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Tournaments  | Story | 1/7/2004

Notes from the Perfect Game World Underclass Showcase

Perfect Game Staff
(To WWBA Newsletter Subscribers: There is a logistically enforced 2 week hiatus from the Newsletter due to the fact that the PG staff member who handles the email is in Florida for the 2 showcases. We’ll return to normal operations next week. Sorry for the inconvenience. This is representative of a normal Newsletter for the non-subscribers who read this.) NOTES FROM THE PERFECT GAME WORLD UNDERCLASS SHOWCASE Two things jump out right away about the 2004 Perfect Game World Underclass Showcase. The first is the stunning number of players who attended the event. The approximately 525 players ranged in age from 13 to 17 (yes, there were a few 8th graders, more on that later) and represented 40 states, Washington DC and Canada. Players from as far away as Hawaii, North Dakota and Maine came to Fort Myers to show their skills. The second thing was how smoothly the event ran with that volume of players. The weather was perfect at around 80 degrees. The 5 fields at the Red Sox 5 Plex and the 4 fields at Terry Park were in excellent condition and the City of Ft. Myers staff did their usual outstanding job of keeping them ready to play. Perfect Game had 17 scouts and over 35 coaches working full-time to ensure every player had the optimum chance to show his skills and be evaluated while they and their families enjoyed the experience. The Perfect Game staff received numerous compliments from parents during the event on how well things were organized. We appreciate feedback of all types but especially this kind. We have to admit that after the 3 Prospect Games on Sunday afternoon, we all looked at each other and went “Wow, that sure went well, didn’t it?” The Talent The talent level at the Showcase was outstanding. Originally there were only 2 Prospect Games scheduled for Sunday afternoon but there were so many deserving players that a third game was added. If there were more pitchers available to throw, a 4th game wouldn’t have been difficult to arrange. A note to all parents, players and coaches/scouts who read this and look at the profiles when they are published. The 60 track was very soft and times were between .20 and .30 below what we normally would have expected of most players. In fact, we took to referring to 60 times as “he ran 7.15 on the Sponge….” when we were discussing players. The conditions will be taken into account in our evaluations. Probably the best way to break down some talent notes is to do it by class. Therefore….. 2005 The Class of 2005 made up the majority of the players at the showcase. We were especially impressed by a number of players from the northern tier states who showed us great off-season skills and tools. Some of these northern players included: RHP Kurt Smith (OH): This 6-4 specimen threw 87 mph with a good curveball and also showed a powerful bat. OF/LHP Jeff Beliveau (RI): Beliveau is a multi-talented athlete who comes from the same high school as Rocco Baldelli and 2004 top prospect RHP Jay Rainville. C Andrew Giobbi (ME): It’s probably tough to get in an outdoor workout in Maine this time of year, but Giobbi is one of the top 2005 catchers we’ve seen. 3B Pedro Alvarez (NY): Some of the PG scouts thought Alvarez was one of top hitters at the showcase. RHP Daniel Bennett (NY): Bennett is a strong bodied right hander who threw in the upper 80’s. RHP Nathan Freiman (MA): Nicknamed “Power Forward” by some PG staff, this 6-7 right hander throws 88 mph and also catches. OF/LHP Jake Shaffer (MA): Shaffer threw 88 mph from the outfield and ran solid big league average. Florida high schoolers 3B Chris Dominguez, 3B/OF Kent Matthes and OF David DiNatale are well established prospects and all played well in Fort Myers, especially Matthes, who showed a powerful bat and a well above average arm. The 6-5 Dominguez threw 90 mph across the infield, inviting the usual "what if he pitches...?" comments from the scouts. Two Florida prospects whose talent has really improved are C Ralph Henriquez from Key West HS and OF Chadd Hartman from Olympia HS . Henriquez is a switch hitter with outstanding power from both sides of the plate and solid defensive ability. Hartman hit more balls hard than any hitter at the showcase and projects above average power from the left side of the plate. OF L.V. Ware from North Atlanta HS was the most obvious “tools” player. The 6’0” centerfielder ran the fastest 60 time at 6.67 (roughly a 6.45 on a good track) and threw 87 mph from the outfield. Fellow outfielders Tyrone Anu (FL), Clinton Storr (FL) and DePhillips Mason (FL) also showed similar raw athletic ability. Pitching is always difficult to evaluate at this time of year because most pitchers are either shut down or at least off their peak conditioning. RHP Shaun Garceau (FL) and RHP Ryan Mitchell (TX) both touched 91 mph and Garceau was especially impressive with his smooth arm action and overall athletic ability. 2006 3B Chris Marrero (FL) might very well have been the top prospect at the showcase regardless of class. He’s a 6’3, 190 lb infielder with a rifle arm, smooth athletic actions and a great swing. Marrero faced probably the second best 2006 prospect at the showcase, RHP Brandon Holden (GA) during the All-Prospect game and drove Holden’s 88 mph fastball up the left centerfield alley for a double. SS Ryan Jackson (FL) is quickly establishing himself as one of the top defensive shortstops in the country regardless of class. He has all the actions and tools to be a standout for years to come. Ryan Adams (LA), Adrian Cardenas (FL), Marcus Rodriguez (FL) and Alberto Gonzalez (FL) were also impressive infielders. OF-RHP Addison Johnson (GA) and OF-LHP Michael Heard (TX) were impressive 2-way talents. Johnson ran a 6.8 60, threw 86-87 mph off the mound and swung a good bat. Heard, who is the cousin of former Ranger 1st round pick Scott Heard, hit 86 on the mound with a very sharp breaking ball and showed a promising bat as well. 2007/2008 The nature of the showcase is that all the different age groups compete together, which makes this group of freshman all the much more impressive. They’re competing against players up to 3 years older than they are at a time when age and physical maturity is a vital factor. RHP/OF/C Michael Main (GA) looks his age, with a 6’1, 160 lb. frame and a young face. But he throws a steady 87-89 mph off the mound with quality secondary pitches and also ranks among the top position players in the freshman class. Main’s father is 6-5, so this is not a young athlete that has physically peaked. SS/C John Tolisano is already regarded as the top hitting prospect in the 2007 class. Watching him take batting practice is a treat. Tolisano combines the smoothness that one often associates with left handed hitters with excellent bat speed and power. If he ends up behind the plate, as is suspected, he could become a Joe Mauer type prospect. There were a couple of 8th graders at the showcase but SS Raiko Alfonso (Key West, FL) deserves special mention. The young man not only has tools that play right now with much older players, but Alfonso also has the confidence and “game” that shows that he knows that he belongs.
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Tournaments | Story | 7/5/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 1-2
Perfect Game Staff
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Michael Wedgeworth (2030, Flomaton, AL) had put the two way ability on full display so far this week, dominating from both sides. On the mound Wedgeworth ran the fastball up to 84 (81-83) with ease to the delivery. Broke off a couple nasty curveballs that induced swing and miss, as well as freezing hitters for punch outs. Collected six in his four inning complete game. He also would not be denied at the plate going 3-5 in the first two days with two doubles. Very intriguing young player as the body continues to grow.  Tyler Bellush (2031, Summerville, SC) is a sure handed shortstop for the Canes Nation squad. Swings it from the left side of the plate and the barrel accuracy has really stuck out thus far. 3-4 through the first couple days with a double and two triples, Bellush has also walked twice and collected 3 RBI along the way. Yesterday against USA Prime with the bases loaded,...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/4/2026

