Game Recaps 7/26

Posted on July 26, 2024March 6, 2025 by Abby

Noon: Lonestar Baseball Club vs Kansas Cannons

Lonestar edged out the Cannons 2-1 with a key 8th-inning rally. Christian Okerholm earned the win with 1.2 scoreless innings of relief. Eddie Garcia started for Lonestar, allowing one run over six innings. Rugar Bravo pitched six scoreless innings for the Cannons but got no run support, leading to the loss of relief pitcher Landyn Sterling. Kory Schmidt drove in both of Lonestar’s runs with a double in the 8th inning. Hunter Alvord scored the Cannons’ only run with an RBI double. Lonestar’s Schmidt led with nine putouts. Lonestar’s effective late hitting and pitching secured their win, starting their NBC World Series at 1-0.

3 PM: Seattle Blackfins vs Haysville Aviators

The Aviators topped the Blackfins 3-1 in a close game. Cooper Senne of the Aviators pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on six hits with four strikeouts. Reidar Vane took the loss for the Blackfins, giving up three runs (all earned) in 6.2 innings. For the Aviators, Brenden Fry and Cody Moore each had key hits. Moore contributed with an RBI double, and Fry drove in another run. For the Blackfins, Desai hit a solo home run, accounting for the team’s only run. Joshua Williams added a triple, but the offense struggled to score. Both teams played error-free defense. Senne’s complete-game effort and Moore’s contributions at the plate were pivotal. Desai’s home run was the highlight, but the team left four runners on base and struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Aviators’ solid pitching and hitting secured their win, improving their NBC World Series record to 1-0.

6 PM: GPS Legends vs Santa Barbara Foresters

The Foresters shut out the Legends 2-0 behind solid pitching. Mason Koch started and threw 5 scoreless innings. Hudson Hamilton earned the win with 3 innings of relief, and Jake Dixon closed out the game. For GPS, Cade Waibel pitched 6 innings of one-hit ball but took the loss after giving up two runs. Tanner Jackson allowed an additional run in 2 innings of relief. For Santa Barbara, Jack Holman and Andrew Semo each drove in a run. Holman had an RBI single, and Semo added another RBI in the 7th inning. GPS managed just five hits but could not score. Ryley Leininger and Jackson Rainey each had a hit, but the team left 7 runners on base. Santa Barbara moved to 1-0 in pool play.

8:30: Air Capital Flyers vs Hays Larks

The Larks dominated the Flyers with an 8-0 shutout performance. Blake Lehmbeck threw 4.1 innings of scoreless ball for the Larks, earning the win. Nolan Wilson and Adrian Najar each contributed scoreless relief. For the Flyers, Zach Brink struggled, allowing 5 runs in 3 innings. Truett Weninger and Daegan Vinduska also pitched but gave up additional runs. The Larks scored in six innings, led by Wilbert Espinal with 2 RBIs and Thomas Lyssy with a triple. Kaiden Ashton, Garrett Gruell, and Houston Russell also contributed RBIs. The Flyers managed only 2 hits and failed to score. The Larks’ strong pitching ensured their 8-0 victory, improving their pool play record to 1-0.

2024 Opening Weekend Matchups

Posted on July 24, 2024April 14, 2025 by Abby

The NBC World Series kicks off on Thursday night, with 16 summer collegiate teams from across the country vying for a National Championship. Here’s a preview of each team’s first matchup.

Thursday, July 25th:

6:00 Pm TPA Texas vs Hutchinson Monarchs

The opening game for the 2024 NBC World Series features the defending champions Hutchinson Monarchs taking on Top Prospects Academy Texas. The Monarchs are from the Jayhawk Collegiate League in Kansas and earned an at-large bid for being the defending champions. This is the Monarch’s 13th appearance in the NBC World Series, their record is 28-21. Some key players to watch for the Monarchs are Cooper Wesslund, INF, #35, Hutchinson CC, Jaden Gustafson, OF, #24, Wichita State, and Ian Regal, P, #37.

Top Prospects Academy is making their first NBC World Series appearance, they earned their way to Wichita after winning the AABC Stan Musial Texas World Series held in Richardson, Texas.

8:30 PM Sandlot Tulsa vs Seattle Cheney Studs

The night-cap features an NBC World Series staple in the Seattle Cheney Studs going against the Tulsa Sandlot. The Studs have won 3 championships and hold a record of 83-44. In 2023, the Studs went 3-2 and tied for 3rd place. The Studs are from the Pacific International League and were the league champions this year. Some key players to watch on the Studs are Ben Schnurman, INF, #35, Big Bend CC, Isiah Afework, OF, #23, Tacoma CC, Brice Foster, P, #25, University of Jamestown.

