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Tournaments  | Story | 7/7/2019

White Sox ACE changing lives

Photo: Eddie King Jr. (Perfect Game)

EMERSON, Ga. – The Chicago White Sox 2021 have made the trip down from the Windy City to make some noise. So far, they have done that as they improved to 3-0 Sunday evening with a 5-4 victory over Scoutz USA. Halfway through pool play, they are on pace to achieve their goal of making the playoff rounds of the 16u WWBA National Championship.

“We’re playing our best baseball right now,” said center fielder Eddie King Jr. “We want to go 7-0 and make it to bracket play.”

They certainly performed like a team with a sense of urgency, as they wasted no time in striking first against the Scoutz. Leadoff man Noah Smith saw two pitches and then smacked a single in the top of the first, and eventually came around to score on an RBI ground out from King. After a Jorge Garcia RBI single, Zemaurion Hatcher poked a majestic opposite field double to push the lead to 3-0. Hatcher would cross the plate to make it 4-0 before Scoutz USA had a chance to pick up the sticks.

On the mound, Adan Vega went five innings, allowing two runs, none of which were earned. He allowed just three hits, and maneuvered his way around five walks. After a shaky first inning in relief, Triston Schultz had a clean frame in the seventh to nail down the victory, 5-4.

The on-field success is just part of the story. Sports have the unique ability to change lives. What’s going on in the White Sox program is about so much more than baseball.

These 16u White Sox players are given an incredible opportunity to travel the country in pursuit of their goals. And this is the product of the commitment the big league club has taken to improving the future of Chicago. While the White Sox last won the pennant in 2005, their initiative in creating the ACE program has to be considered one of the great achievements in franchise history.

ACE stands for Amateur City Elite. Like many professional sports teams, the Chicago White Sox Charities and the White Sox 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization have committed to uplift the area surrounding the Windy City. They founded the ACE program in 2007 with the goal of pulling Chicago kids away from the dangers of the streets and use baseball as a means provide them a path to a successful life. Some of the kids in the program come from the poorest areas of the city such as Englewood and Roseland, but coming to the ACE program gives them a way out.

With teams from 12u to 17u, ACE provides its players financial and educational support to get to the next level, whether that be college or the pros. And they’ve been astoundingly successful. Over 190 alumni have gone on to receive a college scholarship, and this includes major baseball powerhouses like Louisville, Michigan, and Arkansas. 21 more have been drafted, including Corey Ray, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft.

This 16u group at the WWBA 16u National Championship features elite talent in Noah Smith and Eddie King Jr. Smith is ranked No. 14 overall in Perfect Game’s high school class of 2021 and the top player in Illinois. King is ranked 254th overall and the No. 5 player in the state of Illinois. Both are committed to play their college ball at Louisville.

With colleges recruiting players at younger and younger ages, the role travel of teams has become more important now than ever. In many cases, players are committing before they even get an inning of high school baseball under their belt. In the case of Smith and King, White Sox ACE has proven invaluable. And the opportunity to play with each other now and in the ACC in a couple years is something they look forward to.

“My dad got me in the game when I was five,” King said. “By the time I was 12, I started playing for the White Sox. I’ve loved playing with the organization because we play against the best everywhere we travel. I had committed before I even played a high school game.”

“Eddie and I have been playing together since we were 10,” Smith added. “It’s kind of cool. Wherever he goes, I go. And wherever I go, he goes.”

While Smith and King Jr. are the first dominos to fall, there are sure to be plenty more White Sox and that will pledge to a college. Tyler Fullman is a name that may be off the board sooner rather than later. Fullman pitched on Saturday and struck out 10 in just four innings, running his fastball up to 90 mph. He is ranked 146th in the high school class of 2021.

“Our goal is to help these kids get better every day,” said coach Romey Bracey. “We go 11 months out of the year, and in that time we develop them as baseball players and young men. We start them at age 11, and from there we get them to the point where they are either going off to play professionally or in college. “

Two colleges in particular, the University of Louisville and the University of Michigan, have really gobbled up ACE products. Michigan featured multiple ACE alumni on their 2019 team that reached the College World Series Finals.

“Louisville and Michigan have come to really like our program,” Bracey said. “One of their coaches said he wants one of our guys every year. It’s great to build relationships with those quality Power 5 programs.”

Despite the quick start, there’s still a lot of work to do. Nearly 400 teams came down to the Atlanta area with the same goal. Just getting to bracket play is a challenge, but to win a WWBA National Championship is a major feat that requires immense mental toughness and constant laser sharp focus. It is this mentality that Bracey is trying to instill in his players.

“Ultimately, we try to teach them about preparation,” Bracey said. “Baseball is a grind, and you have to come prepared every day. That’s how you get to be successful in this game and in life.”




Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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