THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,586 MLB PLAYERS | 16,394 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,586 MLB PLAYERS | 16,394 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Tournaments  | Story | 10/16/2020

PGAAs bid farewell at WWBA WC

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Harry Ford (Perfect Game)

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Last Monday afternoon, at the Terry Park Sports Complex near downtown Fort Myers, the Los Angeles-based GBG Navy 2021 were crowned the champion at this year’s 22nd annual Perfect Game WWBA World Championship.

The Navy 2021 were not only worthy champions, especially considering their 9-1, six-inning run-rule victory over the previously unbeaten Power Baseball 2021 in the championship game. But they were also a very deserving champion based on the especially challenging COVID-related obstacles players from California were forced to overcome throughout the 2020 spring, summer and fall seasons.



There was a lot to take-in on Championship Monday, with the title game being preceded by a pair of semifinal games, also played at Terry Park. The games were great and the talent on the field was off the charts. But one thing that may have gone unnoticed was that neither team playing for the championship on this steamy afternoon in Southwest Florida had a single PG All-American on its roster.

And a big reason for that was what transpired over a roughly six-hour time period on Sunday morning at the Lee County Player Development Complex, which sits about 3 miles south of Terry Park.

Three teams that were all considered favorites to win the whole kit and kaboodle when the tournament kicked-off the previous Thursday were all beaten in their first round playoff games at the same complex that morning. 

There were 16 PG All-Americans rostered with those three teams – the Team Elite/Atlanta Braves Scout Team, the Canes National/Mets Scout Team and the ECB/Padres Scout Team – and they saw their PG careers come to an end much sooner than anticipated.

“Any time you walk into an event like this you know everybody’s going to be here to play and everyone’s going to be talented,” Team Elite/ABST right-hander Drew Christo told PG after his team had dropped its playoff opener, a game he started. “You come out onto the field and you try your best and try to have the best game you can because the talent is going to be there.”

It was warm and sunny at the 5-Plex on the morning of October 11 and the excitement associated with playoff baseball at an event more commonly known as “Jupiter” hung heavy the four-field quad in the middle of the 5-Plex. That excitement was even more enhanced for the PG All-Americans as they not only got ready to play some pretty doggone important games, they also spotted familiar face after familiar face while they moved from field to field.

They may have, in fact, felt a little like they were walking back into Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in downtown Oklahoma City, the host site for this year’s PG All-American Classic. The uniforms may have been different from what they wore in OKC, but the smiles and fist-bumps were just the same as everyone remembered.

“At the All-American game I met a lot of new people from a lot of different places and today when I walked in I saw a lot of them and I said ‘Hi’ to them and asked them what’s up and how they’re doing,” Canes National/MSCT outfielder Malakhi Knight told PG. “It was just good to see them and check in with them again.”

Christo, a Nebraska commit out of Elkhorn, Neb., who is ranked No. 54 nationally in the 2021 class, was one of five PGAA’s on the Team Elite/ABST roster. The others rostered were shortstop Brady House (No. 4, Tennessee) from Winder, Ga., righthander Christian Little (No. 10, Vanderbilt) from St. Louis, Mo., left-hander Carter Holton (No. 17, Vanderbilt) and shortstop Rob Gordon (No. 50, Vanderbilt).

“Even though we lost it’s been the greatest experience of my life,” Gordon said of having the chance to participate. “These are my boys right here and it’s sad that we lost but we’ve still got the love. …

“It’s been crazy,” he added, speaking of his entire PG experience. “I grew up not being (well) known but I worked hard and I got into the position that I’m in right now; it’s a good accomplishment to be here.”

Knight, an Oregon State commit from Marysville, Wash., who is ranked No. 22 nationally, was one of six PGAAs to populate the Canes National/MST roster over the team’s four days of play.

He was joined by Rochester Hills, Mich., shortstop Alex Mooney (No. 15, Duke), Lebanon, Tenn., outfielder Camden Hayslip (No. 24, Alabama), San Clemente, Calif., shortstop Cody Schrier (No. 25, UCLA), Louisville, Ky., outfielder Daylen Lile (No. 41, Louisville) and Hialeah Gardens, Fla., catcher Rene Lastres (No. 63, Florida).

With five other All-Americans sharing the same dugout, the Canes prospects didn’t have to look far to find a PGAA brother-in-arms but it was still enjoyable for them when they crossed paths with their peers from the other two teams on Sunday.

