THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,467 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,467 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 10/12/2020

SoCal's GBG claims WWBA WC title

Jeff Dahn
Photo: GBG Navy 2021 (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Los Angeles-based Garciaparra Baseball Group (GBG) organization has spent much of the past decade establishing itself as one of the premier programs on the West Coast. In the last half-decade, it’s taken things a step further and is now recognized as one of the premier programs in the entire country.

Want proof? When program founder/owner/head coach Michael Garciaparra woke up here Monday morning he did so knowing he had a team playing in the final-four at the Perfect Game WWBA World Championship (Jupiter) for the fourth time in seven years. That’s a record of success very few programs – regardless of the locale they identify as their base of operations – can match.



There is a caveat, however. Those outstanding GBG teams of the past had never taken the next step. All three of the previous semifinalists were beaten in that round and never played for the championship.

“We’ve taken third three times at this thing,” Garciaparra told PG on Monday afternoon, speaking from the Terry Park Sports Complex. “I told the guys we need to get to the damn final. Just get us to the final and I know we’ll figure it out.

“So that’s what they did and this is a very, very special group. … They competed together like champions and that’s what they deserve to be; it was a total team effort for sure.”

GBG Navy 2021 listened to their coach and won a semifinal game for the first time Monday morning, then left nothing for chance in overwhelming Power Baseball 2021, 9-1 in six innings, in the championship game on a steamy Monday afternoon at Terry Park Stadium.

The No. 13-seeded Navy 2021 (7-0-1) totaled 13 hits in the blitz, one a three-run home run from Josiah Chavez in a seven-run second. They also got four innings of no-hit, six-strikeout work out of 2021 lefthander Anthony Joya, a top-500 Cal State Fullerton recruit.

The No. 10 Power 2021 (7-1-0) were never able to mount much of a charge in the championship game after playing very  impressively over the previous four days.

“Our coach was on us the entire tournament; he really wanted us to win this thing,” tournament Most Valuable Player Carson Williams told PG postgame. “He was confident in us the whole way and he (told us to) keep the energy up the whole time. We’re a big momentum team. Once we had those first (four) runs we were just going to roll; that’s what happened and it was amazing.”

That top of the second inning in which GBG Navy plated seven runs was nothing short of a clinic on how to make contact and proved for the umpteenth time that hitting can be contagious. It started innocently enough with a lead-off walk to Matt Clark which was followed by a single from Aaron Reyes. William "Dub" Gleed then stroked a single to right field which plated Clark and tied the game at one.

That brought Chavez to the plate and he hit a laser shot 375-feet over the wall in right-center that gave the Navy 2021 a 4-1 lead. Two outs were recorded back-to-back and it looked like the Power 2021 might be out of the woods when in fact GBG’s fun was just getting started.

Caleb Lomavita, Williams, Jackson Castillo and Clark all hit two-out singles with Castillo’s driving in a run and Clark’s bringing in two. It was 7-1 at that point and when GBG added an eighth run in the fourth on an RBI single from Gleed the Navy 2021 was entering run-rule territory.

That came to be in the sixth when Williams led-off with a single – his third of the game – Clark walked and Reyes singled to load the bases. Williams came around to score GBG’s ninth run on an RBI fielder’s choice groundout from Gleed which meant game-over if the Power 2021 didn’t score in the bottom half; they didn’t.

What’s almost forgotten in this is that the Power 2021 actually led this game 1-0 at the end of the first inning. Joya was shaky at the outset and issued leadoff, one-out and two-out walks to Marcus O'Malley, Justin Colon and Noah Sullivan with a run finally scoring on a two-out wild pitch.

Williams, a 6-foot-1, 175 pound 2021 shortstop from San Diego who is a Cal commit ranked No. 148 nationally, went 10-for-24 (.417) with three doubles, a triple, 10 RBI and eight runs scored to earn the MVP recognition. Hitting third in the order, he was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases in the championship game.

“Half of us here, we didn’t even know each other (pre-tournament) and we came together so well,” Williams said. “We’re all pretty much from California … and we came together so well. We worked as a team, we played well and we minimized errors. We just had a mindset of win, win, win and we came out and we did what we were supposed to.”

