Team Massachusetts: Future Games Continues To Grow And Impress
August 7, 2021
Bruce Hefflinger
PBR New England Senior Writer
Follow on Twitter: @pbr_newengland
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EMERSON, Ga. - The Future Games returned to LakePoint and the Prep Baseball Report event was better than ever.
After 2020 resulted in the Future Games being held at separate sites due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was full steam ahead in 2021 and with it came the feeling of satisfaction after the 10th annual event concluded its nearly weeklong run.
“It isn't a secret formula: create a format and environment for good players to show off what they've got and the coaches will be there,” explained Shooter Hunt, PBR Crosschecker. “That is what makes this event so special each year. Because when it comes down to it, everyone in the PBR network is working to try and help players connect with schools.”
That is what happened with 32 teams featuring players from nearly every state in the country along with Canada competing in front of a record 333 college coaches.
“It was amazing to see the 300+ college coaches back in attendance,” related Hunt, the vice president of scouting for PBR. “It was almost like returning to school after summer break and getting to see all your friends again. They helped bring some more energy to the yard, and I think the kids raised their level of play because of it.”
Sean Duncan, PBR President, echoed what Hunt had to say.
“This event is always about the players performing in front of college coaches, so it was great to see such an overwhelming amount of college coaches this year,” Duncan said. “More importantly, the players were really really good and performed up to their abilities. So many players have already committed shortly after the event, with hundreds more to come in the near future. And that ultimately is what this is all about: Bringing the top uncommitted underclassmen across the country and having them compete and perform in front of college coaches.”
Doing it in person rather than via live-stream like a year ago only made the event better in the eyes of Duncan.
“It was so much more impactful on a whole to have all the states back to LakePoint,” Duncan admitted. “Last year, due to COVID restrictions in many states, we broke up the Future Games into three regional pods. While all the pods were loaded with talent, it just didn't have the same impact as it does when everyone is together. It also helped that college coaches were able to be there in person to evaluate, as opposed to watching the live streams.”
The setting at the facility in Georgia is hard to beat.
“It doesn't get any better than Lakepoint: eight fields in one spot with pristine grounds,” Hunt said. “The facility is easy to navigate for coaches which makes it the perfect spot for players to showcase their skills. Having everyone back in one spot (finally) raised the energy level, and allowed for an amazing event with more than 300 college coaches (with some MLB scouts mixed in!) watching players from 44 states plus Canada.”
For Dennis Healy, PBR Massachusetts Director of Scouting, it was a memorable week being down in Georgia.
“I thought that this year's event was better due to the fact that we were all in one locale and the coaches could see everyone from across the country,” Healy noted. “The weather was also great and the talent on the field was as usual. There were plenty of very talented uncommitted players. It is a gold mine for all schools across the country.”
Drew Renzella, one of a number of players that played in the Future Games a year ago, came away pleased with this year’s event.
“What stood out about this year’s event compared to last year was the in-person attendance of coaches instead of virtual attendance through video,” the Williston Northampton 2023 catcher said. “For me personally, a big difference this year was my increase in strength, speed, skill, and overall confidence which helped me perform at a higher level than I would say I did last year.”
Team Massachusetts made a name for itself, winning all three games played against Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.
“My team played extremely well,” Healy said. “I thought our pitching was good, for the most part we pounded the strike zone and made hitters swing the bat. The hitting was very good and we ran the bases aggressively.
“The defense, especially the infield, was solid as we made all the routine plays. The team seemed to get along well and the kids showed up ready to play on all four days. It was easy to coach. We went 3-0 and played with a great deal of confidence.”
College coaches, scouts and those with PBR coming away impressed.
“The Massachusetts squad was sneakily one of the best at the event,” Hunt pointed out. “Previous years have seen modest workout days from the New England region, but the Mass bats were super physical with big power potential, and the athletes came to RUN! The in-game production stood out along with some quick arms on the mound, and college coaches from all across the country were glued to what they brought to the game.”
Hunt mentioned two players from Massachusetts in articles during the event, with Andrew Manning being named “One of Shooter’s 20 names to know from the workout session” and Evan Blake being one of the hitters spotlighted for Day 1 Pool Play after belting a grand slam and driving in five runs.
Manning understands what the event can mean to his future.
“I would like to thank all of the PBR staff for putting on an amazing event that was very well run,” noted the Boston College High School 2023 who participated in the Future Games last year in Pennsylvania. “The exposure I received at this event is unmatched anywhere else.”