Sandlot Tulsa is making their 2nd consecutive NBC WS appearance after winning the AABC Stan Musial Oklahoma World Series in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, they finished 0-3. Players to watch for Sandlot Tulsa are Brody Green, SS, #26, TCU, Brennan Phillips LHP, #17, Oklahoma State, David Dean, P, #9, Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

Friday, July 26th:

12 pm Lonestar Baseball Club vs Kansas Cannons

The day slate on Friday gets started with a great matchup between the Lonestar Baseball Club vs Kansas Cannons. Lonestar is making their 7th appearance in the NBC WS, in 2023 they tied for 5th with a 3-2 record. Lonestar is from the Centex Collegiate Baseball League, and they were the champions in 2024. Players to watch for Lonestar are Rod Black, INF, #8, West Texas A&M, JJ Garcia, INF, #10, Stephen F. Austin, Chris Perez, P, #30, University of Houston.

The Kansas Cannons are located in Augusta, KS and earned their bid after having the second-best overall record in the Jayhawk Collegiate League. This is the Cannons 9th appearance in the NBC WS, and a third-place finish in 2019 represents the club’s best finish. Players to watch for the Cannons are Zeb Henry, INF, #1, Eastern Oklahoma State, Cooper Combs, OF, #25, Johnson County Community College/University of Kansas, Rugar Bravo, P, #28, Eastern New Mexico University.

3 PM Seattle Blackfins vs Haysville Aviators

The 3 pm game will feature another representative from the Pacific International League in the Seattle Blackfins. The Blackfins are an expansion team in the PIL and are back in the NBC in back-to-back years. In 2023, they made it out of pool play but were eliminated in the first round of bracket play. Players to watch on the Blackfins are Jordan Singleton, C, #25, University of Jamestown, Austin Santiago, INF, #16, Shoreline CC, Kaden Wetzel, P, #48, Shoreline CC.

6 PM GPS Legends vs Santa Barbara Foresters

The GPS Legends finished second in the Centex Collegiate League; they have made two appearances in the NBC World Series with a 1-5 all-time record. Players to watch for GPS are Dayton Tockey, 1B/OF, #58, University of Oklahoma, Tanner Jackson, P, #14, Temple, Drew Woodcox, OF, Texas Tech.

The Santa Barbara Foresters are in an NBC staple and have won the most NBC WS championships and hold an all-time record of 125-42. They won the California Collegiate League but also got an at-large bid for finishing second in 2023. Players to watch on the Foresters are Jack Holman, C/1B, #18, UCSB, Will Rogers, P, #7, University of Michigan, Frank Camarillo, RHP, #35, UCSB.

8:30 PM Air Capital Flyers vs Hays Larks

The late game on Friday will feature the all high school team, the Air Capital Flyers. The Flyers are made up of all 2024 High School graduates or younger and they are the winners of the Hap Dumont League. It is the Flyers first appearance in the NBC World Series. Players to watch on the Flyers are Jack Martens, SS, #1, Coffeyville CC, Ronin Vicenti, P, #15, Johnson County CC, Luke Youngdahl, 1B/RHP, #14, Fort Scott CC.

They will take on the Hays Larks who finished first in the Rocky Moutain League. The Larks are another popular NBC team and boast an all-time record of 119-74. The Larks have finished runner-up six times most recently in 2022 and in 2023 they finished 9th. Some players to watch on the Larks are Garrett Gruell, LF, #22, Murray State, Taylor Stokes, SS, #6, Butler CC, Aidan Schmiegal, RHP, #19.

Saturday July 27th

12 PM Boulder Collegians vs San Diego Stars

Saturday kicks off with the Boulder Collegians against the San Diego Stars. The Collegians are set to make their 19th appearance in the NBC World Series after a 13th place finish in 2021. The Collegians have won 4 championships and have a 79-32 record in the NBC WS. Some players to watch on the Collegians are CJ Pino, RHP, #15, Adams State, Hunter Hirayama, INF, #2, St Mary’s College, and Zain Zinicola, OF, #11, Nothern Colorado.

The San Diego Stars represent the Western Baseball Association and will make their 27th appearance in the NBC World Series. Their last appearance was 2022, where they finished 9th, the highest finish for the Stars was third in 2019.

3 pm Liberal Bee JAYS vs Derby Twins

The first slate of games is wrapped up by the in-state matchup between the Liberal Bee Jays of the Rocky Moutain Baseball League and the Derby Twins of the Jayhawk League. The Bee Jays have the record for total tournament appearances, making their 55th this year and total tournament wins with 202. They have five championships with the most recent being in 2002. Players to watch on the Bee Jays are Ben Merriman, OF, #6, Texas State, Robert Orr, SS/RHP, #24, San Joaquin Delta, and Luke Steward, RHP, #23, McNeese State.

