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Tournaments  | Story | 5/31/2021

Tener Back on the Bump for East Cobb

Photo: Luke Tener (Tori Heck, Perfect Game)
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Nearly a year ago to the day, Luke Tener laid alongside the road, surrounded by a mess of twisted metal and fractured glass, the smell of burned rubber in the air. Tener had just experienced a car accident that nearly claimed his life.

Once removed from the wreckage, and following initial medical assessments, it wasn’t clear whether Tener would ever walk again, let alone play baseball. Practically the entire left side of his body had been impacted from head to toe. But fast-forward to East Cobb Astros 17u Navy’s game on Sunday in the Perfect Game Southeast Memorial Day Classic, and Tener was handed the ball to start for the first time since the incident.



Although his first time back in a game, for Tener himself, there was never a doubt that he’d see the field again.

“I never thought that I wouldn’t play again,” said Tener. “The doctors just never told me that there was a chance of that, so I just always believed that I would keep playing.”

And in his return, Tener registered his first strikeout of the season, en route to a 10-9 win for the Astros. There wasn’t any ‘going easy’ or ‘feeling sorry for himself’; it was just genuine pitcher-batter competition.

“It definitely felt strange, but it’s still the same. Throwing to the catcher, that’s all it is,” said Tener. “I wish I could have done better, but it was really fun to be out there.”

The path to returning to the mound was no easy task for the junior lefty, but Tener is not one to shy away from a challenge. He described the hours and hours of physical therapy required to simply prepare him for the simple movements of everyday life. Re-learning baseball mechanics, and polishing those to the extent needed to play, was an additional challenge.

“I just had to work hard and have the trust that I was going to get back to where I was, and to remember how fun it was to play,” Tener said.

Behind the scenes and along for his journey were Tener’s parents. Surely, for any parent, to see your child in danger induces a level of trauma unmatched to almost any other circumstance, but to see them overcome adversity is priceless.

For Matt Tener and Sharon Baldwin, belief in their son never wavered, and in response to their support, neither did Luke’s end goal: stepping foot onto a field again.

“Obviously right when the wreck happened, I wanted to make sure he lived because it was a pretty serious accident,” said Baldwin. “Pretty much his whole left side was messed up, not just his shoulder, feet, legs, everything. But he kept a good attitude through it all.”

Even in the immediate aftermath of the accident, Tener’s demeanor was reassuring, almost calming, like he knew he had had a hill to climb yet was ready for the push. From that point on, Baldwin knew Luke would fight to gain even the smallest semblance of his former self.

“It was really scary. I didn’t realize that it was as serious as it was,” Baldwin said. “I thought maybe he hit somebody and they’re late to work. And as I’m driving up on it, I see the fire trucks, ambulance and everything, and he’s strapped to the stretcher and his face is purple. He’s yelling ‘Mama I’m okay, Mama I’m okay,’ but he wasn’t okay, clearly.”

Like any injury, healing takes time, but the Pope High School enrollee would have to endure the stress associated with several surgeries to repair structural damage to his body. At one point, Tener’s movement was even constrained to that only capable in a wheelchair.

That transformation made the image of Tener’s sweeping side-arm fastball even more memorable on Sunday afternoon. The fact that in under 12 months, Tener was competing in a Perfect Game event that features some of the nation’s top talent, is objectively impressive.

Through it all, that feat was never lost on Matt, Tener’s father.

“Today, [my emotions] were all over the map. Seeing him walking out there today, I was almost crying my eyes out,” said Matt Tener. “Mentally, just the fact that he’s gone through so much, and how he’s faced it, taking it head-on, I don’t know of somebody who has had to endure what he has had to endure for an entire year. So, I told him over and over that I used to think that I was kind of tough, but it’s absolutely nothing compared to what he’s done.”

Putting aside box scores and wins and losses, Tener is just grateful for the opportunity to return to baseball and to the East Cobb program. The team, the field, the dugout. Everything about the game cultivated a reason for Tener to push for a return.

“It means a lot, just so that I can play with my boys and get out there on the field,” Tener said when asked of what this journey has meant for his personal growth. “The best part is just being back out here with my friends.”

Among its most impassioned players, the sport of baseball is more than just a game. Baseball can serve as many things, but for Tener, a lust to taste the competition that only baseball seems to bring, has been a guiding light on his road to recovery.

Even at his darkest moment, when all could have been lost, that light never faded.

“I’d love do that,” Tener said when asked if his sights are still set on a baseball career at the next level. “I just want to play baseball as long as I can.”


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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