With an impression being made by players on Team Massachusetts - which included one player each from Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire along with 20 from Massachusetts - it could mean more time in the northeast in the future for Hunt.
“Michigan, New England, Ohio, and Canada all put some pressure on me looking toward the spring and next summer,” Hunt admitted. “I just have to get out there to see all the talent. The Future Games gave a good glimpse at just how deep these northern regions are, so I'll be monitoring weather all spring to get out to some games.”
Speaking of weather, this year’s event had just one delay which helped make 2021 memorable.
“Overall, there was an amazing energy coming out of LakePoint,” Duncan concluded. “The players, coaches, parents, there was an incredible vibe every day. Plus the weather cooperated, which is a considerable feat at this time of year in the Southeast.
“Every year I feel like the Future Games keeps getting bigger and better; this year's event will be hard to top, though I am sure we will cook something up to take it to another level.”
A PBR thank you to all that participated and a special thanks to the players on Team Massachusetts that gave their thoughts about the event (including what schools have been in contact with them since the event):
***** If you were on Team Massachusetts and did not share your thoughts, feel free to email us and we will get them included within this article.
To view all the stats/articles related to the 2021 Future Games - Team Massachusetts, click here.
To view the complete statistical results from the 2021 Future Games, click here.
Future Games Continues To Grow And Impress
The Arms
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PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were my pitching performance and the overall experience of being part of Team Massachusetts as well as meeting all the players.
PBR: Assess your performance.
Overall I think I did really well pitching. I felt my command was there for all 3 of my pitches. My velo was also great with my fastball touching 85.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Being part of Team Massachusetts was awesome. Meeting all of my teammates was cool and seeing the level of talent was something special.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was very good. Every player at this event was top level and you had to be perfect while pitching to get every kid out.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games will definitely help because now I can get a sense of how good you have to be to play at the next level.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I was not in contact with any college coaches during this event.
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Colin Dowdle RHP / St. Sebastians, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The highlight of my trip was playing with and meeting all the other great players from Massachusetts. I also threw two innings without surrendering a run which was another highlight of my trip.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I was happy with my performance and thought I did a good job executing pitches and attacking hitters.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
It was an honor to play with so many other great prospects and to represent our state. The overall talent of the players at the event really stood out.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was great. There were no holes in opposing lineups and every player was very skilled.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It can help prepare me to face higher-level hitters in the years to come and can help open some doors for my recruiting process.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Since the Futures Games I have heard from a couple schools and can’t wait to see where that takes me.
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Max Falcone RHP / 1B / Wellesley, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Coming to the Future Games was a great opportunity. While being a pitcher, I was only there for one day, but the experience was great. Pitching in front of all the colleges helped me push myself as well as being surrounded by a team of successful players motivated me and I think everyone else.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I gave it my best pitching and realized a huge part of it was mentality. I had to make sure not to rush but to take my time on the mound and not think about the previous pitch, just what I would do moving forward on the next pitch and make that one my best.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Everyone on the team put in the work to get to the Future Games and everyone made the best of it playing as hard as they could. The environment of the players and coaches was great and everyone wanted everyone to succeed.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Playing against the best uncommitted players in the nation was not easy and everyone knew that the competition was going to be difficult but that made everyone play even harder. This was the beginning of playing at the next level where each player gives their all constantly.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It was helpful to play against the best players because it prepares me for more difficult games ahead in college.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
After the game a school from the Northeast reached out to me. I am looking forward to having a call with them as the school is amazing.
