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| 2,575 MLB PLAYERS | 16,375 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,575 MLB PLAYERS | 16,375 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
All American Game  | Story | 8/2/2022

Classic is Mission Accomplished for Sykora

Photo: Travis Sykora (Perfect Game)
Travis Sykora really wanted to make the Perfect Game Select Festival when he was 14 years old. He made a huge jump that year, from being ranked outside the top-500 in the 2023 rankings in June, all the way up to No. 72 overall that same September.

It wasn’t quite enough to get him there, though. So he set a new goal – the Perfect Game All-American Classic, three years down the road. Time to get to work.



“My sophomore season in high school I went from 94 to 97 [mph],” Sykora said. “Throughout the course of that season, that was when I started working out and lifting weights for the first time. So that helped a lot.”

Sykora, a right-handed pitcher from Round Rock, Texas, works from a 6-foot-6 frame. It can be hard to get those long limbs all working in unison time after time. Repeating his mechanics and staying loose is another thing he has to work hard at.

Keeping his body in the right shape has been a focus of Sykora’s since he really dedicated himself to lifting weights. He wants to find the right balance between getting stronger and adding mass while also staying flexible in his hips.

It’s in that happy medium that Sykora finds his success.

“It’s been a lot of hard work,” he said. “The mobility part, trying to keep my hips loose, keeping my body healthy. That’s the biggest part about throwing hard. You got to stay safe. So I’m pushing myself to move with quick twitch, but also putting on the extra mass to stay healthy at the same time.”

Of course, there are advantages to being 6-foot-6 as a pitcher. Sykora enjoys them. The leverage he creates out of his tall frame gives hitters fits. His windup is a dance; starting square on the mound, bringing his left foot way out toward the first base line, giving one rocker motion from that position, into a big leg kick that sends his knee almost all the way up to his chin, and release from a three-quarter delivery.

At the Perfect Game National Showcase in July, it seemed like he was almost handing the ball to the catcher at times, with his long arms hurling 98 mph fastballs toward the plate.

He uncorked the whole arsenal at PG National, working 94-98 with the fastball, a wipeout slider up to 87, and a changeup that sat 86 he was able to effectively kill spin with.



It was more than enough to make Sykora, now the No. 8 overall prospect in the 2023 class and No. 2 right-handed pitcher, an easy selection for the 2022 Perfect Game All-American Classic.

Mission accomplished.

“It feels great,” Sykora said. “As a kid growing up, I always watched the PG All-American game on MLB Network. And I was always like, ‘I want to be in that game.’ To get the call the other day, it was pretty cool. It made it official. Really cool.”

It will be a bit surreal when he’s out there, he said. For three years he’s been working toward this moment, and wouldn’t you know it, it’s on his doorstep now.

Sykora has gotten to know many of the guys on the travel ball circuit who will also be making the trip to Phoenix with him. That’s what he’s most excited about, getting another chance to hang with those guys one more time and take it all in at Chase Field, in front of a national audience.

That’s tough to beat.

“The most exciting part about it is being around the top-60 guys in the nation,” Sykora said. “To end the summer with all of them will be cool. Playing on TV and just the whole weekend experience will be awesome. I’m extremely excited.”


All American Game | Story | 7/3/2026

Initial 2026 All Star Game Roster Reveal

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We are excited to announce the first selections for the 2026 PG All Star Game from both the Perfect Game Junior and Sophomore National Showcases. The PG All Star Game will be held on Friday, August 14th at Citizens Bank Ballpark, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, and will feature roughly 40 of the top players, predominately from the 2028 class with a few of the very best 2029s also selected. A watchlist has been created from the Junior National Showcase and another group of players will be selected from that showcase towards the end of July as we continue to evaluate players at the major Perfect Game tournaments this summer. The final wave of selections we be made at the PG Underclass All American Games August 5-7 at the UCSD in San Diego, CA. PG Underclass All American Games   Junior National Selections Dexter McCleon Jr. OF Suwanee, GA USA Prime Cullen Scott RHP/3B Melissa,...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

