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All American Game  | Story | 8/8/2018

Callihan builds on journey

Photo: Tyler Callihan (Perfect Game)

See also: Classic supports Rady Children's Hospital

While San Diego is over 2,300 miles from Tyler Callihan’s hometown of Neptune Beach, Florida, it has virtually become a second home for one of baseball’s brightest young stars. After flying to San Diego to participate in the Perfect Game Underclass All-American Games over the last two years, Tyler Callihan will return for the big one next week: the Perfect Game All-American Classic.

The Classic, which will take place at Petco Park on the night of August 12, is a culmination of constant hard work and dedication by Callihan and the other 51 players that have been picked to participate. While some players jumped on to the scene at this year’s PG National Showcase, Callihan has been showcasing his stuff in San Diego a while.

“The past couple years, the Underclass Games have kind of been one of those events that are at the end of the summer, and you go because it's a great opportunity,” said Callihan during a recent phone interview with Perfect Game. “It was also a great chance to see the big game [PG All-American Classic] both those years. I have been watching that game for years, and now I have gotten the call to be in it myself and that is so exciting."

The Perfect Game All-American Classic is more than just a chance for Callihan to play the middle infield on MLB Network. With events like the home run challenge, scrimmages and a trip to Rady Children’s Hospital, the PG All-American Classic provides a great chance for players to make new friends, gain new experiences and make a difference in the community.

“I really enjoy the community outreach program, so I think that will be really fun,” said Callihan of visiting the Rady Children’s. “Also, it has been so much fun this summer to be around the guys, and I have gotten really close with them. Just being around them all is so much fun, and getting to know them even better than I already do is something I’m excited for.”

Callihan, who is a long-time alum of Perfect Game events, was actually just finishing up a game at LakePoint when he got the call that he would be participating in this week’s PG All-American Classic. While games at LakePoint can mean a long day in the hot sun, getting the call was a refreshing moment.

“I walked out of the bathroom, and my dad came up to me and he was like ‘we got the call’,” Callihan recalled. “I was around all of my teammates and they were all so happy for me. It was just a really good moment in my baseball career.”

With the baseball career that Callihan has had, it says a lot about the Perfect Game All-American Classic that this was such an exciting moment. On top of playing in the Underclass All-American Games twice, Callihan is a three-time Preseason Underclass All-American, a two-time participant in the PG Junior National Showcase and a 12-time member of an All-Tournament Team at a Perfect Game event.

With such an impressive collection of achievements on the Perfect Game circuit, Callihan found himself with a final chance to showcase his talent at both the 17u WWBA National Championship and PG National Showcase this summer.

“The WWBA’s are always so much fun because there are so many different teams in the event, and the PG National was a great event,” Callihan said. “Being at Tropicana and playing with all those guys was a great experience.”

Before playing with Elite Squad during this year’s summer circuit, Callihan had the chance to learn and compete with the best while playing for the Central Florida Gators. Playing with each other all throughout high school, this tight-knit group had four players drafted in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft: Matthew Liberatore, Carter Stewart, Nolan Gorman and Mason Denaburg.

In today’s day and age, it is uncommon for teams like this to play together throughout their entire high school careers. As a younger member of the Gators team full of talent, Callihan found himself with opportunities to be around guys who could give him insight and guidance into the draft and college recruiting process a year early.

“Those guys have impacted me so much. Between Mason, Libby (Liberatore), and Nolan, those guys were literally my best friends. For example, I have been playing with Nolan up the middle since I was 12 years old, and he is literally my best friend. We call each other all the time, and he is always there for me no matter what it is.”

While Denaburg and Liberatore were drafted as pitchers, the bond he had with them is still one that has stood the test of time. Callihan is preparing for his senior season and the draft process, and having three best friends drafted in the first round certainly helps make the process easier.

“Mason was always my guy to cheer me up no matter what. I always went out with all of them, and we really created a special bond throughout.”

While learning about the draft process can be beneficial for a player of Callihan’s caliber, he is also looking forward to playing his college baseball at South Carolina in the fall of 2019. A dream school since he was just a kid, South Carolina was an easy choice for Callihan when the time came.

“When I was 10 years old, my travel coach was driving me up to a travel ball tournament in Myrtle Beach. He saw the exit for Columbia, so he asked us if we wanted to go and see the University of South Carolina. We pulled off and there was a scrimmage going on. I caught a foul ball, and so of course little me thought it was the greatest school ever created.”

Callihan continued to follow South Carolina through a pair of national championships and many deep tournament runs. Now as a rising senior, he finds himself as a member of the Gamecocks’ 2019 recruiting class that ranks as the 24th-best in the country according to the Perfect Game recruiting rankings.

“It was everything I ever dreamed of coming true when I got a scholarship offer,” Callihan said. “Truly a rewarding experience.”

Callihan has enjoyed success and friendships throughout his baseball career that have led him to the PG All-American Classic. If one thing is certain, Callihan has set himself up for one of his best years yet and the future is bright for this shortstop from Neptune Beach.



All American Game | Story | 8/18/2023

Calm, Cool Aukai Kea, PGAA

Hannah Jo Groves
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When an unknown number called Aukai (Jaydon) Kea's phone, he wasn't sure if he should pick up. "I just got this call from somebody in Arizona," Kea said. "And I was like, 'Who’s that? Should I answer?' But then I answered it. He told me, ‘Yeah, congratulations, man.’ I was really shocked. Going into the summer, this was one of the events I wanted to be in. I’m very thankful that I got this opportunity." The 17-year-old Kea hails from Kapolei, Hawaii. He's grown up boogie boarding on the islands, but during summers, he's been playing travel ball on the main land.  "One of the big challenges is being away from home," Kea said. "Every summer, I’ll be away from home for at least two months with no stop - because there’s no sense in flying home for a day - you gotta fly, like, 10 hours. Being away from all my friends, my family - that’s...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

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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

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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

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Jason Phillips
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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

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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...
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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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