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Tournaments  | Story  | 6/27/2023

Curiel Continues to Shine

Olivia Bontempo     
Photo: Derek Curiel (Perfect Game)
Derek Curiel, a West Covina, California native, is the No.1-ranked player in the class of 2024. The future LSU Tiger could be found this past weekend in East Cobb, playing for the USA Prime National/Detroit Tigers Scout Team at the WWBA 18U National Championship.

Curiel and the USA Prime National/Detroit Tigers Scout Team had a successful outing at the WWBA, clinching the tournament title. They started things off strong Sunday with an 8-0 win over 5 Sar/Team Georgia 18U. On Tuesday, the squad took on the Indians Showcase, where Curiel went 3-for-4 at the plate and helped lead the USA Prime National/Detroit Tigers Scout Team to a 7-1 victory.



In his first at-bat of the game, Curiel reached on a bunt down the third baseline advancing Ty Southisene to second. He then stepped up in the top of the third and barreled a single to center field. In his final at-bat of the game, Curiel doubled to left field advancing Southisene to third.


The 18-year-old, already so accomplished, is set to take on one of Perfect Game’s biggest scouting events come July.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” Curiel said. “Not only for me, but for my family as well.”

On July 11, Curiel and hundreds of top players from the 2024 class will travel to Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in Phoenix for the 2023 National Showcase. Similar to the Sophomore and Junior National Showcases, this event allows players to show off their tools through individual workouts and competitive games.

“It's been cool to have the recognition that I've gotten, but it doesn't take away from what I need to do on the field,” Curiel said after their 11-3 win on Wednesday. “No matter what, I still need to go out there and play, and no matter who's watching me or what eyes are on me, I just need to go out there and focus on what I have to do.”

This showcase also serves as the last stepping-stone prior to being invited to the All-American Classic, a televised event that features the top players in the senior class.

Curiel has gained plenty of showcase experience, taking part in several of Perfect Game’s highly scouted events. In 2019 Curiel was invited to the 13U Select Festival and was invited again in 2020 to take part in the 14U Select Festival. In 2021 he was also invited to play in the Underclass All-American Games, and in 2022 took part in the Jr. National Showcase.

“Sometimes it can be hard when you see everyone looking at you and you just think about it,” Curiel said. “But I do best when I don't think about it.”
 

The LSU Tigers, Curiel's future home, have been making way in the College World Series. After defeating Wake Forest last night 5-2, the Tigers now await the winner-take-all game that can potentially send them to the championship series.

“I'm so excited,” Curiel said about his commitment to LSU. “LSU is a great place to be. Playing there is electric and you see any College World Series game, there's some empty seats, but when LSU is playing it is fully packed in purple and gold.”
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