News Summary
Huntington Beach junior baseball player Jared Grindlinger has been selected to represent the United States at the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup in Okinawa, Japan. After an intense training camp, Grindlinger is filled with gratitude and eagerness to showcase his skills as both a pitcher and a first baseman. As he prepares to compete against teams from around the world, the local community rallies behind him, celebrating his journey and talent.
Huntington Beach Star Takes the Stage for Team USA
Huntington Beach is buzzing with excitement as one of its own, junior baseball player Jared Grindlinger, has been selected to represent the United States in the prestigious World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup taking place in Okinawa, Japan. Grindlinger, who just celebrated his sixteenth birthday in April 2023, is ready to make a splash on the international baseball scene.
The Path to the Team
This talented left-handed pitcher recently learned about his selection to the Team USA 18U National Team after an intense training camp at the USA Baseball National Training Complex located in Cary, North Carolina. Jared expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity, recognizing that this chance is not just a personal achievement, but a culmination of hard work and dedication. It’s worth noting that this isn’t his first time wearing the red, white, and blue; he has previously made the 12U national team in 2021 and the 15U national team in 2022.
Finding His Groove
Although Grindlinger said he didn’t have his best outing at the training camp, he walked away with a positive mindset and newfound confidence for what lies ahead. With the tournament quickly approaching, he is looking forward to utilizing his skills as both a pitcher and a first baseman. His versatility on the field will be crucial, especially since he is one of five players from California on this elite squad.
Nailing It on the Field
Fans might remember Jared’s stellar performance during a five-game international series against Australia last September, where he played in the outfield and had an impressive batting average of .692, bringing in nine hits and a whopping 13 runs batted in. Those numbers are not just impressive; they show that he has what it takes to rise to the occasion on big stages.
Family Ties
Baseball runs in the Grindlinger family. Jared’s older brother, Trent Grindlinger, was part of the same 18U national team last year before heading off to the University of Tennessee. The bond and shared experiences between the two brothers create a supportive foundation for Jared as he ventures off on his own baseball journey.
Looking Ahead to Competition
The Team USA 18U national team is set to kick off the World Cup with a match against Panama on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Jared and his teammates will have their work cut out for them as they also prepare to face teams like Chinese Taipei, Germany, China, and Australia. Not only is Jared excited about the thrill of competition, but he is eager to learn and soak up as much experience as possible to further his baseball career.
Community Support
As Jared heads into this exciting chapter of his young career, the community of Huntington Beach is rallying behind him, wishing him nothing but success on this grand stage. His journey is a testament to the talent that thrives in the area and the dedication of young athletes aiming for greatness.
With excitement in the air, all eyes will be on Jared Grindlinger as he steps up to represent not just his school, but his hometown, and, most importantly, his country. Go Team USA!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vanguard University Achieves NCAA Division II Membership
Vanguard University Advances to Full NCAA Division II Membership
Vanguard University Launches Headwind Scholars Program
Vanguard University Achieves Full NCAA Division II Membership
Vanguard University Granted NCAA Division II Membership
Temporary Restaurant Closures in Orange County Due to Health Violations
Vanguard University Achieves Full NCAA Division II Membership
Champaign Students Prepare for National Business Conference
Matt White Appointed Principal of Edison High School
Santa Margarita Catholic High School Named State School of the Year
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach’s Jared Grindlinger Named to Team USA Baseball 18U Roster
- USA Baseball: Running It Back for Grindlinger and Seamon
- Baseball America: 30 Players Who Impressed at the USA 16U/17U NTDP
- Sports Illustrated: USA Baseball Finalizes 18U National Team Roster
- USA Baseball: Team USA No-Hits Australia in Series Sweep
- Wikipedia: World Baseball Softball Confederation
- Google Search: Jared Grindlinger
- Google Scholar: Baseball Training
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Team USA Baseball

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.