THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 7/20/2019

Toronto to the Showdown

Jack Nelson
Photo: Evan Soules (Perfect Game)

ACWORTH, Ga. – Canadians are serious sports fans, and while your mind probably initially gravitates toward hockey, our neighbors to the north passionately root for all their pro teams. Last month, the world got a glimpse of that when the Raptors took the basketball universe by storm en route to an NBA Finals Championship. All sports are big, and that includes baseball, both on the professional stage with the Blue Jays and at the amateur level.

While many teams travel far and wide to compete in Perfect Game events, few come from outside the country. Well, the Toronto Mets have made the trip down from Ontario to compete in this week’s Perfect Game 17u Summer Showdown. The Mets are off to a 1-0 start, and were in middle of their second game Saturday morning before torrential rain postponed their matchup with the Ninth Inning Royals 17u Bartlewski.

“This is the first year we’ve had teams travel this far south,” said Mets Director of Player Personnel Honsing Leung. “We usually stay in the Midwest. We’re not one of those teams that makes long bus tours, so parents are getting here on their own. And most years our parents are very supportive. So for us, we try to strategically plan where the bigger tournaments are and then fill in around it with more games.”

The Toronto Mets have been around for about a decade, and in that time have developed into one of the premier baseball organizations in Canada. Their ultimate goal is to get the guys to the next level, whether that be college ball or the pros.

And they’ve had excellent success in doing that. They’ve sent 165 kids on to college baseball, and the list of schools they have developed a relationship with is quite impressive. Tristan Pompey and Zach Pop both went to Kentucky, and Daniel Carinci is currently at Alabama. They have also had 26 former players drafted, including 2017 second rounder, Landon Leach. Additionally, 42 have been selected to play for the Canadian Junior National Team.

The program produces legit talent, and they have proven they can compete with anyone. But Leung and coach Frank Maury admit running a travel program in Canada is a much different animal than in the U.S. There are many fundamental differences, perhaps the biggest one being the role of high school baseball in a player’s development.

“It’s essentially nonexistent,” said Maury. “There might be five high school teams in the entire province that are any good. I’m a high school teacher, and the school I work at doesn’t even have nine kids that play organized baseball.”

“I’d say 60 percent of our kids don’t even play high school baseball,” he said. “It’s just not worth their time. The competition is so low.”

While many times a college coach will check in with a player’s high school coach for information on the kids grades or his character, all of that contact is done with the travel coach in Canada. This kind of system makes the role that the Toronto Mets play all the more important.

“None of the contacts with colleges comes from high school,” Maury said. “It all comes from the elite programs.”

To compensate, organizations like the Mets will run a more expansive schedule during the school year.

“Travel baseball is year round for us,” said Leung. “We’re working out from September to November, and then we’re in the gym from late November until we can get outside in the spring. A lot of times that is not until the first or second week of May. The weather definitely shortens the playing season.”

“The weather situation is obviously tough,” Maury said. “We start outside in May, but if we get two weeks of rain that wipes out almost eight games.”

Aside from the elements, there are more unique challenges to playing baseball in Canada. Leung said that there is only one turf baseball field in the city of Toronto. Additionally, the academic calendar in Canada is different than the U.S. While American students may be off for the summer by the first week in June, Canadian kids don’t get their break until the end of the month. When you are trying to schedule which tournaments to attend, this presents another problem for Leung, Maury, and the rest of the Mets front office to overcome.

“It’s really tough just to get on fields for official practices,” Maury said. “That means our schedule is very game heavy. We don’t have our own fields, so the practice part is tricky, and we see that in some game situations like bunt defenses. We can’t simulate all that stuff indoors.”

“Another challenge is that our kids are still in school until the end of June,” Maury said. “So you have the U.S. schools finishing up earlier and tournaments get started right after. We travel through final exams, graduation ceremonies, and proms. All that madness is right in the middle of when we need to be down here.”

In the United States, you’ll often see kids as young as 9 or 10 playing upwards of 100 games for their travel team. Families are crisscrossing the country to play at tournaments. In Canada, it doesn’t work that way. The Mets don’t even have teams that young.

“Kids start out playing for their local cities, and once they get to 14u or 15u they start to come to these kinds of programs,” Maury said. “The Toronto Mets don’t exist at the 10u or 11u level. Kids start out playing locally, closer to their house. As they get older, they come to us.”

Both Leung and Maury said the opportunity to come down and play in tournaments like the Summer Showdown are invaluable for Canadian players. The duo especially noted the plethora of coaches present at the 16u WWBA National Championship. All it takes is for one kid to have a good day at the plate, or a standout performance on the mound. That’s enough to change the course of your baseball career, and in a sense, your life.

“You just don’t get this kind of exposure in Ontario,” Maury said.
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes
Tyler Kotila
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
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....
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
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...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
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...
Read More
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
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...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.