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Kellan Heney LHP / OF / Governor's Academy, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My first Future Games highlight was definitely taking the mound in front of all the scouts there and proving to them I can pitch at a higher level. Another highlight is being one of the few kids chosen to represent Massachusetts baseball at an amazing and a very well known event like the Future Games. The third is probably striking out the side in the first inning I pitched.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I would say I pitched pretty solid. I had all my pitches working and got ahead in counts. Also, I thought the biggest thing I showed was I can be very effective without being the hardest throwing guy and I know I have plenty of velocity left in the tank. I thought I sequenced pretty well minus the one batter who got a hit in the first inning where I let him battle back from a 1-2 count and get a hit.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
I was very honored and excited to be chosen to play for Team Massachusetts. It had been a goal of mine to be selected to the Future Games, and I failed to make it last year so it made it that much sweeter being selected this year. What stood out to me was the amount of talent we have in Massachusetts and the compete level of all the kids. Even though I was only there one day, I thought all the batters had solid approaches and the plays were made in the field and the extra bases were taken on dirt balls and pitches were being executed from the pitchers and strikes were thrown. I also stayed the rest of the day to watch games with my dad and I thought our team could have competed with any team I saw there.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition I faced and saw at the Future Games was awesome. The batters I faced and saw in our game were all solid hitters, as well as in other games, too.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games can and already has helped me open up so many more doors recruiting wise and helped me get my name out there. It also helped me realize there is so much talent nationwide, and that you can’t get complacent/satisfied with where you are at.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Before the event I wasn’t in constant contact with really any schools besides emails back and forth with a couple of schools, some interest from local schools and a bunch of the camp invites that are mass sent to kids. Since the event I had a call with a school this morning (Tuesday) and one of my coaches has been in contact with a couple of universities and they are interested. He is expecting to hear back from probably 7 or 8 more by the end of the week. I have also received camp invites from schools I didn’t really contact before.
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Matt Lee RHP / OF / Taconic, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I thought that I threw the ball well and used my curveball/slider combo really well to keep the hitters off balance.
PBR: Assess your performance.
Overall I’m satisfied with my performance and the composure I kept.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Being on Team Massachusetts was an extremely cool experience for me to wear that on my jersey. It really means a lot.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
I thought that the competition was pretty impressive. You could tell that everyone there could play.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Being in the Future Games will always be something I remember. There are a lot of people working to make that event happen and I really just want to thank them for all they have done.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I’ve had 5 offers from colleges. I’ve also been in contact with a few other colleges.
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Dylan McCarthy RHP / OF / Vermont Academy, VT / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
The highlights of my participation in the Future Games were that I pitched two scoreless innings giving up only one hit, as well as being able to represent Team Massachusetts and help to complete the Future Games with a 3-0 record.
PBR: Assess your performance.
Overall, I felt like I did what I needed to do and kept batters off balance with a mix of pitches which allowed me to start the game off for Team Massachusetts with two scoreless innings. Like any other time after I pitch, I am always setting goals for how to continue to improve.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Being a part of Team Massachusetts was a great opportunity to play with a skilled and talented group of players. Everyone was very supportive and hardworking throughout the Future Games.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
I faced Team New York which had some talented hitters.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games was helpful in preparing me for the next level of competition as well giving me more exposure with college coaches.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I continue to be in contact with coaches that I was previously speaking with. As of right now I have not heard from any other coaches. I remain open to any and all possibilities at this point.
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Zach Morris RHP / 1B / Gloucester, MA / 2023
Waiting for response
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Evan Ventura RHP / OF / Reading Memorial, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were being able to have that experience and knowing what the completion looks like for where I want to be and also giving a few kids swords on change-ups.
PBR: Assess your performance.
My first inning was pretty good. I threw lots of strikes sitting around mid-80s and topping 86. The second inning I was about the same velo and let up a few more hits, but I didn’t let it get to me and I kept throwing hard and throwing strikes.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
What stood out to me on Team Mass was the fact that everyone got along. We knew we had great talent there and we really had chemistry from the start of the games.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition I faced was great. Pitching against a team like New York really helped me out in realizing that I still have to keep working to get better and better everyday because if I don’t take the opportunity to get better each day then someone else will and it will show in the games.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games can help me get ready to play the level of baseball I want to be at. To get a head start on that the means a lot.
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The Catchers
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Cameron Morrison C / OF / Bridgewater - Raynham, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
It was a great time to meet everyone from Massachusetts and enjoy Lakepoint and play in front of all the colleges that attended.
PBR: Assess your performance.
My performance wasn’t my best but I started to adjust over the days and started to battle some at-bats and work on what I needed to do to get runs to help us win and to show everyone what I can do when struggling.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Playing for Team Mass was an honor. Knowing some kids that I’ve played against before to team up with them and play along with them was a blast.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition between the pitchers was great. They were all legit pitchers who had off-speed pitches that were good. It was great to see those because, for me, not always seeing guys like that to battle was great.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Knowing I can battle with kids that are also legit players helped my confidence tremendously. Being a part of the Future Games can help with my recruiting to show I was chosen to play in the games.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I know a handful of schools from the Northeast and Big 10 were interested before the games. I have not heard from other schools since the games ended
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Drew Renzella C / 1B / Williston Northampton, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights from this year were my competitive at-bats at the plate, while recording a few hits and squaring up a few other balls. On the defensive side, I thought it was my blocking with runners in scoring position and ability to stop runners from stealing. My BP round also felt good as I was consistent in my swing and was able to use all parts of the field.
