News Summary
This summer, California will field two teams for the first time at the Prep Baseball Report Future Games in Emerson, GA. Young athletes will showcase their skills, seeking attention from scouts. Notable players include Elyjah Mason, James Venick, and Joseph Flores Jr., all demonstrating impressive statistics and skills that could pave the way for their baseball careers. The event promises to be a pivotal opportunity for these aspiring athletes as they compete and display their talents in front of influential scouts and coaches.
Emerson, GA – This summer, the top uncommitted Class of 2027 baseball prospects will showcase their talents at the Prep Baseball Report Future Games held at LakePoint Sports in Emerson, Georgia. In a significant development for the event, California will field two distinct teams for the first time: Team NorCal and Team SoCal.
The Future Games provides an invaluable opportunity for young athletes to perform in front of scouts, as players will be evaluated consistently over the next three weeks. Among the standout athletes attending will be Elyjah Mason, a 6-foot-2 right-handed throwing and left-handed hitting third baseman and outfielder from Huntington Beach High, who is recognized as the top third baseman in California. Mason has made headlines already by recording the fastest 60-yard dash time at the Future Games tryout, finishing in an impressive 6.66 seconds.
Mason also demonstrated remarkable power at the plate, achieving a maximum exit velocity of 89.8 MPH and a batted distance of 337 feet. In a standout game against Edison High School, he achieved a remarkable hitting line of 4-5, which included a stand-up triple.
Another prominent player participating is James Venick, a 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher from Harvard-Westlake High School. Venick made a significant impression at the tryout, boasting a fastball that reaches 89 MPH and a slider with a spin rate of 2063 RPM. Ranking as the eighth-best overall prospect, Venick contributed in a competitive environment by pitching 3.1 innings against Crespi, allowing only one hit and striking out two batters.
Joseph Flores Jr., a 5-foot-10 infielder from Arlington High School, also stands out among the participants, ranked as the sixth-best shortstop in California. During his performances, Flores Jr. reached an impressive maximum exit velocity of 98.5 MPH and showcased an arm velocity of 90 MPH. Acknowledged as the CIFSS Ivy League-All League MVP, he had significant achievements, such as going 3-4 with two home runs — one being a grand slam — in a game against Poly. Previously, he represented California at the 2023 Junior Future Games and recorded the fastest infield velocity at the Future Games tryout in Los Angeles, alongside a fastball clocked at 87.6 MPH.
Overview of the Tryout Process
The NorCal Future Games Tryout took place on June 1, featuring over 30 players who participated in various evaluation drills. Players underwent tests for height, weight, grip strength, and the crucial 60-yard dash. Assessment activities included batting practice, defensive evaluations for both infield and outfield positions, and simulated game play for the pitchers.
These evaluations served not only to showcase the skills of each athlete but also to assist in the selection process for Team NorCal. Noteworthy performances from the tryout included:
- Hackler: 6’1″, 180 lbs; max exit velocity of 103 MPH; fastball topped out at 84 MPH.
- Farris: 6’0″; infield velocity recorded at 90 MPH; max exit velocity of 99.9 MPH.
- Damien Nolan: 6’1″, 185 lbs; fastball ranged between 85-88 MPH; max exit velocity of 103.9 MPH.
- Cade McElmoyl: 6’1″, 183 lbs; fastball ranged from 84-86 MPH; max exit velocity of 96.9 MPH.
- Merrick Lee: 6’0″, 160.9 lbs; max exit velocity of 90.7 MPH; 60-yard dash time of 7.15 seconds.
- Stevie Wellens: 5’7″, 165 lbs; max exit velocity of 100 MPH; 60-yard dash time of 6.83 seconds.
- Jace Wooley: 5’8″, 185 lbs; max exit velocity of 97.3 MPH; 60-yard dash time of 7.11 seconds.
Future Implications
The participation of these young athletes in the Future Games will provide invaluable exposure to scouts and coaches, potentially influencing their futures in baseball. With strong performances from players across California, both Team NorCal and Team SoCal will seek to establish themselves as formidable contenders in the showcase, aiming to leave a lasting impression that could lead to collegiate and professional opportunities.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Prep Baseball Report: James Venick Future Games Preview
- Sports Illustrated: California High School Coach Treasures Future Games Victory
- Prep Baseball Report: Joseph Flores Jr. Future Games Preview
- Wikipedia: Prep Baseball Report
- Prep Baseball Report: Northern California Future Games Tryout Quick Hits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