The Derby Twins are the 4th representative of the Jayhawk league, the Twins most recent appearance was in 2021 where they finished 5th. The Twins best finish was in 2007, the year they re-located to Derby, when they finished second. Players to watch on the Twins are Holden Painter, INF, #14, Walters State, Owen Reynolds, LHP, #33, Kade Sheldon, OF, #7, Cowley CC.

To follow all the action, visit nbcbaseball.com and bookmark Tournament Central for scores, stats, schedules and more. It will be updated after every game. Games can be livestreamed at NBC World Series – YouTube.

NBC World Series: Showcasing Top Talent

Posted on July 23, 2024March 6, 2025 by Abby

The National Baseball Congress World Series is not just another baseball tournament— with a 90-year track record of sending players to the major leagues, it has evolved into a platform designed to propel baseball players to new heights through innovative technology and strategic partnerships. Here’s how the NBC World Series integrates the best features from its partners to create opportunities for athletes in 2024:

Empowering Players with Synergy Sports: Partnering with Synergy Sports, the NBC World Series integrates advanced analytics into the game. Synergy’s expertise in linking data with video analysis provides players and coaches real-time insights into performance metrics. This technological edge not only enhances player development but also amplifies their visibility to scouts and coaches, paving the way for collegiate scholarships and professional opportunities.

Scouting Coverage by Prep Baseball Report: In collaboration with Prep Baseball Report, the NBC World Series ensures that players receive extensive coverage and evaluation. Prep Baseball Report offers exposure for amateur baseball talent. The NBC becomes a focal point for scouts seeking the next generation of stars, providing players with the platform to showcase their skills in high-stakes games. Whether it’s through live events, detailed player profiles, or multimedia platforms, Prep Baseball Report’s scouting infrastructure amplifies players’ visibility and opportunities.

Trackman Technology: Trackman’s advanced sports analytics technology further enhances the NBC World Series experience by providing measurements and analysis across pitching, hitting, and fielding. From evaluating pitch movements to tracking batted ball trajectories, Trackman equips teams with objective metrics that supplement traditional scouting methods. This detailed data not only aids in player development but also serves as a vital tool for scouting and recruitment, helping teams identify top prospects for future success.

Pathway to Professional Baseball: The NBC World Series boasts a rich history of producing MLB draft picks, including recent standouts like Josh Jung and Ryan Helsley. For players competing in the tournament, the opportunity to showcase their skills under the scrutiny of industry-leading technologies and scouting networks is unmatched. It’s a stage where dreams of playing at the next level become reality, supported by partnerships that redefine how talent is identified and nurtured in amateur baseball.

To follow all of the action of the 2024 NBC World Series, visit NBC World Series Tournament Central

For information on scouting the NBC World Series, contact katie@nbcbaseball.com

Josh Jung Named 2024 National Baseball Congress Graduate of the Year

Posted on July 19, 2024April 14, 2025 by Abby

The National Baseball Congress announced today that Texas Rangers 3^rd basemen Josh Jung is the 2024 NBC Graduate of the Year. Jung was a member of the 2017 Santa Barbara Foresters that finished 5^th in the NBC World Series, Jung hit .385 across 4 games with a triple and 7 RBIs.

“I am honored to be selected for this award from the National Baseball Congress. My time with the Santa Barbara club in 2017 was very memorable. We had a great team, and we enjoyed the World Series in Wichita that year. It was definitely a big part of my baseball journey, and I will always remember that summer. I appreciate this recognition and send my thanks to the NBC.”

The Graduate of the Year Award has been presented to an NBC Alumni member every year since 1975, based on their MLB performance in the previous season. Past winners of the award include Paul Goldschmit, Ian Kinsler, and Ryan Helsley.

Jung played his college ball at Texas Tech University where he earned numerous accolades including being named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2019.

In that same year, Jung was drafted 8^th overall by the Texas Rangers. Jung rose through the minors, and in 2023 made his debut as a highly touted prospect. Jung played in 122 games, hit .266 with 23 home runs and was named to the All-Star Team as a rookie. Jung really made his mark in the playoffs when he hit .308 across all four series and was a key piece on the 2023 Texas Rangers World Series Championship Team. Jung is the most recent NBC World Series Alumni to win a World Series and the first-ever Santa Barbara Forester.

The 90^th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, runs July 25^th-August 3rd. All games will be played at Wichita State’s Eck Stadium, home of Tyler Field. Tickets are available at Tickets – NBC Baseball or by calling 316-265-6236.

