EMERSON, Ga. – The MWE Bombers improved to 5-1 at the 2018 WWBA 16u National Championship Qualifier on Monday night after defeating the Tuscaloosa Sox by a score of 7-1. The win keeps the Bombers on top of Pool G, where they control their own destiny in advancing to Tuesday’s playoffs.
Formerly known as the Texas Bombers, head coach Lale Esquivel made the decision to partner with Midwest Elite last year, giving his players the resources needed to find a home at the next level. Coach Esquivel is happy with the partnership thus far, and is excited for the future.
“The Bomber program has been around for over 25 years, and this is our first year that we’ve decided to go with Midwest Elite. We’ve known them for quite a while; they've got a good program,” said Coach Esquivel. “They’ve really pushed our kids as far as getting college offers, and I’m really looking forward to working with them. So far they’ve done everything they’ve promised, and were really looking forward to working with these people.”
Whether they are known as the Texas Bombers or the MWE Bombers, this team is loaded with talent. With eight top 200 players in the 2020 class, the Bombers are a threat both on the mound and at the plate.
On the mound, the Bombers are lead by righty Masyn Winn. Winn has a fastball that has been up to 93 in events past, and has flashed an excellent glove and bat to go with it at events past. Winn currently ranks as the 19th-best player in the 2020 class, and is the No. 3 player in the state of Texas.
Winn is also committed to playing his college baseball at Stanford University, a place he and his mom feel is the best fit for him at the next level.
“Me and my mom narrowed it down to three schools, but we thought that Stanford was just the best all-around academic and baseball school,” said Winn. “We just thought that was the best fit for me. Obviously if baseball doesn't work then that would give me the best degree to help still be able to support a family.”
Winn is also one of the three MWE Bombers participating in this week’s Perfect Game Junior National Showcase here in Emerson. The showcase gives members of the 2020 and 2021 class a chance to compete with some of the best players in the country.
“Its very exciting. We had part of it [Junior National] today and that was kind of cool but it got rained out,” said Winn, who will play again at 8am on Tuesday morning. ‘I don't want to wake up at six tomorrow, but its definitely worth it.”
Another player participating in this week’s Junior National Showcase is Yanluis Ortiz. Ortiz is a primary catcher, and is currently ranked as the 30th-best player in the 2020 class.
Ortiz had one of the better swings of tonight’s game, lacing a run scoring deep over the head of the left fielder, in what would eventually be the winning run. Ortiz was also sharp behind the plate, blocking balls well on what was a wet night at LakePoint.
Ortiz has a lot of power in his bat, and has also been up to 90 on the mound. During Monday’s showcase events, Ortiz flashed a 1.96 pop time from behind the plate, and had an off the tee exit velocity of 99 mph.
Ortiz, who is committed Miami (Fla.), lives in Grapevine, Texas; however, being a native of Puerto Rico, he was drawn to the climate at Miami when making his decision.
“Being from Puerto Rico, Miami is very close with the weather, and I really like the place,” said Ortiz. “It's a lot like Puerto Rico, so it reminds me of home.”
Ortiz first burst onto the scene in 2016 when he competed in the inaugural 14u Perfect Game Select Baseball Festival in Fort Myers, Florida. The nationally televised event was the first of its kind, and gave young kids a chance to compete in front of scouts and college coaches for the first time.
“It was unbelievable. Something that like you think about every day. When you have that it shows you that your dream is coming true. All the work that you’re putting in is coming true.”
Dreams are in fact coming true for many members of the MWE Bombers, and on the eve of tomorrow’s playoffs, sit just a few steps away from an automatic bid to the WWBA 16u National Championship.