. National Showcase),” Kendall said after one of yesterday's games. “Not many kids get to be a part of this, it's only a couple percent that gets to be here. So, I'm just grateful to be here.” 

The 16-year-old is not new to Perfect Game’s premier scouting events. In 2020 Kendall was invited to play at the 13u Select Festival in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and in 2021 was invited to play at the 14u Select Festival in Fort Myers, Florida. Following the 2021 summer season, Kendall was awarded the Perfect Game 14u Player of the Year at the Select Festival.   


“(The Select Festivals) have got me experienced for big events like this,” Kendall said. “You know, you have to show out and get your numbers out there and see who you are up against.” 

The lefty at the plate continues to be an offensive powerhouse, batting .533 so far this season through 15 at-bats and .415 during the 2022 season. Although Kendall bats left-handed he throws right-handed from the field topping out his exit velo from the outfield around 90 mph. 


“I try to limit the strikeouts as best as I can. Definitely try not to do too much and hit a bomb every time, just try for a base hit, help the team out, get on base, and you know, just keep it up.”  
 
Kendall, who is also a University of Florida commit, announced his decision to join the Gators in September of 2021 and is set to join the team in the spring of 2026. 


“It's local,” Kendall said about Florida. “The coaches and Coach Chuck have also all been really cool with me. They really wanted me, and Florida has always been my top school.” 

The Gators have continued to make their way in the NCAA tournament, clinching one of eight spots in Omaha last night after sweeping South Carolina in a 5-4 win Friday night and a 4-0 win Saturday.   

“I'm really excited. Like Josh Rivera, Caglianone, they are all really good. I'm going to watch them tonight and hopefully they can sweep the series,” Kendall said Saturday afternoon. 

Once Jr. National ends on the 14th, you can find Kendall at the 17u Ultimate Baseball Championship in West Palm Beach, playing for the FTB Phillies National 2024 team.  

 
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