THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Tournaments  | Story | 7/8/2016

FTB Tucci powers way to title

Photo: Perfect Game

EMERSON, Ga. – The 17u WWBA National Championship came to a close this afternoon as the No. 1 overall seed FTB Tucci dispatched the South Charlotte Panthers 7-3 to claim the 2016 title. Tucci struck early and often on offense to roll to a win that was never really in doubt.

The Panthers struck first as they pushed across a run in the first inning without recording a hit. After getting runners to first and second with a hit by pitch and a walk, respectively, a double play ball was hit to short. The runner beat out the throw at first and the runner who was on second made a smart base running move and scored on the play.

Tucci responded by scoring two runs in the bottom half of the frame. Mervyl “M.J.” Melendez, the No. 2 catcher nationally for the class of 2017 and a Florida International commit, knocked in a run on an RBI double, and Oraj Anu, the No. 4 outfielder nationally for the class of 2017 and another Florida International commit, followed by bringing in a run on an RBI single over the head of the shortstop. After one inning, FTB Tucci had a 2-1 lead.

The Panthers responded to tie the game in the top of the second. Justin Guy, the No. 11 outfielder in the state of North Carolina for the class of 2017, came through with a clutch, one-out RBI single to tie the game heading into the bottom of the inning.

The score would remain tied until the bottom of the third inning. Christian Robinson, the No. 2 outfielder in the state of Florida for the class of 2017 and a Florida commit, brought in Melendez to score on an RBI single. The score would remain 3-2 until the bottom of the fourth inning when Tucci broke it open.

Jordan Anderson, the No. 1 outfielder in the state of Alabama for the class of 2017, started the scoring in the fourth with an RBI triple. Matthew Golda, the No. 9 shortstop in the state of Florida for the class of 2017 and a Florida Atlantic commit, brought in the next run with an RBI single. Golda would later come in to score following a throwing error. Brandon Stone, the No. 19 shortstop in the state of Florida for the class of 2017 and a Boston College commit, scored the final run after he came home to score on the old Little League rundown play with Melendez between first and second. Tucci now had a commanding 7-2 lead.

The Panthers would come back to score a run in the top of the sixth thanks to a sacrifice fly to bring the score to 7-3. The Panthers would not be able to overcome the deficit and were defeated after an uneventful top of the seventh inning.

Emotions were high for manager Jered Goodwin as he had come very close before and reached the top of the mountain against a very competitive field.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Goodwin. “This is a great group of kids. We have so many different personalities that came together. I talked about it the other day that it was going to come down to chemistry and finding leaders and we certainly did. The chemistry was unbelievable. I knew this is what it was going to take and it was a real program effort today with some young guys throwing. It was a really good day for our entire program. We hope every time we step on the field we make our founder George Gonzalez proud. He was the one who started this all and we’re lucky enough to represent him and FTB. Also a big thanks to our sponsor Tucci Lumber.”

Goodwin talked previously about how he felt team chemistry and the emergence of leaders in the dugout were going to be the biggest factors in how far the team would go. He was clearly impressed by his team’s ability to step up in moments and grind out tough victories.

“The first couple days we weren’t communicating and our dugout was really dead,” added Goodwin. “Then all of a sudden some guys stepped up and one guy in particular Bryce Hutchinson. After that it was all of our pitchers, all of our infielders, all of our outfielders, and our catchers. This team became this new club that was exclusive, and that’s the stuff that sounds weird but all of a sudden you start fighting for each other. It was awesome to see it evolve like that.”

FTB Tucci orchestrated a systematic comeback after going down 4-0 early in the semifinals. Goodwin was proud of his team’s ability to overcome the adversity and grab victory from the jaws of defeat.

“It’s weird, you go down 4-0 and we were down 4-0 in the semifinals in 2010 and we ended up putting a bunch of runs up right away and went to the finals,” said Goodwin. “This year it was different, it was kind of a grind, we were flipping lineups and running the bases well. We just had to get those big two-out hits and grind at-bats. I didn’t think it was ever too high or too low, I think we just knew we had to keep grinding and chipping away and it went in our favor in the end.”

Goodwin wants his team to remember not only the championship trophy, but the journey they took to get there. Building relationships and creating lifelong memories are the biggest things that he wants his team to take from the tournament.

“I told them a couple nights ago how many former players in the pros have texted me this week saying they were following on GameChanger,” said Goodwin. “That is what you take away from these tournaments are these lifelong friendships. They want to look back and they want to see how everyone is doing. Literally three big leaguers told me they were following on GameChanger and these guys aren’t going to get it now, but they will in a couple years. This is special. Take away the championships and they’re building relationships and that’s what’s going to help them heading into life and their baseball careers.”

