Starting on Wednesday, 84 of the best players across the country had the opportunity to perform on the big stage and improve their chances of being selected to the 18U National Team to compete in Panama for a gold medal.
For two players, the chance to compete at the National Training Complex was much sweeter, as it was their first time competing with USA Baseball.
Team Navy’s Josh Hammond, a right-handed pitcher, did not disappoint in his first outing at the National Training Complex on Wednesday, providing a boost for his team on both sides of the ball. On the mound, Hammond displayed his strong arm by collecting four strikeouts in two innings of no-hit work. Later in the game he continued his impressive performance, but this time swinging the bat as he plated two runs on a double to secure his crew a 3-3 tie to kick off Training Camp.
After tying in their first game, Hammond and Team Navy nabbed their first victory at Training Camp on day two by knocking off Light Blue, 5-3, via a four-run rally in the seventh inning. After the win, Hammond was quick to recognize the extent to which this opportunity presents.
“I'm really blessed. All of these guys that I'm playing with and playing against are all really, really talented, so to come out here and be able to compete is all I really have asked for. If I get the chance to represent the United States, that's a big dream of mine, but this whole experience has been awesome to be out here with everyone. It means the world to me,” Hammond said.
Other than competing for a chance to represent the stars and stripes and compete as a member of the 18U National Team, players like Hammond also have the opportunity to use Training Camp as a way to improve their game and strengthen their knowledge of the sport.
“So far, the experience at Training Camp has been great. The staff is really talented and insightful. I'm asking a lot of questions and learning a lot of new things. All the players are really helpful as well,” stated Hammond. “I'm looking forward to the next couple days with these guys.”
Brayden Jaksa, a member of Team Red, has also enjoyed a successful first two days at Training Camp. In his squad’s second contest, Jaksa registered an RBI double while also crossing the plate twice.
Like Hammond, Jaksa relishes the occasion to be at Training Camp and notes that representing his country is something that he has strived for since he started playing baseball.
“It means a lot to be able to come out here. I’m very blessed to be able to come out here. I've always wanted to play for USA Baseball since I was a young kid. Wearing those letters across your chest is the biggest accomplishment in baseball in my opinion. It's just a true honor to be out here, and I'm excited to compete,” said Jaksa.
The duo of Hammond and Jaksa both think Training Camp has brought out the best in them due to the stiff competition. Both express that they want to continue to put forth maximum effort not only for themselves but for their teammates.
“I'm trying to be the best teammate possible, the loudest guy, even if I'm on the bench or if I'm warming up the right fielder,” Hammond stated. “I want to do whatever I can do, if I'm not playing, to help us win. Other than that, when I'm playing, nothing changes. I’ll keep trusting my process and go out there and compete every single pitch.”
“It's been great. I've been playing with a bunch of different guys and truly getting to know them,” Jaksa stated. “I think playing against competition like this is the best thing you can do in baseball. I feel like it's been fun to compete as a team. Now we’re just trying to go out there and get some wins.”
Both Hammond and Jaksa look forward to continuing their time at Training Camp and are eager to prove themselves in order to secure a spot on the 18U National Team. The duo will get the chance to do that across the final three days of Training Camp.
“I have another outing on the mound in a couple of days, so I'm looking forward to that for sure. I'm also looking forward to getting more at-bats at the plate while being able to bond with the guys,” said Hammond.
Jaksa is also enjoying the chance to battle for a spot on the roster while soaking in his time at Training Camp.
“It’s truly been an honor to have the opportunity to compete at camp. I'm taking it day by day and I'm trying to compete at the highest level every time I step onto the field. Once camp comes to an end I know that I’ll remember it as a great learning experience so I’m ready to prove what I can really do.” said Jaksa.
