WA’s standout right-handed pitcher Jai Hewitt is one of ten Australian baseball players invited to play on the World Select Team at the upcoming Major League Baseball College Showcase Tour in Arizona.
Hewitt had a big 2023. Not only did he play with the MLB World Selects, but he had his first taste of ABL action with the Perth Heat. He won a bronze medal for WA at the Under 18 National Championships and played for Australia at the U18 World Cup.
The MLB College Showcase Tour is an annual event that welcomes amateur baseball players all under the age of 20 to Arizona. They come from Europe, Asia, South America, North America and Australia.
The showcase is an initiative that MLB has employed to grow the game internationally. This year’s edition runs from 23 September to 3 October.
Players participate in an 11-day experience that includes visits to local Arizona colleges and universities, games against teams at various levels and a pro-style workout day for college recruiters and professional scouts.
“This trip is the pinnacle event of the year for junior baseball players outside of the U18 World Cup,” said Baseball Australia Player Development Manager Andrew Riddell. “The players are selected by national coaches with input from scouts from MLB clubs that get an opportunity to live life as a pro or a college athlete for two weeks.”
Past Australian alumni includes the likes of Travis Bazzana and Rixon Wingrove.
Riddell says the opportunity for these players to showcase their abilities in front of a different audience is invaluable.
“The exposure to universities and professional teams is second to none and really shows our players what the next level of baseball looks like in the U.S,” he added.
Congratulations to each player selected. Learn more about each below.
Read the full story and check out the schedule HERE.
