CARY, N.C. – Jared Halpert first got involved with USA Baseball six years ago.
He started in Arizona, getting his feet wet and learning under well-known and respected coaches. He worked as a National Team assistant, as well as a coach at National Team Trials and USA Baseball development programs. Halpert also served on the USA Baseball task force at the National Team Championships, helping identify future national team players.
This week, Halpert is back at the National Team Championships.
But this time, he’s the 15U National Team manager, and he’s at the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina, to search for and identify players for the 2021 15U National Team.
It’s a big week for not just the players on the field, but also the scouts and evaluators watching the games. Halpert makes sure to interact with the players face-to-face, which provides him with a more complete evaluation.
“We’re looking at everything,” Halpert said. “Evaluating athletes this close up and this personal and getting the opportunity to really get to know the kids sets us apart.”
As Halpert and his staff watch the competition this week, there are certain areas of emphasis that they focus on. Athletes who play for Team USA must be solid not only on the baseball diamond, but off it as well. Halpert looks for arm strength, bat speed, power, and other on-field skills, but he’s also sure to keep character in mind.
“We’re looking for players who model the game,” Halpert said. “We want guys who are tough, resilient, selfless, and determined.”
As a coach, Halpert enjoys and focuses on player growth. He’s fulfilled by watching the players he coaches improve and succeed in everyday walks of life.
“My favorite part about being a coach is watching players grow,” Halpert said. “It’s not only on the field, but also as young men in their transition to adulthood.”
After spending this week in North Carolina with his staff, Halpert will return to the place where he got his USA Baseball start: Arizona.
At the National Team Championships Arizona, the staff will continue the search for 15U players. After that competition concludes, they’ll invite 44 athletes from all across the country to compete at National Team Trials. That process will last for around a week, with the players participating in practices and undergoing more testing. From there, Halpert and the staff will select their 20-man roster.
Although the 15U National Team’s summer schedule is still to be determined, Halpert will be sure that his players don’t take the opportunity that they earned for granted.
“There’s a lot of pride [in wearing the U.S.A. across your chest],” Halpert said. “It’s a huge honor and we’re all really fortunate to be able to do this. This is a game that we love, and we take a lot of pride in it.”
And while Halpert and his staff look forward to competing and winning gold medals, they also know that the sport serves other purposes.
“You have to stay in this game as long as you can and reap what it can give you,” Halpert said, “because baseball is a vehicle for personal growth.”
To follow along with the National Team Championships North Carolina, follow @USABChamps_NC on Twitter and check out USABaseball.com.