17u WWBA North Champ. Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Ty Teske (2027, Merrill, WI) worked a complete-game seven-inning shutout while striking out 12 and never allowed the game to speed up on him. The fastball sat 79-81 and touched 83, consistently working to both sides of the plate and getting him into favorable counts. Repeats the delivery exceptionally well and maintained command throughout all seven innings. Mixed in a 69-71 curveball with depth that he showed confidence landing for strikes early or using to finish at-bats. Did an excellent job changing eye levels and preventing hitters from sitting on one pitch.   Landon Sanderson (2027, Lake Crystal, MN) attacked hitters with an 85-87 fastball that reached 89 and showed quality arm-side movement through the zone. The ball comes out with some jump and continued to play throughout the outing. Stayed on the attack from the first inning, consistently getting ahead and forcing...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

SW Select Champ. Loaded With Talent

Emily Hicks
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After the intense week of the WWBA Championship, another weekend of Perfect Game baseball is set with the Southwest Select Championship Tournament, with three days of competitive action. Taking place at Goodyear Ballpark, teams in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions will take the field looking to build momentum, showcase their talent, and compete for a championship against some of the top travel ball programs in the region. The tournament brings together teams from across the west, creating a competitive field filled with established organizations and rising clubs. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will present an opportunity for players to make an impact. The 15U division features a talented group of rising prospects eager to prove themselves against quality competition. As players continue to develop, this tournament provides another opportunity to gain valuable...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

16u World Series Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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Cal Pearson (2028, Marietta, GA) is a 6’1/175lb utility athlete who has performed from a couple different spots on day one. Pearson came in to relieve in the bottom of the fifth and filled up the strike zone with predominantly fastball. Stepped up for an at bat in the next inning and helped himself out by sending a 2-1 heater into left field for an rbi double. Following that he got back on the mound and delivered a scoreless inning to put the finishing touches on the save. Was up to 89 and showed a ton of 2-way ability.  Marcus Labouchere (2027, Powder Springs, GA) the Navy commit could not be stopped at the dish on day one going 2-2 with a double and an rbi. Opened up the game getting the barrel on a heater and smoking it into left for a single. After getting hit by pitch in the third, Labouchere lined another fastball into left field for an rbi double. Really gets deep into...
Tournaments | Story | 7/19/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 RJ Westbrook (‘29, GA) battled traffic early but showcased an advanced pitch mix while striking out three thus far. Got the FB up to 86 w/ late ASR, mixing in a hz SL in the mid-70s. #WWBA @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/pvObFgeFUD — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 18, 2026 RJ Westbrook (’29, Marietta, GA) struck out three over as many innings, allowing just a hit while battling traffic. Westbrook showcased an advanced pitch mix from the left side, operating from a lengthy frame with room to fill and projection. He starts over the face before working to the belt and into a high compact leg lift, firing down the mound via a standard-length arm action and a low three-quarters slot. The Georgia native ran the fastball up to 86 with late arm side run and heavy actions at times. Westbrook kept hitters off balance thanks to a tighter horizontal...
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/19/2026

11u Select Festival Roster Release

John McAdams
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11u Select Festival Event Page The sixth iteration of Perfect Game Select 11U Baseball Festival will take place on August 8th at the historic East Cobb Complex in Marietta, Georgia. After an exciting 2026 tournament season, final selections were made after the completion of the Perfect Game Invitational National Championship in Southaven, Mississippi. This year’s rosters are comprised of players twelve different states as twenty-eight of the best players will descend on Georgia in a celebration of their play throughout the season, bringing to light the amazing platform that Perfect Game has created for today’s youth athletes. The sheer amount of talent throughout the country within this age group is a testament to the continued development of so many athletes. The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent...
College | Story | 7/18/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: July 18