The MVP of the tournament was Conner Uselton, the No. 3 outfielder nationally for the class of 2017, of FTB Tucci. Uselton finished with a tournament high 16 hits, a .457 batting average, and added eight runs and eight RBI. The MV-Pitcher was James Decker, the No. 26 righthanded pitcher in the state of North Carolina for the class of 2017, of the Panthers. Decker finished with a 2-0 record in 8 2/3 innings pitched and struck out eight batters while only allowing only one run. Decker also started and won the semifinal game for the Panthers.

The Panthers reached the championship game after a dominating 10-2 victory over Elite Baseball Training. The Panthers scored multiple runs in three innings, including a five-run first inning, to pile on often and soundly to defeat Elite Baseball Training. Conner VanCleave, the No. 1 lefthanded pitcher in the state of Kansas for the class of 2017, led the way on offense as he went 2-for-3 with one run scored and three RBI.

FTB Tucci defeated the Home Plate Chili Dogs Maldonado 6-5 in extra innings to advance to the championship game. FTB went down 4-0 in the first inning and clawed their way back to tie the game at five apiece in the sixth. Christian Robinson brought home the winning run in the bottom of the eighth with a walk-off RBI single off the right field wall.


2016 17u WWBA National Championship runner-up: South Charlotte Panthers 2017



2016 17u WWBA National Championship MVP: Conner Uselton



2016 17u WWBA National Championship MV-Pitcher: James Decker






Tournaments | Story | 10/20/2026

Jupiter Recap: Stars Being Stars

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 PG Draft: Jupiter Draft Movers With the 2026 WWBA World Championship in the rearview mirror, we're going to begin our breakdowns of 4 different subcategories, beginning today with the Stars Being Stars category. Most of the players below are household names or were teetering on the edge of such recognition, using Jupiter as their launching pad. From Perfect Game All-Americans to some serious helium names for the MLB Draft, the PG crew breaks them all down below.  ‘27 Samir Mohammed (FL) racked up 11 Ks thru 5 IP on 75% strikes. FB lived 98-99, T100 w/ tons of ASR & life thru the zone. Hit 99 mph 10+ times incl his final pitch of the outing. Had his sharp vert CB on a string & faded the CHG effectively vs LHHs (clip). #LSU commit. @PG_Draft #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting)...
Tournaments | Story | 10/19/2026

PG Draft: Jupiter Draft Movers

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The WWBA World Championship remains one of the premier events on the draft calendar as all 30 major league organizations descend on Jupiter to evaluate some of the top talent in amateur baseball. The event serves as a pivotal checkpoint in the scouting process, giving established prospects an opportunity to further elevate their stock while lesser-known names have a chance to put themselves on the radar of various organizations. This year was no exception, as several players made strong impressions and positioned themselves for increased attention heading into the spring. With that being said, let’s dive into a few draft risers and sleepers who stood out in Jupiter. Calum Andersen (‘27,CAN) had his A stuff working today running the FB to 96 mph with a devastating horizontal SL at 85 mph that can break bats. Mixed in a late breaking 12/6 curveball at 78 mph that induces weak...
Draft | Prospect Scouting Reports | 10/15/2026

Beyond the Board: C/UTL Gavin Kelly

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Beyond the Board: SS Dylan Seward As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we are diving in West Virginia’s Gavin Kelly. The Mountaineer backstop posted a .382/.477/.725 slash line with 19 home runs, 44 extra-base hits, and helped lead WVU to Omaha in ‘26. Let’s dive in.  Player: Gavin Kelly  Position: C/UTL B/T: R/R Height: 6-foot-0 Weight: 175-pounds School: West Virginia Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pen. Physical Description: 6-0/175. Lean, athletic build. Sneaky strength throughout. Frame has room to fill out and get stronger.    Slo-mo look at the HR by Gavin Kelly (@WVUBaseball)....
Tournaments | Story | 10/15/2026

Big Offense Propels TBT/FTB to Title

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
Big Offense Wins TBT/FTB Phillies Scout WWBA Freshman Title Runs scoring in every inning led to the TBT/FTB Phillies Scout Team taking home the 2026 PG WWBA Freshman World Championship - winning over Canes National 15U 10-5. It had been a long week in West Palm Beach for the freshmen coming in from around the country to go up against the best of the best. While they had gotten to play on the backfields during the whole tournament, the players who made it to the championship game got to play it in the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches Stadium. TBT/FTB showed their defensive strength right away - executing quickly to retire each of the first three batters. With the bats in their hands, they also showed speed to deliver - with Luca Briggs batting Trey Vandergriff in for the first run of the game and Kingston George quickly plating Briggs with a double in the next at-bat. In the first at-bat of...
Tournaments | Story | 10/14/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘31 Ryan Spann (GA) obliterates this ball for a solo HR 💣. Ball jumps off barrel & shows the juice and & PS impact. 3x @PGSelectFest alum. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Georgia https://t.co/TgVGPfDRYc — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) October 10, 2026 Ryan Spann (2031, Warner Robins, Ga.) took home MVP honors after a standout weekend and finishing as the number one player on the top performers list. The top player from Georgia and number two player in the country led all performers in home runs (2) and tallied 7 RBIs on his way to a .400 average. The overall profile on Spann is super advanced for the age with electric offensive upside and one of if not the prettiest swing in the class. This will be a fun follow for years to come and I am all in. Carlo Rivero (2031, Apopka, Fla.) checks in as the number one overall player in the class and it’s easy to see why at...
Press Release | Press Release | 10/14/2026

