Under Armour All-Americans Shine at Wrigley
The 2013 Under Armour All-America Game once again featured the top high school players in the US, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, performing at historic Wrigley Field and broadcast live on MLB Network. The National TV audience and nearly 5K spectators in attendance were treated to an outstanding game. In the end, the American Team, coached by MLB Network Analyst and former Major Leaguer Bill Ripken held on to defeat fellow analyst and former Major Leaguer Larry Bowa’s National Team by the score of 8-7.
Coming into the game, this 2014 class had a reputation for being deep with pitching that could light up radar guns, and they did not disappoint. National Team starter Touki Toussaint cruised through a scoreless first inning touching 95mph and fooling everyone in the stadium with his plus curveball. American starter Dylan Cease matched Touki’s zero with one of his own while topping out at 97 mph.
Eventually the offenses awoke and the American Team jumped out to a commanding 8-0 lead thanks to four consecutive singles, a walk and two RBI groundouts in the 2nd inning followed by three more runs in the 4thinning. Marcus Wilson was in the middle of both rallies with an RBI single and run scored in the 2nd and a stolen base and another run scored in the 4th. Jacob Gatewood’s RBI double off the left field wall drove in Alex Jackson with what proved to be the winning run.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, three singles and three walks helped lead to a 6-run inning to get the National Team back in the game. The big blow that inning came off the bat of Nick Gordon, as he drove in two runs with a single through the hole into right field. Chase Vallot walked and came around to score in the 7th to make the score 8-7, but Grant Hockin struck out the final batter of the game in the 9th and stranded Nick Gordon at third base to preserve the victory for the American squad.
Several players turned in noteworthy performances including American Team MVP Grant Hockin for his 2-inning save and National Team MVP Alex Verdugo who pitched a scoreless inning and went 1-2 with an opposite field double off the left centerfield wall. In addition, Michael Kopech was dominant in his inning on the mound with three strikeouts earning him the MLB Network’s Baseball Factory Player of the Game. Also receiving a post-game award was Milton Ramos, who took home the Kelly Kulina Award given to player showing the most heart and enthusiasm during the week. Jacob Gatewood put on an impressive display of power prior to the game, earning the HR Derby Title after sending numerous balls onto Waveland Ave. Other standout play was turned in by Chase Vallot (2-4, BB, R, RBI), Nick Gordon (3-4, R, 2 RBI, SB), Stone Garrett (2-4, R), Micah Miniard (2 scoreless innings), Grant Holmes (scoreless inning, topped at 95mph), Tyler Kolek (topped at 99mph) and several others.
The game at Wrigley Field was the culmination of an exciting week for these young players. They arrived in Chicago on Wednesday, got checked into the W Hotel and then headed to the Player’s Lounge to receive the Under Armour gear they would wear to each event during the week. Once “geared up” they proceeded to another area where their photo was taken for their Bowman baseball card and they were fitted for their game uniform. The uniform process was overseen by an on-site seamstress who tailored the players’ uniforms precisely for them based on how they planned to wear it on game day. Late Wednesday afternoon the players boarded the team bus for their first look at Wrigley Field. They were escorted down to the field for batting practice prior to the Nationals vs. Cubs contest. While taking in BP, Under Armour athlete Bryce Harper came by to meet the players. Bryce shook hands, talked baseball and posed for pictures with the Under Armour All-Americans prior to his batting practice rounds. The players were introduced on the field prior to the game before heading to their seats to watch the contest.
On Thursday morning, the players traveled to the scenic baseball field on the campus of the University of Illinois-Chicago. The field at UIC serves as the workout field throughout the event. This morning, the All-Americans were treated to a workout with former Major Leaguers Bill Ripken, Larry Bowa, Jim Morris, Mike Cameron and Wes Helms. The players also took part in hitting instruction and drills in the cages with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. After lunch, the players gave back to the community of Chicago by instructing youth players from the area at a free clinic on the UIC campus. After dinner and some friendly competition on the games at Dave and Buster’s, the players were treated to an inspiring message from Jim Morris, former Major League pitcher whose life story was portrayed in the movie The Rookie.
Friday morning was spent at the hotel signing their brand new Bowman baseball cards, participating in on-camera interviews with MLB Network, meeting with the Chicago Cubs Scouting Staff and participating in other focus groups and interviews with Baseball America, Eastbay and Gatorade. After lunch and an impromptu appearance by Barry Larkin, the players returned to UIC for their workout in front of 130+ professional scouts. After the defensive portion and batting practice, the preliminaries for the Home Run Derby were held. Two players from each team advanced to the semi-finals the next day. Chase Vallot and Grant Holmes advanced for the National Team and Michael Gettys and Ryan Johnson earned the right to represent the American Team. Two more players from each team were also selected to participate in the HR Derby semi-finals on Saturday at Wrigley Field: Luke Dykstra and Daz Cameron from the National Team and Alex Jackson and Jacob Gatewood from the American Team. While the workout was going on, former Major Leaguers Harold Reynolds and Willie Randolph from MLB Network also stopped by to check out the action.
Friday concluded with a banquet for players and their families held in the United Center at Wrigley Field. Dinner was followed by a few key addresses from Lukas McKnight, Assistant Scouting Director for the Chicago Cubs, Jim Bel Bruno, Sr, Director Brand Marketing- Baseball and Football at Under Armour, and Managers Bill Ripken and Larry Bowa. Players were recognized with a jersey presentation before the night’s special guest speaker, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. shared his insights on attitude and leadership with the group.
Once Saturday came, the players were ready to get to Wrigley Field and show the baseball world their abilities. We congratulate all of this year’s Under Armour All-Americans on their selection, and we thank them for making this such an outstanding event.
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