Following some intense training evaluation and 5-day trials, USA Baseball has finally announced the 20 player roster for the 2011 18U National Team.  From Catagena, Colombia November 17-27, the 18U team will compete in the 2011 COPABE 'AAA'/18U Junior Pan American Championships.  The team will be coached by former MLB player Scott Brosius.  We are thrilled to see nine of the players traveling to Colombia in November have come through the Baseball Factory program.  We would like to congratulate the following players on this outstanding achievement: Alex Bregman (SS), Chase DeJong (RHP), Cole Irvin (LHP), Carson Kelly (3B), Jeremy Martinez (C), Nelson Rodriguez (C), Addison Russell (IF), Mikey White (SS/2B), and Jesse Winker (OF).  

Alex Bregman hails from Albuquerque, NM and was the first ever youth player to win USA Baseball's Player of the Year honors.  He led the 16U National Team to a Gold Medal in the Pan Am Championships and was an Under Armour Baseball Factory Pre-Season All-American in 2010 and 2011.  Chase DeJong is a two-way player who has developed as a pitcher and an outfielder.  The Long Beach, CA native was selected to the Team One West Showcase this past July.  Cole Irvin, a pitcher from Yorba Linda, CA participated in this year’s Under Amour All-American Game, powered by Baseball Factory and has committed to Oregon.  Carson Kelly, from Portland, OR, is a two-way player who can buckle hitters with his breaking ball and hold his own in the field as well.  He was a member of the 16U Gold Medal team, was an Under Armour Pre-Season All-American in both 2010 and 2011 and played in the 2011 Under Armour All-American Game, powered by Baseball Factory.  Jeremy Martinez, a catcher from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA, was also a member of the 2011 Under Amour All-American Team.  He is a talented young catcher and has committed to USC.

Nelson Rodriguez is a catcher from the Big Apple with a big arm.  He went to George Washington high school and has some power at the plate.  Addison Russell, from Pace, FL, was a 2010 Under Armour All-American and has a lot of potential.  This infielder is projected to be one of the best players in 2012 and has made a commitment to Auburn.  The University of Alabama has a commitment from Mikey White, a hometown shortstop from Hoover, AL.  The 2011 Under Armour All-American has some great skills in the field and is a solid hitter as well.  Jesse Winker is an outfielder from Windermere, FL.  He demonstrated a strong, accurate arm in his performance in the 2010 Team One Futures Game and will excel at the University of Florida.

Baseball Factory is proud to have worked with these talented young players and we wish them continued success along with an American victory in the Pan American Championships.   Keep building your way to greatness!  For any young players who may be in a position to try out for this team in upcoming years, these nine players are a prime example of the rewards of hard work and dedication.  Once again, congratulations to the 18U National Team players and good luck in Colombia!