GBG Navy 2021 right-hander Dennis Colleran, a 6-foot-3, 220 pound righty from North Attleboro, Mass., - a Northeastern University commit ranked No. 126 nationally - was brought in from the GBG Northeast program and pitched absolutely lights-out and was named the Most Valuable Pitcher.

Colleran made three appearances, all in relief, and was dominant in each outing. He came in against the Rawlings National ST/Sticks Baseball during pool-play and worked 2 2/3, two-hit, scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and a walk – eight outs, eight strikeouts.

He worked another 2 2/3 scoreless innings against the Dirtbags Scout Team in the playoffs’ second round, allowing one hit and striking out two. Garciaparra went to him again in the semifinals on Monday against the Canes 17u Prospects and this time it was 1 1/3 hitless, scoreless innings with another strikeout. Tournament total: 6 2/3, no runs, three hits, 12 Ks and two walks.

“I take every single pitch and every single at-bat trying to get every single batter out,” Colleran said. “I focus on trying to throw as hard as I can and as accurate as I can and I never try to throw out of my shoes. … I’m more about trying to get the outs and trying to get the team to the next game.”

This is the first time a team from the West Coast has won a Jupiter championship since the SoCal-based, Christian Yelich-led ABD Bulldogs ’13  captured the crown back in 2008. GBG and other West Coast programs had absolutely nothing to prove here this weekend but there is a sense of satisfaction that comes with finishing on top of the most competitive high school-aged amateur baseball tournament in the world brings.

“It’s hard for me right now because my dad (Ramon) is back home and I’m just thinking about him being here and (enjoying) this, too; he’s always here with me,” Garciaparra said. “But it’s hard for West Coast teams to come out here. You run with what you bring out here and you can’t just pop guys in and out.

“I’m proud that 98 percent of our team is California boys … and that’s what I think makes it super special,” he added. “We’re just one of those teams that’s going to play with what we’ve got and that’s what they did.”

The 2020 spring, summer and fall seasons have been challenging for every travel ball program from every state in the union due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions but it has been especially difficult for the players from California.

Garciaparra said they still aren’t able to play organized games with umpires and this team has had to travel to Arizona just to get out on the field. “For these guys to compete at the toughest level in all of amateur baseball through a long grind, I just couldn’t be more proud,” he said.

“All the hard work that we put in this summer and even the years before just to get here, it’s just such an honor to be at this tournament,” Williams said. “It’s like nothing I’ve (experienced) before; it’s amazing.”

Colleran, the kid from the Boston area can totally relate: “Without having a spring season, to come out here in October and being able to win this, it’s huge. It’s a great way to end the year.”

Both finalists won semifinal games at Terry Park Monday morning to move into the championship by building early leads and then holding on for tense victories.

The Power 2021 enjoyed a 4-0 lead with six innings in the books and outlasted the No. 22 Scorpions Marucci Franchise Team for a 4-2 win.

Power Baseball 2021 righty Noah Sullivan got the start and threw four, four-hit shutout innings to pick up the win. Ben Barrett singled and drove in a pair of runs, and Greg Pettay and Mason Wilson both singled and drove in a run.

The Navy 2021 scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and added a single run in the second for an early 6-0 lead against the No. 16 Canes 17u Prospects and then held on for an 8-5 win; the Prospects scored five runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings to get within 6-5 but GBG Navy prevailed.

Matt Clark singled twice, drove in three runs and scored another for GBG; Aaron Reyes tripled, singled and scored and Josiah Chavez delivered a two-run single.
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 6/9/2026

Desert Classic Scout Notes
Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Ryan Sanchez (‘27, AZ) hammers this ball to deep LCF for a 3-run 💣. Physical 6-5/230 frame. Has some rhythm to the hands. Strength plays at contact #DesertClassic @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/sGL2vcpwIL — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) June 6, 2026 Ryan Sanchez (2027, Chandler, Ariz.) showcased loud two-way ability throughout the event. A physical frame at 6-foot-5, 230-pounds stands out on both sides of the ball. The stuff on the bump was impressive. Sanchez sat 89-92 mph with the heater, topping out at 93 mph. Heavy armside run and the velocity makes the pitch hard to barrel. It was paired with a quality breaking ball at 73-77 mph that showed some bite. At the plate, Sanchez uses his strength efficiently. There is some rhythm to the hands that creates some bat speed. When combined with obvious strength at contact, Sanchez can generate easy power to the...
Read More
High School | General | 6/10/2026