“It’s cool because you walk in here and you see guys that you’ve played with,” said Mooney, who was the MVP at the All-American Classic in OKC. “You see guys from … all those teams and you’re seeing your good friends because you’ve played with each other and you have a lot of chemistry. So it’s really just walking into a park and seeing all your friends and it’s pretty cool.”

The California kid, Schrier, was in total agreement with his Canes teammate from Michigan, Mooney:

“They’re all good friends of mine so it’s cool seeing them outside of that game and catching up with them and seeing how they’re doing,” Schrier said. “It’s super special coming out here to Florida because you know everybody’s going to be here. You chat with them over texts or call them and see what they’re up to but it’s cool seeing them in person and seeing what’s up.”

Kennesaw, Ga., catcher Harry Ford (No. 21, Georgia Tech), Mableton, Ga., shortstop Michael Braswell (No. 42, South Carolina) and Tyrone, Ga., outfielder Thaddeus Ector (No. 48, South Carolina) were three of five PGAAs rostered with the ECB/PST. New Jersey right-hander Shane Panzini (No. 23, Virginia) was on the ECB roster but pitched for the Team Georgia National/.9ers Baseball Club and catcher Joe Mack (No. 13, Clemson) didn’t participate.

Being not only local guys but also longtime East Cobb devotees, Braswell, Ector and Ford were in seventh-heaven while prospering in the Jupiter environment. Ector has been part of the ECB program since he was 12 years old and advanced up through the ranks with each passing year.

“We’ve just got a bunch of good guys; We just enjoy playing with each other,” Ector said. “We play more for each other than we play for ourselves, which I think the East Cobb program teaches. We’ve got a good coaching staff … and East Cobb is a really good organization; I couldn’t be happier to play with them on this last ride.”

Ford totally enjoyed the PG All-American Classic experience and the new friendships he made and the old friendships he reinforced while in Oklahoma City. But playing in “Fort Jupiter” was different, and that’s different in a good way.

“It’s even a little better feeling over here,” he said. “You’re with your brothers and everything and you’re really playing like this game means something. The All-American game, you’re just there to have fun with everyone so this one is a way different intensity.”

While the PGAAs that were in attendance at the 5-Plex last Sunday morning were among the most recognizable from the 2021 class, it shouldn’t be forgotten that there are scores of younger players on these rosters who are working to be in the same position in a year or two.

The ECB/Padres ST featured top 2022s in Dylan Lesko (No. 2), catcher Termarr Johnson (No. 4) and middle-infielder Nazier Mule (No. 12), and Kaden Martin (No. 25), among others. Top 2022s for the Canes National included left-hander Jackson Ferris (No. 15, Ole Miss), righty Ian Ritchie Jr. (No. 16, UCLA) and outfielder Ryan Clifford (No. 26). Outfielder Nolan Schubart (No. 6, Michigan) and infielder Hayden Murphy (No. 37, Auburn) were among the top 2022s for Team Elite.

The 2020 PGAAs would have been more than willing to provide their younger teammates with some guidance if they felt like they needed any.

“I feel like a lot of them already know the direction (they’re heading),” Schrier said. “If they’re playing up on this team as a younger kid they’re obviously pretty good but you try to help them the best that you can if they need help.”

Added Knight: “We have some of the best younger kids on our team and they already know what to expect and what to go through. They know how to handle themselves.”

Seven of the top-nine seeded teams suffered losses in Sunday’s first round of the playoffs, including the No. 1 East Coast Sox Founders Club and the No. 4 FTB/SF Giants Scout Team. Scores of highly regarded and highly ranked 2021s saw their PG careers come to an end on that day, which left plenty of time for reflections among this year’s All-Americans.

“It’s been a blessing; it’s been a blessing,” ECB’s Ector said, repeating himself for added emphasis. “I’ve been able to attend every major event that an amateur baseball player would want to attend … and then I’m able to be here for my third year.”

“That’s one of the best things about (PG) is making those relationships that are going to last into college and for some guys into pro ball,” Team Elite’s Christo added. “So it’s really cool to meet up with those guys again and see how they’re doing.”

And finally, this from the Canes’ Mooney, a player from the North who accomplished great things during this challenging summer of 2020, including the performance that earned him MVP recognition at the PG All-American Classic.