PBR: Assess your performance.
Overall my performance felt good this year as I felt much more comfortable and confident at the plate as well as behind the dish. I thought I had a good consistent round of BP during the showcase showing I can spray line drives to all parts of the field.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
It was a very positive experience getting to be a part of Team Massachusetts and getting to play with some of the best players in our state against some of the best from the states around us. Although we only played a few games together, there was a sense of team in the dugout and on the field.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition faced at this event was very good both by the pitchers and the opposing teams hitters. Every pitcher I faced located their stuff very well and hitters were aggressive at the plate. For me, playing against good competition fuels me to give my all and focus even more, so I felt very confident playing against the other states this year.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games can help in the future in how I was able to be seen live by every coach from every school that I would want to attend, getting on their radar and giving them a look to see if I am a guy they think would be a fit for their program. It's also a great learning experience to see where you stack up against other good players in your class as well as to play against guys who might be looking at similar schools than you.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Before the event I had been in contact with a handful of teams in the Northeast. So far since the event has ended I have not heard anything back from these schools yet.
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Jace Roossien C / 1B / Phillips Academy - Andover, MA / 2024
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Highlights were winning all 3 of our games. We had a great team of guys.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought behind the plate I caught very well, blocking everything and stealing as many strikes as I could. Hitting-wise, I worked the count and got walked 4 times out of 7 plate appearances.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
This team was a very talented team and we bonded very quickly. We were just having fun playing baseball.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was very good. Pitchers were dominant and most runs were the result of walks. Lineups from top to bottom were aggressive and ready to hit.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think participating at these games will help me to understand how to just play and not be focused on who is behind home plate. This was also a tournament where my team had a lot of fun playing the game we all love so I will continue to have fun playing this game.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
As far as colleges go, I’m only 15-years-old and a class of 2024. My recruiting process is just beginning.
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The Infielders
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Evan Blake 3B / SS / Taconic, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I went 2-5 with a grand slam and double and 8 RBIs
PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I played very well, just the way I wanted to, and I felt really confident throughout the weekend!
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Being on Team Massachusetts was a great and amazing experience. Everyone on the team got along and felt like we were all on the same page together. We represented our state in the right way.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
There was definitely great competition. It felt really good to see the competition and play against it but nothing too overwhelming or crazy!! It was just right.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games definitely helps with getting looked at by colleges and putting your name out there. It just makes the recruiting process a lot easier.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
A handful of Division 1 Universities.
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Alex Marot 3B / SS / Winchendon School, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlight was when I won Player of the Game during the last game while being injured, and also winning every game.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I played well. I went 5-6 with 4 or 5 RBIs and a walk. I could’ve done better but I was injured during my time there.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
I enjoyed being part of Team Mass because it was cool playing with kids that I didn’t really know, and also playing with the best kids from my area.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was good. It was fun because you always knew it was never going to be an easy game.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
It can help me by making it easier to get seen by colleges and commit.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I have spoken with a handful of Division 1 Universities.
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Sean O'Leary 3B / RHP / Foxboro, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were meeting new kids and playing with them.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I did a good job making contact at the plate and making all my plays in the field.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Being part of Team Massachusetts was an honor and to go down there and go 3-0 is awesome.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was solid throughout the week, most pitchers had good command and high speed.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the games can get my name out there and, hopefully, coaches were able to see what type of person and player I can be.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I haven’t been in contact with many in the recruiting process but some with interest.
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Jayder Raifstanger SS / 2B / Monument mountain, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Meeting and getting to know my teammates was one of the best parts of the games. Being able to compete in front of that many colleges was a great opportunity
PBR: Assess your performance.
I had a lot of balls hit to me and I fielded all of them clean. Turning a double play was a bonus. I only had one hit, but I hit the ball hard. That's baseball.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Everybody was fun to be around. Being on the team with Matt and Evan was the thing that stood out the most to me. They are my summer ball teammates. We all played as a team and that's why we went 3-0. I wish we could have moved on and played different states.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Every player there was good. All the pitchers I faced were very good, they threw hard and had great off-speed pitches. This was the best competition I have faced all year.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Playing in the games gave me a chance to be seen by many colleges, with over 330 of them attending the games. It was just a great opportunity for all of us to attend the Futures Games.
