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PG Series  | PG Series Classic | 7/29/2019

North locks in 12u Series title

Photo: North (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The PG Series Classic staged exceptional talent throughout and particularly in the title game on a blazing Monday afternoon in Fort Myers, where most would be surprised that it was 12-year olds competing. North defeated Northeast in a matchup that didn’t see a single run scored until the fifth inning, fans in attendance would say it was one of the best baseball games they’ve seen. 

While both teams sat at the top of their pool, North went undefeated in the series and opened with back-to-back shutout victories. Evidently, they were considered the favorite in this matchup, but a slow start had everyone on their toes. Northeast was first on the boards in the top of the fifth with a run scored by Zach Fronio (2025, Annandale, N.J.), and then North would come around in the bottom to score three runs, which happened to be all that was necessary to secure a 3-1 win. 

“That was awesome,” said head coach Christian Martinez. “We always grind from the first game and I’m really proud of these kids. Especially considering we had only nine the whole time -we were free of injuries. It was great, great experience.” 

MV-Pitcher, Joseph Vaccarella (2025, Mickleton, N.J.) gave it his all on the mound in the finale allowing five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters in his 4 2/3 innings. The primary righthander and first basemen had consistently performed at a high level this week to earn such an honor. Vaccarella got the start in the opener allowing just one hit while striking out six in just two innings. He also led the way offensively going 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Following soon after in the team’s second shutout of opening day, Vaccarella led the offense once again scoring a run and going 2-for-3 with a triple that time. 

“He started the first game for us and only threw 20 pitches and I knew from the get-go that he was going to be our ace,” said Martinez. “He averages around 75 mph and I decided to save him hoping we’d make it to the final and in the end that was the right move."

Bobby Herzman (2025, Cheshire, Conn.)  came in the game for North as a reliever and didn't allow a single hit or walk while striking out two batters in 1 1/3 innings. The primary righthander and first basemen also appeared on last year’s 11u PG Series Classic champions roster.

Teammates Tyler Hughesman (2024, Mooresville, N.C.), Aidan Moore (2025, Pilesgrove, N.J.) and Dylan McCafferty (Chalfont, Pa.) each scored North's three runs in the fifth; McCaffery also picked up two of the team's RBIs.

But it didn’t come easy for a lineup that was arranged in just five minutes. Coach Martinez, who is a Florida native, discusses the challenge the team faced through unfamiliar conditions and their fearless approach.

“I was honored to coach them,” added Martinez. “With the weather here it’s really hard to make a lineup, we had five minutes to do it. This is a great group of kids – very talented. I think we had great chemistry and I believe that was the key to win this.” 

The MVP for the tournament was earned by Luke Keefer (2024, North East, Md.) of Northeast. Keffer pitched a no-hitter in the semifinals and earned the shutout for Northeast by allowing just three walks and striking out a considerable 14 batters in his complete six-inning game. Along with his legitimate pitching effort, the primary shortstop and second basemen is versatile in his game and his wide skill-set proved why he won the same award just over two weeks ago in the 12u Northeast Summer Championships. 


2019 12u PG Series Classic runner-up: Northeast



2019 12u PG Series Classic MVP: Luke Keefer



2019 12u PG Series Classic MV-Pitcher: Joseph Vaccarella






PG Series | PG Series Classic | 8/2/2019

Deep South captures Series

Autumn Jones
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FORT MYERS, Fla. – A gloomy Friday afternoon in Fort Myers unified more than merely individuals contesting collectively, but two talented Freshmen teams that displayed a great deal of sportsmanship. Deep South slid past Puerto Rico in the title game of the Freshman PG Series Classic, 5-1. Considering their rough start in pool play, going 0-3, Deep South came out relentless in the playoffs defeating opponents in the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds and closed the feat with a championship victory against Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was up first on the board in the bottom of the first scoring their single run in the game that came from Jose Torres Rivera (2022, Puerto Rico).  Deep South doubled that shortly after in the top of the second with runs scored by Yoel Tejeda Jr (2022, Davie, Fla.) and Xavier Vergne (2022, Miramar, Fla.). Tejeda Jr and Vergne each went 2-for-3 in the game...
General | Blog | 2/20/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 63