Perfect Game Extends Turtlebox Deal

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH TURTLEBOX AS OFFICIAL BLUETOOTH SPEAKER AND AUDIO PROVIDER   Sanford, Florida (Wednesday, October 14, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Turtlebox has extended its partnership as the Official Bluetooth Speaker and Audio Provider of Perfect Game. The relationship, which began in 2023, expands to include original content, player recognition and a larger presence at Perfect Game's marquee events. At the center of the extension is "Turtlebox Cage Sessions," a new series produced and distributed by Perfect Game across all its social media platforms. The 12 short-form episodes will feature...
Tournaments | Story | 10/13/2026

East Cobb/Padres Explode Late for Jupiter Win

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
East Cobb/SD Padres ST Explode Late for WWBA Worlds Win A hard-fought, crazy ending resulted in the East Cobb/SD Padres scout team coming back and winning the 2026 PG WWBA World Championship over the SBA/Marlins Scout Team 2028. The score was 8-7 after the championship was won with a walk-off balk. After going against some of the most talented, highly-ranked players in the country for the past couple days, it was finally time for the championship game at Roger Dean Complex Stadium in Jupiter, FL. The WWBA World Championship, or, as it’s more commonly and lovingly referred to as, “Jupiter,” has become a favorite for all who have been part of its iconic, golf-cart infested, electric atmosphere. This championship game was sure to entertain. The first two innings were scoreless for both teams as they got settled. Both defenses were making plays - SBA/Marlins executed a...
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 4

Marcus Thomas
Article Image
WWBA Freshman Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 James Watson (2030, Canton, Ga.) showed the two-way upside to start bracket play for East Cobb Astros 15u. On the mound the right-handed pitcher went three innings and with three strikeouts and spread five hits and two walks for three runs. Watson works from a hybrid windup from the middle-of-the-rubber into a small heel-turn and an around-the-belt leg lift before using drop-and-drive back leg mechanics into a longer, in-line stride down the mound. Showed some feel to get extension down the mound. The hands separate into a moderate arm action before accelerating through from an over-the-top arm angle. The fastball ran up to 86 with arm-side run and life. Paired it with a curveball with 11-5 shape and solid two-plane break. Mixed in a change-up in the upper- 70s with some vertical depth. Competed at the top of the zone well. Athletic...
Tournaments | Story | 10/12/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 4

AJ Denny
Article Image
WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 ‘27 Mark Susa (WI) picked up 3 Ks thru 2 inn of work. 4SFB topped at 90 mph early on; 2S lived 85-86 w/ good run & sink down in the zone. Spun a 2600 rpm SLV w/ sharp traits (clip). Got up to 7’1” of extension. 6’4/200lb frame w/ more to come. #IUBase #WWBAWorlds @PG_WiscMinn https://t.co/uXfjVSSSZF — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 11, 2026 Mark Susa (2027, Hudson, Wisc.) put together a quality outing on Sunday, striking out three batters over 2.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-4 200-pound left-hander ran his fastball up to 90 mph, pairing it with a two-seamer that lived in the 85-86 mph range with heavy sink and arm-side run. He also showed great feel for spinning and locating his slurvy breaking ball, which read spin up to 2600 rpm. Susa utilizes his length to his advantage, creating...
Tournaments | Story | 10/11/2026

WWBA World Champ. Scout Notes: Day 3

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA World Championship Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 ‘28 Alan Zimmerman (FL) racked up 5 Ks w/ just 1 H allowed thru 3 shutout frames. Lived 89-90 T91 w/ lots of life thru the zone & some ASR. Dropped in a 12/6 breaker for Ks (clip). Projectable 6’3” mold. #Uncommitted @PG_Uncommitted #WWBAWorlds @Florida_PG https://t.co/KTDFpGK49y — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 10, 2026 Alan Zimmerman (2028, Winter Garden, Fla.) was dominant in his start on Saturday, collecting five strikeouts through three shutout innings while allowing just one hit. The uncommitted 6-foot-3 right-hander showed out in front of a lot of scouts, running his fastball up to 91 mph. The heater plays up with lots of life through the zone and short arm-side run. Zimmerman sat comfortably in the 88-90 mph range, pairing his fastball with a late-acting 12/6 curveball that was landed...
Loading more articles...