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Chris Walsh SS / OF / Duxbury, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Getting to face some of the best talent and meeting new players all over Massachusetts. Also going 3-0 on the tournament
PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I played great defensively but struggled a little offensively.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
It was an honor to represent Team Massachusetts. We went out and knew we had a lot of talent and it showed in our games. The thing that stood out were our bats. From top to bottom everyone was swinging it.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was unbelievable. Getting to play with and against the best competition was something I will never forget
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games can help me in the future by 1. Facing the best competition shows that I can play against the best. 2. Got me in front of a ton of different schools that I can hopefully play for in the future.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I was in contact with multiple Division 1 schools.
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The Outfielders
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Cam Dayton OF / Thayer Academy, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I felt like workout day went very well for me and I ended Game 2 with an RBI double.
PBR: Assess your performance.
Overall I felt as if I had a good weekend with good at-bats and strong defense along with a strong workout day.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Playing on Team Massachusetts was my best baseball experience yet. It was a very talented group that I am grateful I was able to be a part of.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
That was some of the best competition I’ve faced all summer. Each team was stacked with very good players.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I think the Future Games will definitely help me with my recruiting considering 200+ D1 schools were in attendance. It was one of a kind exposure and for sure the best showcase I’ve ever attended.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I've heard from multiple Division 1 schools since the event.
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Matthew Lussier OF / SS / Dexter Southfield, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My highlights were making good defensive plays all around the outfield along with hitting the ball hard in many at-bats.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I showcased my speed and arm well along with hitting hard liners throughout the field.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Playing for Team Massachusetts was awesome, especially because these are the best guys from our area. Going 3 and 0 was awesome, too.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was definitely solid and you knew every kid there had a right to be there. The pitchers were all solid and defensively kids made great plays all around.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Playing in the Future Games helps me show coaches that I am able to compete with the top guys for my age.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Since the event has ended I have heard from many Northeast schools that vary in level.
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Andrew Manning OF / Boston College, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were at the workout portion of the showcase. I set 2 personal bests, a 103 MPH exit velocity and a 6.6 60-yard dash. In addition to this, I went 2-4 with 4 walks in the game portion of the showcase.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I am happy with my performance at the Future Games. I feel like I represented my playing ability well in the workout, but I would’ve liked to do better in the games. I am overall satisfied with my showing, though.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Being part of Team Massachusetts for the past 2 years has been nothing short of an honor. It’s really special to be named as one of the best in the state. It is even more special to wear the state name across your chest.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
I played against and with the best uncommitted players in the country and it really showed. A majority of pitchers I faced were in the mid- to upper-80s with their fastball, and their off speed was just as impressive. There were also multiple home runs, both on and against my team. This was without a doubt the most talented group of kids I have ever played with and against.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
The Future Games opened many doors for me on the recruiting side of things and also helped me build very many connections. I now personally know the future of ball players from the Northeast and it is a great honor to be able to say I attended the PBR Future Games not once, but twice.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Like I previously stated, the Future Games opened many doors on the recruiting side of things for me. I have spoken with and received interest from schools in the SEC, ACC, Pac-12, and Big 10 as well as a handful of others. I would like to thank all of the PBR staff for putting on an amazing event that was very well run. The exposure I received at this event is unmatched anywhere else.
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Gabriel Pitts OF / SS / Worcester Academy, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
Overall I got on base 6 out of 8 times with 3 walks, hit-by-pitch, 2 singles, and 6 stolen bases. I also had an outfield assist to 3rd base on a runner trying to tag up.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I did well during the Future Games. I saw a lot of incredible competition but I felt like I did my job for the team by getting on base and putting myself in scoring position for my teammates.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
I loved being on Team Massachusetts! I felt like we had the best energy there out of all the teams and, most importantly, we were all just out there having fun playing the game we love. I met some amazing kids who are very talented at baseball and we’ll definitely keep in touch. The kids that I met are future Division 1 players so it was great playing with them and even learning from them to make my game even better!
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
Competition wise, it doesn’t get any better than the Future Games. All the pitchers that I saw were throwing 85-90 with nasty off-speed pitches as well. I definitely saw some future Division 1 arms so it was great to see that type of pitching, because that’s what it’s going to be like at the next level! Even while I was taking ground balls before the game to get warmed up, some of these kids are legit. They can really field the ball and they make it look easy.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games definitely prepared me for what talent is going to look like at the next level, and it helped me see the areas that I need to improve on in my game that some kids were better at than me. I’ve never seen that many scouts in one place before so exposure-wise it doesn’t get any better than that!! I’m so grateful to have been able to play in front of all those coaches.