Ohio Valley High School Notebook

Jordan Gates
Article Image
‘26 RHP Jack Ryan (@StXBall) w/ an absolute masterclass in the region semis. CG/Shutout, 4 BB & 9 Ks & a No Hitter ‼️ FB worked 89-92, flashed a 93 1x. Velo held in the later innings 88-90. SL was plus @ 81-82 (2400+)/tight, while CH flipped in the low 80s, bottom of the zone.… pic.twitter.com/pdYaEqHmx5 — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) June 3, 2026 Jack Ryan, 2026, RHP, St. Xavier (OH) JR is finishing his senior campaign off in high fashion. Ryan threw a no-hitter in the Region Semifinals and now the bombers find themselves in the D1 State Final Four. The Boston College commit has taken home numerous awards this season, including conference & city player of the year in Cincinnati, OH. One last award left and that is to will the bombers to a state championship. Ryan has impressed all year and with one week to go, he is leaving it all on the field...
Read More
College | Rankings | 6/10/2026

Final DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
NCAA DII Final Preseason NCAA  State Record 1 2 Tampa Spartans FL 51-9 2 West Chester Golden Rams PA 48-12 3 1 Texas Tyler Patriots TX 50-14 4 3 Catawba Indians NC 49-14 5 8 Point Loma Sea Lions CA 50-13 6 11 Colorado Mesa Mavericks CO 53-7 7 19 Francis Marion Patriots SC 46-14 8 7 North Greenville Trailblazers SC 49-12 9 13 Pittsburg State Gorillas KS 45-11 10 12 Central Missouri Mules MO 40-17 11 20 Augustana Vikings SD 45-16 12 West Florida Argos FL 43-16 13 14 Young Harris Mountain Lions GA 41-18 14 16 Angelo State Rams TX 42-19 15 10 Grand Valley State Lakers MI 48-10 16 Millersville Marauders PA 39-18 17 Rollins Tars FL 36-16 18 9 Seton Hill Griffins PA 42-12 19 21 Wingate Bulldogs NC 40-19 20 15 Lenoir-Rhyne Bears NC 37-13-1 21 4 Belmont Abbey Crusaders NC 38-16 22 6 East Stroudsburg Warriors PA 37-16 23 Bentley Falcons MA 44-17 24 North Georgia Nighthawks GA 42-16 25 UIndy...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/9/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1  Day 2 Ryan Kume (’27, Kyle, Texas)- the 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher punched out 10 batters over five scoreless innings for Lonestar Baseball Club 2027 National. The uncommitted primary shortstop allowed only one hit to get the win in the 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves Scout Team- American. Kume ran the fastball up to 88 mph and sat in the 85-87 mph range with a pair of breaking balls to miss barrels and induce weak contact. He displayed a curveball in the low-70s with high spins in the 2600 RPM range and a slider with late action in the 76-79 mph range. For the tournament, the right-handed hitter drove in eight runs at the plate with at least one hit in all five games including a grand slam against 5 Star Mafia 17U Black.  Jasper Kemp (’27, Columbia, Ky.)- the 6-foot-2, 188-pound right-handed pitcher for KBC...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/9/2026

Swamp Baseball Cruises to 18U Title

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
Swamp Baseball entered the Gulf Coast Classic looking to break through after falling in the championship game in each of the previous two weekends. Their matchup against Florida Flames 18U was a rematch of the East Memorial Day Classic championship game two weeks earlier, when the Flames earned a 4-1 victory. This time, Swamp turned the tables, defeating the Flames 11-2 at JetBlue Park to claim the 18U Gulf Coast Classic title. The game ended after the top of the fifth inning under Perfect Game’s mercy rule, which ends play when the home team leads by eight or more runs after 4 ½ innings. Strong pitching from Payton Sturrup and Ian Long, combined with consistent offensive production throughout the entire lineup, helped Swamp take control early and never look back. Nicholas Raber delivered Swamp’s first hit of the game, driving in two runs with a double. Anthony Reitler...
Read More
College | Story | 6/9/2026