How teams qualify for the 2024 NBC World Series

Posted on June 29, 2024April 14, 2025 by Abby

With the 2024 NBC World Series fast approaching, one of the most common questions is “How do teams make it to the NBC?”. The short answer is that typically they either win their league, they win a qualifying tournament, or they are selected as an at-large berth. Teams that finish 1st and 2nd in the previous year’s tournament get an automatic bid for the next year.

For example, the defending 2023 champions Hutchinson Monarchs and runner-up Santa Barbara Foresters receive automatic bids to the 2024 tournament.

Here are the leagues affiliated with the National Baseball Congress who you can expect to see represented in this year’s NBC World Series:

California Collegiate League

Known as one of the most competitive collegiate leagues in California.
Players are mostly from NCAA organizations.
9 teams: MLB Academy Barons, Arroyo Seco Saints, Conejo Oaks, Menlo Park Legends, Orange County Riptid, San Luis Obispo Blues, Santa Barbara Foresters, Sonoma Stompers and the Walnut Creek Crawdads.
The CCL typically has 1-2 teams represented in the NBC World Series, with the most appearances coming from the Santa Barbara Foresters.

Centex Collegiate Baseball League

Based in Texas
70% college players, 15% high school players, and 15% ex pros.
9 teams: Action Baseball, Austin Expos, Austin Shockers, GPS, SA Angels, SA TPU Titans, Lonestar Baseball Club, Pros, Hawks.
The CCBL typically has 1-2 teams represented in the NBC World Series.

Mile High Collegiate Baseball League

Competitive Collegiate League based throughout Colorado.
9 teams: Fort Collins Force, Greeley Grays, Boulder Collegians, Prospect Wave, Denver Generals, Colorado Lumberjaks, Colorado Rogue Baseball Club, Colorado Springs Cutthroats, Spradley Collegians
Notable Alumni: Griffin Jax, Kyle Freeland and Joe Carter.
Popular NBC Team: Boulder Collegians

Pacific International League

Founded in 1992.
Majority players are NCCA eligible or former professionals.
7 teams: Dub Sea Fish Sticks, Everett Merchants, Gumberoos, Northwest Honkers, Redmond Dudes, Seattle Blackfins and Seattle Studs.
Notable Alumni: Tim Lincecum, Nyjer Morgan and Jordan Zimmerman.
Popular NBC Teams: Seattle Studs, Northwest Honkers & Everett Merchants. The Seattle Blackfins made their NBC debut in 2023

Rocky Moutain Baseball League

Founded in 1999
Highly Competitive league based in Western Kansas and parts of Colorado.
8 teams: Denver Cougars, Colorado RoughRiders, Dodge City A’s, Fort Collins Foxes, Gameday Baseball, Hays Larks, Liberal Bee Jays, Western Nebraska Pioneers
Notable Alumni: Tim Anderson and Hunter Pence.
Most well-known NBC Teams: Hays Larks and Liberal Bee Jays

Sunflower Collegiate Baseball League

Competitive league based in the Wichita Area
Players from ranging from NAIA to NCCA DI
10 teams: Cheney Diamond Dawgs, Derby Twins, Great Bend BatCats, Haysville Aviators, Hutchinson Monarchs, Newton Sluggin Rebels, Kingman Islands, Mulvane Patriots, Wichita Lobos and the Kansas Cannons
Hutchinson Monarchs are Defending NBC World Series Champions

Western Baseball Association

Competitive League based in the San Diego area
6 teams: San Diego Stars, West Coast Bulldogs, Colton Nighthawks, San Diego Bombers, North County United and San Diego Waves.
Affiliated since 2017
Popular NBC Team: San Diego Stars & San Diego Waves

Hap Dumont

The youngest players come from this tournament.
The qualifying team will be made up from 2024 high school graduates or younger.
Qualifier tournament played in Wichita, Kansas.

American Amateur Baseball Congress

2 qualifying tournaments – one in Texas and one in Oklahoma
Stan Musial World Series held in Chickasha, Oklahoma and Richardson, Texas.
2023 Qualifiers: Sandlot Tulsa OK and GPS Baseball TX

California Premier League

New to the National Baseball Congress in 2024
Will be represented by their league champion at the NBC World Series

Teams will start playing qualifying tournaments for the NBC World Series in July and this page will be updated with current qualifiers/ongoing tournaments.

Get your tickets for the 90th NBC World Series powered by Evergy here!

