Terry McGuirk Chairman | Atlanta Braves Website
Terry McGuirk Chairman | Atlanta Braves Website
The final day of the Braves’ third annual Native American All-Star Showcase, held at Truist Park, featured a weekend workout, home run derby, and an all-star game. The event brought together the top 50 Native American high school baseball players, culminating in a match between Team Red and Team Blue on Sunday. Team Blue emerged victorious with a 7-2 win.
The participants represented over 20 tribes from 16 states and Canada. They were divided into two squads of 25 players each for the nine-inning contest. Team Blue's pitchers allowed only two runs on five hits and recorded 12 strikeouts.
Nathaniel Carpenter from Broome High School in South Carolina initiated the scoring with an RBI single in the first inning. Talan Rush from Collinsville High School in Oklahoma added an RBI double, followed by Ty Freeman’s RBI single from Greenwood High School in Arkansas, giving Team Blue a decisive lead.
Reflecting on the experience, Jawan Taylor from Arizona’s Alchesay High School said, “It’s amazing, honestly... You don’t get this chance often and it’s just a surreal moment to be here.” Taylor pitched a scoreless sixth inning for Team Blue. His journey to Truist Park involved significant fundraising efforts by his family and community.
Jordan Davis from Neshoba Central High School in Mississippi aimed to make impactful plays during Sunday’s game. He succeeded by going 2-for-2 with two singles and a walk while also recording a putout in center field. Davis credited the showcase for helping him gain exposure to college scouts.
Greg McMichael, Braves senior director of alumni relations and growing the game, along with other former Braves players such as Terry Pendleton and Johnny Estrada, provided coaching during the event. Marquis Grissom's Baseball Association managed Saturday’s pro-style workout despite Grissom's absence due to coaching commitments elsewhere.
TrackMan Baseball technology was used during Sunday’s game to capture player statistics. McMichael noted that these metrics help players present their performance data to interested colleges.
After the game concluded on Sunday, participants posed for group photos with their tribal flags between the mound and second base. Families were then allowed onto the field for additional photographs with the student-athletes.
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