“Perfect Game has been huge for me,” Mooney, the Duke commit, said. “Getting out in front of the college coaches and pro scouts when I need to and playing in these big tournaments to get me used to that (level) of competition. I feel like I’ve played in more Perfect Game tournaments down south than I have played games in Michigan so it’s been huge for me.

“The relationships that you make with people at Perfect Game tournaments just on your team and the (teams you're) playing against like that, it’s awesome,” he concluded. “There’s nothing to compare it to.”
Give us your feedback
Tournaments | Championship | 8/6/2026

643 DP Last Team Standing at East WS
Will Dembo
Article Image
Following a dominant week at the 17u PG East World Series, No. 34 ranked 643 DP Cougars 17u capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating No. 2 ranked East Cobb Astros 17u, 3-2, in the championship game to claim the title. The Cougars earned the tournament's No. 1 overall seed after outscoring opponents by an absurd 59-6 throughout the week before completing their championship run with a hard-fought victory in the finale. “Always feels great to finish the year playing your best ball, especially when going up against strong competition,” 643 Head Coach Danny Pralgo said. “We did so many of the little things right: on the mound with location, clean on defense, bunting, 2 strike approach leading to long at bats, getting hit-by-pitches, and we had so many good outs offensively that led to moving a runner or scoring a runner. And when those things all come together in...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 8/6/2026

PG Extends Partnership With Yeti

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH YETI   Sanford, Florida (Thursday, August 6, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced an extension of its existing partnership with YETI, the premium outdoor gear brand and the Official Cooler and Drinkware Provider of Perfect Game Baseball and Softball. The partnership between Perfect Game and YETI began in 2021.   The expanded partnership will bring YETI’s products and brand to Perfect Game athletes, families and fans through a variety of activations across Perfect Game’s events and digital platforms. YETI will have a prominent presence both on-site and online, including exposure...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 8/6/2026

Tournament of Champions Notes: Part 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘27 RHP/SS Carson Hailey (KY) Dominant 5.1 IP + 14 K’s‼️ 2 ER on 3 H + 1BB. 69% strikes. FB lived 88-89 T92 w/ ASR + maintained velo. SL 77-80 w/ late sharp break. Throws downhill w/ good extension. Pitches tunnel well out of 3/4 slot. #TOC @carsonhailey_8 @2027TTKY @JGatesPG pic.twitter.com/UoL7newgi6 — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 29, 2026 Carson Hailey (2027, Louisville, Ky..) turned in a dominant outing, striking out 14 across 5.1 innings while allowing two earned runs on three hits and one walk. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound right-hander owns an athletic frame and worked with a controlled tempo on the mound. Hailey used a big leg kick and long stride with an easy lower half, creating downhill action and good extension toward the plate. He finished through his pitches well and maintained his velocity deep into the outing. The fastball lived at 88-89 mph...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 8/6/2026

East Coast Pro All Prospect Teams

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
1st Team C: Quincy Pratt (‘27 MS)-Max EV: 92- Put together a strong showing with multiple knocks; exits of 92/88/88. In-game pops right around 2 flat, 2.01 on a caught stealing and a 1.97. Swing plays and still a bunch of room to add muscle mass. Trending really nicely. 1B: Teagan Leach (‘27 VA)-60-yard: 7.02 Max EV: 105-On the barrel throughout ECP. Everything comes off hard and doesn't whiff much for a power led profile. 101 F8, 99 double left on left with a 4.72 turn, 105 double through the gap, and a 96 exit knock to his credit. Certified hitter that has plus strength now. IF: Isaiah Snavely (‘27 IN)-60-yard:6.71 Max EV: 96-Early attendance for the draft cycle rocket ship is always appreciated and Snavely is on it. 96/366 shot on a breaking ball to go with an 89 exit double and his other couple of hits on the week. 4.26 down the line and a 4.47 turn. Should stick in...
Read More
Draft | Story | 8/5/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Northeast Recap

Ryan Miller
Article Image
The Northeast region once again produced a deep class of 2026 draft selections, headlined by outfielder AJ Gracia and right-hander Cameron Flukey going in the first round. Both landed in southern states to compete in college, skyrocketing their value from talented preps to established talents. Until the last round, region players were selected throughout this year’s draft, with a deep bag of individual profiles. Many talented prospects went unselected or failed to sign due to their college commitment, betting on themselves for an upcoming class. Below we look at some of the trends and landing spots for the Northeast’s top players in the draft.  College Arms Throughout the Draft Each spring, an abundance of Northeast high school pitchers makes their way to campuses throughout the power four level. Many in recent memory have drastically changed their draft stock, hearing...
Read More
College | Story | 8/5/2026