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The Two-Way Prospects
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Payton Manca 1B / LHP / Combine Academy, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
I have many highlights from the Future Games. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to get invited and come down. I got to meet a lot of new kids and play some very good baseball.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I thought I did pretty well for the 3 games we played. I walked a bunch and made some good plays at first. I also got to pitch 1 inning and had 2 strikeouts.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
It was an amazing experience playing with Team Massachusetts and going undefeated and playing some good baseball. All the kids I met on the team were awesome and I’m glad I got to play with them during this event.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Participating in the Future Games can help for the future, too, because there were a lot of colleges at this event with coaches watching everyone at our games. Thus, they could start talking to you/recruiting you after this event.
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Cole Mascott 1B / RHP / Phillips Academy Andover, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My favorite highlights from the Future Games were spending time with the team and getting the save against Team New Jersey.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I think I worked very efficiently on the mound which is always a positive. At the plate, I was walked 6 out of 7 at-bats so I did not get to show off my bat.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
I was honored to be a part of Team Massachusetts. The team was full of a great group of guys. We all seemed to get along really well and I made some new friends. Also, the team performed very well and we went 3-0. It was obvious that we played well together.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition at the event was awesome. It is always great to face such good hitting and pitching and I think that facing this level of talent is always really beneficial to help me elevate my game.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
I hope that in attending the Future Games I was able to generate some interest from college coaches and I have become a better player by playing amongst the best.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I am in the beginning of my college recruiting process and am hoping that I will have generated some interest from colleges after my performance at the Future Games.
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Will Perkowski 1B / RHP / Derryfield School, NH / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My top highlights were hitting the double in game 2, and being able to be on the same team as kids that I’ve competed against in the past.
PBR: Assess your performance.
I felt really good about how I did. I got on base all but one time (5 walks, a double and a K, and 2 runs scored). I made a few plays in the field and a pick at first base, so I was happy that I helped the team.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
The biggest thing was how good everyone was, and how much everyone wanted to win. Another thing that stood out was how many coaches would watch our game everyday. It was cool to be able to look in the stands and see all the coaches.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
The competition was top notch. It was the first time for me really seeing velocity over 85. When I pitched it really stood out how good everyone was. If you missed your spot they would make you pay. It was awesome to be able to experience that.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
My biggest takeaway is seeing the best kids and comparing myself to see what I needed to do to get to their level, so all it’s going to do is make me work harder.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
I have been in contact with a specific coach and school.
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Dylan Vigue OF / RHP / Groton School, MA / 2023
PBR: What were your Future Games highlights?
My Future Games highlights were my BP session and in-game pitching. I had a nice round of BP and hit really well to the opposite field as most pitches were on the outside part of the plate. I also had a few one-hoppers to dead center in that round as well. On the mound I pitched two innings and allowed one hit and one run.
PBR: Assess your performance.
On the mound I was struggling at first as I was slipping on the rubber pad that was in place of turf on the mound. Once I settled in I started to find my way in and around the zone and kept hitters off balance. Because of the slipping issue, I did struggle to get into my legs without slipping and because of that my velo was down.
PBR: Give your thoughts on being part of Team Massachusetts and what stood out.
Playing for Team Massachusetts was a lot of fun. I enjoyed playing with other kids from Mass that I usually play against for school or travel ball. Being from the same area gave us the sense that we knew each other before the event started even if we didn’t, something you don’t always get at National showcases.
PBR: Touch on the competition you faced at the event.
I was only there for one game, but the competition was good. All the pitchers we faced that game were mid- to upper-80s with good off-speed. All the hitters I faced put up competitive at-bats and no one was really an “easy out”.
PBR: How can participating in the Future Games help you in the future?
Playing in the Future Games will prepare me for the future because going forward I will always be ready to deal with mound issues. I had never pitched in molded cleats before and it did not help that it was on a slab of rubber so going forward I know I need to be able to adjust in the moment and be prepared with other options.
PBR: What, if any, college coaches did you talk to at the event or hear from since the event ended?
Since the event I have talked to a Big 10 coach and a few others that I was already in contact with that saw me again there.
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