Perfect Game Staff
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Brandon Shannon | Fr. | RHP | Louisville | Bourne Braves  The freshman right-hander possesses arguably the most electric arm on the Cape, pairing a lean, projectable frame with plenty of room to continue adding strength. Shannon worked an effortless 96-98 mph throughout the outing with premium arm speed. His mid-80s slider generates plenty of swing-and-miss, while his 92-93 mph power changeup gives him a quality third offering to neutralize left-handed hitters. After flashing premium stuff during his freshman season at Louisville, Shannon has carried that arsenal into the summer and possesses the type of arm talent to develop into a Day 1 draft prospect as he continues refining his command and overall polish.    Another look at 1B/P Josiah Overbeek (@HailStateBB) Pull side RBI single here. @BourneBraves https://t.co/YA17RJnFo8 pic.twitter.com/Jw7iDMliZG — PG College...
Tournaments | Story | 7/18/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Hudson Sage (’29, Houston, TX) had a strong start to his event, collecting three hits to drive in four including a pair of doubles. Sage operates from a medium right-handed frame with a mix of length and strength, displaying athleticism. He starts with a wide base, keeping the hands high and active, working into a deep inward leg load. The native Texan fires through a quick and compact barrel with accuracy and all fields impact. Defensively, Sage appeared in the outfield where he has proven to have a strong throwing arm. Cooper Holland (‘29, CA) deposits a solo homer to straightaway right. Upright setup from the left side, utilizing HH + an even base. Employs a hovering LL pre-launch. #WWBA @California_PG pic.twitter.com/RuPy6NR3oE — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 17, 2026 Cooper Holland (’29, Mission Viejo, CA) collected two hits to kick off pool play,...
Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

South Champ. & South Elite Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
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Peyton Alvarez (2029, New Braunfels, Texas) put on a display for Marucci Elite TX Ramirez. Went 4-8 with two doubles. Worked strong at bats, drawing a total of six walks. Lot of deep counts, putting stress on opposing arms. Also swiped a staggering seven bases over the span of five games. Repeatable right-handed stroke with hands that work quickly through the zone. Was an absolute force at the top of the order all weekend. Jack Simms (2028, Cypress, Texas) put together a strong showing for Texas Brigade 2028 - Konarik. Went 3-9 with a double, a home run, and five runs batted in. Showed some quick hands, working through an uphill plane, playing well to the pullside. Frame has plenty more in the tank, impact should continue to develop as he fills out. Riley Thompson (2029, Leander, Texas) had another loud weekend for Test Black. 5-9 at the plate with three doubles and no strikeouts. Super...
Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

BCS Midwest Championship Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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’29 INF Aarion Gould (IL) drives this ball deep to CF for a triple. Simple setup w/ a controlled load. Keeps the barrel in the zone w/ good extension through contact. Big day at the plate going 2-for-3 with 4 RBI. #BCSMW @WhitesoxAce pic.twitter.com/QL9jPCTAv8 — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 12, 2026 Aarion Gould (2029, Chicago, Ill.) earned Tournament MVP honors after helping lead Chicago White Sox ACE 2029 to the BCS Midwest Championship. The right-handed infielder displayed a direct swing path with quality barrel accuracy, using the middle of the field approach. Present strength was evident, producing two doubles, one triple, while hitting .444 (8-for-18) with seven RBI, three stolen bases and a 1.277 OPS. Gould also contributed on the mound, tossing 6.0 scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out six.   ’29 RHP Xavier Alvarez (IL)...
Tournaments | Story | 7/17/2026

WWBA Midwest Regional Champ. Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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’28 OF Caleb Wilson (IN) drives this fastball into the RCF gap for a double. Quick hands and bat-to-ball skills on display. Good game at the plate. Finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. #WWBAMW @TopTierBaseball @PG_OhioValley pic.twitter.com/IC5dmPojcz — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 13, 2026 Caleb Wilson (2028, Crown Point, Ind.) helped lead Top Tier Americans 2028 to the 16U WWBA Regional Championship and delivered one of the tournament's top offensive performances. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed outfielder displayed good plate discipline, a quick bat and barreled balls to all parts of the field. Plus speed also added another dimension to Wilson's game on the base paths, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. The Tournament MVP saw the ball extremely well, hitting .667 (14-for-21) with two triples, six RBI, four stolen bases and a 1.588 OPS. Brennen...
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