Collegiate Postseason Awards

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Coach of the Year  Dan Fitzgerald – Kansas Jayhawks  The 2026 season has been a historic one for the Kansas Jayhawks under the leadership of head coach Dan Fitzgerald.  The Perfect Game Coach of the Year is also the Big 12 Coach of the Year as he led his team to 22-wins in conference play as they won an incredible 45-games overall.  For the first time since 1949, they took home a regular-season conference title, winning the league by one game in what was just the fourth championship in program history.  They also went on to win the Big 12 Tournament Championship, only the second time in program history the Jayhawks won the event and its first since 2006.  The 45-victories are good enough to tie the all-time single-season record and their 22-wins in conference play is a new program high.  Powered by the most homeruns in Kansas history at 111 on the...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/8/2026

Rawlings Tigers Take the Desert Classic

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After a weekend of competitive baseball, the 2026 Arizona Desert Classic came down to one final matchup between ATB 13U and Rawlings Tigers Primo. When the final out was recorded, Rawlings Tigers Primo secured the championship with a 14-0 victory at Goodyear Ballpark. Rawlings Tigers Primo wasted little time getting the offense going, scoring 4 runs in the first inning to take an early lead. MVP Easton Bakersky helped spark the attack, finishing 2-2 with an inside-the-park home run and three runs scored. Bakersky's home run came at the end of the third inning and helped extend Primo's lead. He finished with a .625 average through four games, while Callan Sanders went 2-3 with one triple and two runs scored. Sanders hit .500 through four games. “The count was 1-2. I was thinking, just get the barrel to it, not trying to do too much,” said  Bakersky. On the mound, Callan...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/8/2026

Coastal Region Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Camden McGill (2027, High Point, NC) had a great day at the plate for the Carolina Redsox vs. Wow Factor Carolina National 17u. The 5-foot-11, 170- pound center fielder has a solid frame. McGill bats from the left side with a short, impactful swing. He has quick bat speed, allowing him to get the barrel through the zone quicker. He uses his lower half effectively, firing his hips and rotating efficiently. McGill has had quality at-bats all weekend long, having multiple multi-hit games. Constantly battling and putting pressure on the defense. He finished the game going 2-for-3 with a single and a triple with 4 RBI on the day. Giovanni Luisa (2027, Weddington, NC) had an amazing day at the plate for the Wow Factor Carolina 17u Premier vs. Performance Carolina National/C35 17u. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound catcher has a solid athletic build. Luisa bats from the right side with a strong,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/7/2026

From Traction to Festival; Bond is Strong

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
For many players, earning an invitation to the Perfect Game Select is a dream. For Cooper Mason and Tucker Richardson, it became reality.  Now teammates on Traction Canes 14U National, the two Alabama natives have established themselves among the top players in the 2030 class. Richardson enters the summer ranked No. 10 overall nationally and No. 3 among shortstops, while Mason enters ranked at No. 44 overall and No. 13 among shortstops. Both earned invitations to the 2025 PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events in amateur baseball.  But beyond the rankings and talent, their story is built on friendship.  When asked what it meant to earn a Select Festival invitation last year, both players reflected on years of work leading up to the moment.  It felt good. I always wanted to make Select Fest,” Richardson said. “It just felt really good in...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

13/14u PG Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
2031 King James (Cincinnati, Ohio) got the start on the bump for Team Elite against, coincidentally enough, his hometown Cincinnati Angels and delivered a 5 inning, run rule shortened complete game effort. Not overly physical at just 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, James came out showing quickness to his arm as he opened up in the 75-77 mph while working around the zone, mixing a bigger curveball with depth to help keep hitters off balance. Ultimately he struck out 6 on the game and walked just one while scattering four hits and even helped his own cause, picking up a double on the offensive side of things.  While he went 0-1 at the dish with a pair of walks, it's still worth talking about the performance from catcher Michael Wedgeworth (Flomaton, Ala.) as his catch-and-throw skills from behind the dish were on full display throughout the game, delivering a couple of strikes down to second...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.