16u WWBA North Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Oliver Lindstrom (2028, Green Bay, WI) created some of the loudest offensive moments of the weekend while producing across the board, finishing with six hits, eight RBI, and a home run. The right-handed hitter showed the ability to stay through the baseball and drive it with authority. Creates quality leverage through the lower half while arriving in strong hitting positions early, allowing the barrel to work with intent through the zone. The blend of power, athleticism, and all-fields impact stood out throughout the event.  Dominic Haigh (2028, South Bend, IN) was one of the most productive hitters at the event, collecting 10 hits while consistently creating pressure on opposing defenses. Made life difficult on pitchers with a relentless approach, routinely extending at-bats and forcing them to work deep into counts. The operation remains simple and efficient, featuring an early...
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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,...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/3/2026

13u WWBA Scout Note Recap

Jheremy Brown
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Walter Izquierdo Jr. (2031, Miami, Fla.) showed off the upside on the mound for Beast Baseball 13u. The right-handed pitcher went four innings and collected three strikeouts while spreading two hits and two walks for one run. The fastball topped out at 80 and was consistently in the upper- 70s. Showed feel for a curveball with 12-6 shape and some looser vertical depth that was able to get weak contact. Competes in the zone well and showed some feel to work on the arm-side half of the plate. Intriguing upside on the young arm.   Brett Hamlin (2031, Jupiter, Fla.) showed off the barrel feel for FTB American 13u. The left-handed hitter collected nine hits, including two doubles and a triple, to drive in seven RBI. Strong hands and flips the hips well to create good bat speed. Simple operation that gets on time consistently and impacts the ball well. Worked the pull-side well and...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