Ron Wolforth
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/20/2026

18U PG Winter Elite Showcase Indoor

Dave Durbala
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/19/2026

14U PG Winter Elite Showcase Indoor

Erica Beach
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High School | General | 2/19/2026

Pacific Northwest All Region & Top Tools

David Rawnsley
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NORTHWEST REGION (WA, OR, ID, WY, AK, MT, HI)    The biggest change in the Northwest Region for 2026 is the addition of Hawaii, which has always been overlooked due to being lumped with California in the former Pacific Region.  This also coincides with an increased Perfect Game presence in the islands in the form of additional events and scouting.  And Hawaii certainly contributed in it’s first year, placing four players on the All-Region team, including slugging 2026 outfielder Judah Ota. The powerhouse Puyallup HS team is the only Northwest Region team to be represented in the PG Pre-Season Top 50 National HS Rankings, beginning the year ranked 26th.  C – Teagan Scott (Sr., South Salem HS, Ore.) Scott has been on the prospect map since he played in the 2023 PG 14U Select Festival and is signed with Oregon State.  A right-handed hitter with lots...
Showcase | Story | 2/20/2026

PG ID Camps Help Build Baseball Resume

Jim Salisbury
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Draft | Story | 2/19/2026

Then vs. Now: '26 Class Look Back

Tyler Henninger
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One constant across our scouting staff is the volume of in-person looks we get at prospects during their high school years. With assignments at national tournaments and showcases throughout the calendar, we’ve built a deep library of reports and video on many of today’s top college prospects dating back to their prep days. This week, we took a step back to revisit what those players looked like as high school prospects. Which tools stood out? What was missing from the profile at the time? And what, if anything, did we overlook that ultimately helped shape the player they’ve become? Below, we break down 10 players in a “Then and Now” reflection. Justin Lebron (23 FL) finishes off the tournament getting in on the hit parade with a single to the pullside. #PGShowdown #Bama commit pic.twitter.com/C4Irym2ZTR — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) March 4, 2023...
High School | General | 2/18/2026

High School Notebook: Feb. 18

Cam McElwaney
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Grady Emerson (‘26 TX) laces this ball to right for a walk off single. Clean lefty stroke. Looks the part both sides of the ball. Checks all the boxes. Will be scouted heavily this Spring. #PGHS #HookEm commit. #PGDraft pic.twitter.com/wXvdHdgqME — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) February 6, 2026 Grady Emerson (2026, Argyle, Texas) had a strong showing throughout the opening week of high school baseball out here in Texas. Works good at-bats and is always a tough out in general. Makes all the plays at short and just has the look of a future big leaguer. He does all the little things right. Bat to ball will play at a high level and there is still a lot more power to project on here. There is a reason why Emerson is one of, if not the most highly coveted high school prospect in the 2026 class and it’s easy to see why. Currently committed to Texas, but has the potential to...
High School | Rankings | 2/18/2026

Midwest Region Top Teams

Tyler Russo
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Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/18/2026

PG Softball Winter One Day Tournament

Dave Durbala
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College | Rankings | 2/18/2026

DIII Rankings: February 18

Nick Herfordt
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Every spring, Division III baseball begins as a wide-open map. Cold mornings turn into long bus rides, non-conference gauntlets test resolve, and by the time the dust settles, only a few teams are still standing with a clear line to the NCAA Division III baseball tournament. The 2026 Perfect Game Division III Baseball Rankings capture that moment before the stretch run, highlighting the programs that have separated themselves through depth, durability, and an ability to win in a variety of ways. These eight teams are not simply piling up wins; they are shaping identities built to survive the grind and thrive when the margins narrow.  The destination is familiar, even if the journey never is. Once again, the final chapter will be written at Classic Park, where timing, composure, and roster balance matter as much as raw talent. The teams ranked here enter 2026 with more than ambition....
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