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PG Select Baseball Festival  | General | 9/1/2024

Family First for Kearney at Festival

Photo: Aiden Kearney (Perfect Game)
Strolling around the backfields of the Boston Red Sox spring training facility, 15-year-old Aiden Kearney takes in the scene and reflects on his experiences with the PG Select Festival.

“This year, there’s a lot more people,” Kearney said, glancing at his teammates representing the East in the dugout. “And we’re playing at a big league complex. Most of our dreams, hopefully, are to play here one day.”



Though Kearney got the invite to the 13U Select Fest last year, his 2023 season looked very different from his 2024 season.

“I think I had zero PG [home runs] last year…”

This season, he crushed 12 home runs.

“It honestly makes me feel great… 12 this year - and most of them were in the big tournaments, so they felt great - running the bases 12 times… Last year, I was able to make Select Fest, but then this year, I think it’s been a big jump - going to the gym every morning with my dad and my brother, pitching lessons and hitting daily - it just really helped me out this year.”

With a batting average of .425 on the 2024 season, his slugging percentage is at .774 as he’s put up 96 RBIs in the 95 games he’s played. Video game numbers like those are certain to garner attention and that exact thing happened Saturday night at the awards banquet as he was named the 2024 14u National Player of the Year.

Representing the East in the 2024 PG Select Festival, Kearney went 1-2 with a stolen base and 2 runs scored. He also got the save on the mound - using 22 pitches in 1 shutout inning. His fastball topped out at 86 mph while his changeup stayed in the low 80s and his slider in the low 70s.

“I’ve been going to a pitching coach. He’s helped me a lot - big jumps - and not just velo, because that’s gonna come as you grow - but working on my command and mechanics so you don’t get hurt.”

The eyes on Kearney due to his recent success have not deterred him nor made him nervous.

“I really like it. It’s something to play for. There’s playing for fun, but the goal is, obviously, one day, to play at the next level. So it’s great to have them watching me so young.”

As Aiden reflects, a colorfully-dressed nine-year-old girl races up to him and offers him a box of Sour Patch Kids. She’s one of Aiden’s siblings who’s here along with his grandparents, his aunt and uncle and his parents. Aiden shares how he likes to spend time with his family boating and golfing - and how he feels about having them here for the festival.

“It’s great because [my family] is the biggest reason that we’re here. Without them, we couldn’t make it to any of the tournaments. Having them here to watch is great.”

However, just playing at the Select Fest isn’t the only part of the event on Kearney’s mind - as the team visited Golisano Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers the first day of the festival.

“That was a great experience being able to give back to the community that we raised money for. It shows how fortunate we are.”

PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 4/21/2026

Select Festival Dates/Locations Announced

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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES DATES AND VENUES FOR   2026 SLATE OF SELECT FESTIVALS    Sanford, Florida (Tuesday, April 21, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced dates and venues for its 2026 Select Festivals, a premiere series of invitation-only events showcasing many of the nation’s top young prospects at the 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U levels.    The Select Festivals provide elite players with a unique opportunity to compete alongside and against the best talent in their age group while experiencing a...
Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

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

Perfect Game Staff
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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...
Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1 Another good swing later in the day from ‘28 Derek Vazquez, this one lifted down the LF line for a 2B. So much to like about the profile & projects in every aspect. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Coastal @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/EDA8xhgK9G pic.twitter.com/kZDw8tPC5O — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 5, 2026 Derek Vazquez (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) has put together a big showing through two games for the SBA Bolts National 2028. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound shortstop/outfielder has showed defensive versatility throughout the event and does so with ease. He has all the actions at shortstop but also showed good range, tracking a flyball down the left field line on Friday. In the box, he’s uber-projectable in every phase and is already doing a great job of controlling the zone. The power should continue to trend up in the coming years and...
Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Beast of the East Heads to Georgia

Will Dembo
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Marietta, Georgia will welcome some of the nation’s top teams this weekend as the Perfect Game Beast of the East Invitational takes place June 4-8. The invite only 15-17u tournament will showcase a plethora of nationally ranked teams and top talent looking to make a statement early into the summer and take home the championship in what promises to be a highly competitive weekend of baseball. The 15u division will shine a spotlight on several of the top ranked programs in the country as 9 out of the 32 total squads competing are T100. 11 states will be represented in the age bracket, proving how prestigious this event has become. Headlining the field are Wow Factor National who comes in at No. 8 in the national rankings, as well as Canes National who enters the weekend trailing just one spot behind Wow Factor. Canes National has an absolutely loaded roster with 9 players who rank in...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

"Houston, We Nave a Problem"

Kinley Kitchens
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Some moments set the tone for an entire game. For Jackson Nave, it happened in his very first trip to the plate. The Sevierville, Tennessee native stepped into the batter’s box looking for a pitch he could drive. A few moments later, the ball was flying over the fence, giving FTB Phillies 13U an early boost and igniting what would become a dominant offensive performance. “I was feeling good,” Nave said. “I was just trying to find a pitch I could hammer. I kept my eye on it, took it down the middle and that felt good.” That swing was only the beginning. Nave finished the game with a home run, four runs scored, and four RBI as FTB Phillies 13U rolled to a 27-4 victory on the opening day of the 2026 PG 13U National Elite Championship. For Nave, getting the offense started early is an important part of helping his team succeed. “I think it is really...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
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For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
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After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

California Kickoff Scout Notes

Joey Cohen
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Jayce Dejong (‘27, CA) finished 6-for-14 on the weekend which included a big HR in the championship game. Intriguing @PG_Uncommitted player to monitor this summer. #CAKickoff https://t.co/UbuSQxNalf pic.twitter.com/kjVcyiG8km — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 1, 2026 Jayce Dejong (2027, Yorba Linda, Calif). Really strong weekend at the plate, going 6-for-14 with multiple line-drive barrels, including a no-doubt pull-side HR. Medium, lean, athletic frame with room to add. Hits from a wider base from the left side, starts early and consistently gets to launch on time. Loose barrel turn with adjustability and length through the middle, showing the ability to create lift and impact out front. Coming off a strong junior season at Crean Lutheran and should be a priority uncommitted follow this summer. Evan Stroner (2027, Huntington Beach, Calif). Impressive...
Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia

Hannah Jo Groves
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This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027

Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
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