Coppy's Corner: August 5 Summer Edition

John Coppolella
Article Image
The amateur players in the Cape Cod Baseball League are the future stars of the 2027 MLB Draft. The league runs from June 13th through August 2nd. Games are played at historic stadiums in Old New England towns. It’s beautiful and charming. Hollywood even made a movie about the Cape Cod League ~25 years ago called Summer Catch. It scored an 8% (!) on Rotten Tomatoes, but, on the plus side, it featured 2001 Jessica Biel in a starring role.  It was so much fun writing Coppy’s Column this spring. My hope is to highlight a pitcher and position player each week from the Cape. And, who knows, maybe somewhere out there Jessica Biel is reading it.  Player of the Week: Armani Guzman – Chatham Anglers  Guzman went 8-for-20 this week with 9 Stolen Bases. If that seems like a lot for one week, it is. Guzman has 18 Stolen Bases in the Cape, so half that total came this...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 8/5/2026

17u South World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Alex Hernandez (‘27 TX) sends a rocket to the gap for a double. Now 6-7 on the week with 4 XBH’s. Certainly looks the part out at short; has made it look easy. #SouthWS @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/xPXL42Y3WU pic.twitter.com/xKmJS9u01l — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) July 31, 2026 Alex Hernandez (2027, Cypress, Texas) closed out the Summer with a bang and looked like one of the best players out there on the week. Hernandez put on a clinic on both sides of the ball throughout the week. A mainstay out at short, Hernandez made every play look easy moving to his left and right. Lateral range was on full display paired with footwork, arm strength, and a clean slot. He can really do it all on the dirt and made a statement this week making a plethora of ridiculous plays. There is no doubt that Hernandez can play short at the next level and should be getting a ton of interest....
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 8/4/2026

PG & Dick's Expand Partnership

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME AND DICK’S EXPAND PARTNERSHIP, INCLUDE NAMING RIGHTS AT EAST COBB COMPLEX   Marietta, Georgia (Tuesday, August 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the renewal and expansion of its longstanding partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods.   As part of the expanded agreement, the iconic East Cobb Complex in Georgia will officially be renamed DICK’S Sporting Goods Park at East Cobb, reinforcing the retailer’s long-term investment in youth sports and enhancing one of the most recognized destinations in all of amateur baseball. The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s Perfect Game 11U...
Read More
College | Story | 8/3/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: August 3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Angel Cervantes | RHP | UCLA | Chatham Anglers  Angel Cervantes has lived up to the hype since arriving at UCLA after turning down a second-round selection (50th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2025 MLB Draft. Following a strong freshman campaign that helped power the Bruins to the No. 1 ranking in the country for much of the season, Cervantes has taken another step forward this summer, emerging as arguably the Cape Cod League's top arm. Through 23.2 innings with the Chatham Anglers, he owns a 1.14 ERA with 24 strikeouts and just five walks. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-hander attacks hitters with a polished five-pitch mix featuring a low-90s fastball, an 86-88 mph cutter, a low-80s slider and changeup, and a 78-80 mph curveball. He pounds the strike zone, sequences his arsenal with advanced feel, and consistently keeps hitters off balance, giving him the profile of a...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 8/2/2026

Battle For The Midwest Scout Notes

Brayden Powell
Article Image
Bryce Urban (2027, Kaukauna, Wis.) An athletic 5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitter, who handled the bat well throughout the weekend while showing feel for the barrel and quality bat speed. Stays balanced throughout the operation while showing direct hands to the baseball. There is feel to rotate through the zone and keep the barrel working for an extended period, helping him consistently produce hard-hit contact. He showed the ability to impact the baseball to all fields and remained productive throughout the event. Urban finished the weekend with five extra-base hits and continued to be a reliable offensive contributor whenever his club needed him. He is currently uncommitted.  Landon Clements (2027, McHenry, Ill.) University of Illinois-Chicago commit put together an outstanding weekend at the plate, finishing 10-for-15 while drawing five walks and consistently finding ways to...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.