Freedom Classic Opens Holiday Weekend

Alyssa Golden
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More than 30 teams from the 14U-18U age divisions will head to Fort Myers, Florida this Fourth of July weekend for the seventh annual Perfect Game Freedom Classic. The tournament, running July 3-6, features several nationally ranked prospects from across the country as teams look to compete for a championship. Headlining the field are twin brothers Derek and Ryan Yormark of Merrick, New York. Right-handed pitcher Derek Yormack is the No. 51-ranked player in the class of 2027, the No. 1 player in New York and the No. 5-ranked right-handed pitcher in the country. First baseman Ryan Yormark comes in just behind his twin brother as the No. 3 overall player in New York, the No. 5 first baseman in the nation and the No. 90-ranked player nationally. Both brothers are committed to Vanderbilt. Derek Yormark has established himself as one of the top two-way prospects in the 2027 class. He has run...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

14u West World Series Scout Notes

Quinton Hall
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Asher Contreras (2030 | Las Vegas, NV) The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter and outfielder was one of the most dangerous hitters in the tournament for Wow Factor Nv 2030, stuffing the stat sheet while displaying an impressive combination of power and speed. He finished the weekend with 9 hits, including two doubles and a home run, while driving in seven runs and scoring five more. He also swiped three bases and worked three walks, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses while showing feel for the zone with just one strikeout all weekend. His ability to hit for extra bases while also creating offense on the bases made him one of the most impactful offensive performers at the event.    Braylen Silva (‘30 | NV) RBI 2B for GBG Vegas 14u Red. Direct path, quick trigger, & barrel feel. Solid 2-hole stick creating offense all day #14UWestWS...
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High School | General | 7/1/2026

PG High School All-Americans

Tyler Russo
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High School Top 50: Final Update With the High School season all wrapped up, today we take a look at our First, Second and Third Team All-Americans from around the country. Below you'll find three teams with stats that seem otherworldly from players who'll likely hear their names called in the coming week's MLB Draft. Within the "Notable Stats" section you'll see the individual award winners as well. First Team All-American Pos.  Name Class School State Commitment Notable Stats C Cole Prosek 2026 Magnolia Heights MS Ole Miss .595 BA, 18 HR, 79 RBI 1B Will Adams 2026 Hoover AL LSU .489, 13 HR, 52 RBI IF James Tronstein 2026 Harvard-Westlake CA Vanderbilt .531, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 21 XBH IF Grady Emerson 2026 Fort Worth Christian TX Texas .508, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 34/35 SB, National POY IF Jacob Lombard 2026 Gulliver Schools FL Miami .477, 10 HR, 52 R, 42 H, 14 SB OF Martin Shelar 2026 Marist GA...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
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16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2  ‘28 AJ Bonnette (TX) with 7 Ks thru 4 IP thus far, living 89-91 w/ heavy traits. Filling up all four quads & attacking hitters early in counts. Mixing a slurvy breaker & turning the CHG over well. @PG_Uncommitted #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/oz2XXoKHvt — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Aj Bonnette (2028, Keller, Texas) showed out on both sides of the ball at the National Elite Championship, but really stood out on the mound Tuesday. He toed the rubber in round two of the playoffs, proceeding to toss six innings with eight punchouts and zero earned runs allowed. The 6-foot southpaw filled up all four quadrants of the strike zone, attacking hitters early and often with his fastball. The heater lived in the 88-91 mph range with heavy traits, often setting up his slurvy breaking ball. Bonnette showed good feel...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

Performance Baseball Rolls On

Kinley Kitchens
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Championship teams often reveal themselves when the game isn’t going their way. Performance Baseball 2028/Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team did exactly that. Trailing Florida Burn 2028 Scout through four innings, the Brewers refused to panic. Instead, they relied on timely hitting, consistent pitching, and an unselfish approach at the plate, rallying a five-run fifth inning before pulling away for a 9-5 victory to clinch their spot in the semifinals. The comeback was fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Six different players drove in runs, including two RBIs each from Aiden Capobianco and Cameron Massey, while Matthew Heredia, Parker Weston, Ethan Smith, and Aj Bonnette each added an RBI of their own. On the mound, Derek Wenzel set the tone with 3.2 solid innings before Ethan Smith shut the door in relief, helping preserve the comeback victory. Although the Brewers have had a...
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Tournaments | Championship | 7/1/2026

JK Select Hawaii Tackles 14u West WS

Emily Hicks
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JK Select Hawaii capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating GBG Vegas 14u Red14-4 in the championship game on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, claiming the 14u West World Series title. From the opening pitch, JK Select controlled the pace of the game. The offense jumped out early, scoring 6 runs in the 1st inning after timely hits from MVP Sean Shindo and Kade Manarpaac. The early lead gave the pitching staff confidence as they worked efficiently through the opposing lineup. “I've worked hard to get better at my game for the past few months; it means a lot that I did well and performed in a tournament like this” said Shindo. Starting pitcher Maddox Prones turned in a strong performance, allowing 3 runs while striking out 5 batters over 3 innings. The defense backed the effort with great plays in the middle infield, preventing GBG Vegas from building momentum....
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