Five of the Top Modern Day NBC Alumni

Posted on June 20, 2024April 14, 2025 by Abby

When people think of great players who played in the NBC World Series, the names that often come to mind are MLB Hall of Famers like Roger Clemens, Ozzie Smith and Joe Carter, or those who have had Hall of Fame careers and will join them soon, like Albert Pujols. But while nearly 1,000 National Baseball Congress alumni have gone on to the majors over the past 90 years, there is also plenty of current, young talent from the NBC making their mark today. Here’s five of the best NBC World Series alumni playing in the majors in 2024:

Matthew McLain

McLain played in the 2020 NBC World Series, where he hit leadoff for the Santa Barbara Foresters, helping them achieve a 4-0 record and secure the tournament victory. A year later, McLain was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds from the University of California.

In 2023, McLain made his MLB debut and has since accumulated a career WAR of 3.7 and a batting average of .290. Currently, McLain plays regularly for the Reds, rotating between shortstop, second base, and third base positions.

JOSH Jung

Jung played in the 2017 NBC World Series for the Santa Barbara Foresters. Jung was a star at Texas Tech, and in 2019 he was drafted 8th overall by the Texas Rangers. Jung was called up in 2022 and played sparingly, but in 2023 he won the full-time third basemen job.

In the 2023 season Jung was named to the All-Star team and was a vital piece for the Rangers World Series Championship. Jung is the most the recent NBC Alumni to win a World Series and the first Santa Barbara Forester alumni to win a World Series.

Tim Anderson

Anderson played for the Dodge City A’s in the 2012 NBC World Series, contributing to their 3-2 record in the tournament. Following his time at East Central Community College, Anderson was drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. He made his Major League debut in 2016 and enjoyed a successful tenure with the White Sox, earning two All-Star selections, a batting title, and a Silver Slugger award.

Before the 2024 season, Anderson signed with the Miami Marlins, where he currently serves as the everyday shortstop.

In recognition of his achievements and journey, Anderson was named the 2020 NBC World Series Graduate of the Year.

Jeff McNeil

McNeil was named an NBC World Series All-American in 2011 while playing for the tournament champion Santa Barbara Foresters. McNeil posted an .345 batting average across seven games, scoring 8 runs and driving in four. He was subsequently drafted by the New York Mets in 2013, following his tenure at Long Beach State University.

Debuting in 2018, McNeil has since earned two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger award, and a batting title. His career includes a 19 WAR and a .292 batting average. As of 2024, McNeil continues to hold the position of everyday second baseman for the Mets.

Additionally, in 2021, McNeil received the honor of being named the NBC World Series Graduate of the Year.

RYan Helsley

Helsley made his mark with the 2014 Santa Barbara Foresters during the NBC World Series, contributing as a bullpen piece to their championship victory. The following year, Helsley was drafted in the 5th round by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Upon his debut in 2019, Helsley quickly established himself as the Cardinals’ full-time closer. Since then, he has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant relievers, achieving a career ERA of 2.79 and accumulating 59 saves. As of 2024, Helsley remains a key player for the Cardinals, leading the MLB with 24 saves and poised to earn his second All-Star selection.

Helsley was honored as the 2023 NBC World Series Graduate of the Year.

On the Watch List:

Bryce Elder (Santa Barbara Foresters, Atlanta Braves), Chrisitan Encarnacion-Strand (Santa Barbara Foresters, Cincinnati Reds) and Ryan O’Hearn (Santa Barbara Foresters, Kansas City Royals-Baltimore Orioles)

The next wave of NBC World Series prospects takes the field July 25-August 3, 2024 at Wichita State University’s Eck Stadium for the 90th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy. Who knows what future major leaguers will be on that field, making their name for themselves.

Father’s Day

Posted on June 5, 2024March 6, 2025 by Abby

Step up to the plate this Father’s Day with a gift from the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kansas.

For the baseball-loving dad who lives for summer nights at the ballpark, we’ve got the perfect lineup of merchandise to make his day.

Introducing the official NBC World Series Merchandise – your one-stop shop for all things baseball appeal. From classic tees to sweatshirts, hats and shorts, we’ve got Dad covered from head to toe in gear that screams ‘Play Ball!’

Dive into our exclusive ’90 Years of Champions Collection’ – a celebration of the NBC World Series history and excellence. And here’s the real grand slam – enjoy a special 15% discount on the entire collection from June 2nd to 9th!

And hey, what’s a gift without an experience to match? Grab Dad a tournament pass and give him the ultimate summer spectacle! With a tournament pass, he’ll not only catch all the action of the NBC World Series but also score a coveted Satchel Paige Bobblehead on opening night – a collectible he’ll treasure forever.

This Father’s Day, take care of Dad courtesy of the NBC World Series and let’s make memories together at the ballpark!