Before Game 2 of the World Series, the field at American Family Field belonged for a few minutes to the next wave of the game. Young baseball and softball players from across MLB’s development programs were welcomed in Milwaukee on Saturday, representing championship clubs, Youth Academies, award programs and the 2026 Pitch, Hit & Run Finals.
The ceremony came ahead of the Rays-Brewers matchup, with Game 3 set for Monday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and FOX One. It was a reminder that the summer baseball calendar extends well beyond the Major League schedule, reaching hundreds of young athletes who train and compete at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, and in programs around the country.
A World Series stage for youth baseball and softball
MLB recognized players whose work has stood out in their communities as well as on the field. The group included Nike RBI World Series champions, American Legion champions, Jennie Finch Empowerment Award winners, Pitch, Hit & Run finalists and representatives from MLB Youth Academies.
One player from each of MLB’s nine Youth Academies was selected as a Youth of the Year:
- Michael Hayes, Houston Astros Youth Academy
- Brayden Bolden, Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy
- Gustavo Ramirez, MLB Compton Youth Academy
- Dylan Robinson, MLB New Orleans Youth Academy
- Kaitlyn Asher, Philadelphia Phillies Youth Academy
- Da’Nyiah Shamel, P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy
- Yadiel Rodríguez Carrión, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
- Vincent Hood, Texas Rangers Youth Academy
- Antonio Phelps, Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy
The Youth Academies are part of MLB’s broader PLAY BALL effort, which promotes both informal and organized participation in baseball and softball. MLB Develops also runs no-cost events including the Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, Trailblazer Series and Elite Development Invitational.
Finch Award winners receive scholarships
Four players honored in Milwaukee were recipients of the Jennie Finch Empowerment Award, presented by ARM & HAMMER. The award recognizes leadership, integrity, motivation, commitment and humility demonstrated away from the diamond as well as during competition.
- Kayleigh Allen was selected from the Breakthrough Series.
- Alina Elias was honored from the All-Star Jennie Finch Classic.
- Amariana Hill represented the Elite Development Invitational.
- Janiya Pillow was chosen from the Nike RBI World Series.
Each recipient also received a $10,000 college scholarship from ARM & HAMMER.
Champions and finalists join the ceremony
Players and coaches from the three Nike RBI World Series title teams took part in the pregame moment.
| Division | Champion | Honored representatives |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Baseball | Atlanta Braves Nike RBI | Moxie McNealy, Darryl Jones, coach Travious Relaford |
| Junior Baseball | Chicago White Sox Nike RBI | Chase Boykin, Aiden Garcia, coach Reginald Baker |
| Softball | United States Virgin Islands Nike RBI | Mekeala Richardson, Kleniya Titus, coach Inocencia Bermudez |
Forty competitors headed to the 2026 Pitch, Hit & Run Finals presented by Firehouse Subs were also recognized. The program is in its 50th season and has counted Andrew McCutchen, Joey Gallo, Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman, Seattle Mariners infielder J.P. Crawford, Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins and Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson among its past participants.
The Carpet Land Spartans, sponsored by Lincoln Post 500 of Lincoln, Nebraska, were another part of the on-field group. The Spartans captured the eight-team American Legion World Series in August at Shelby, North Carolina.
The development path reaches the October stage
MLB Develops alumni were well represented on 2026 postseason rosters, with 11 former participants reaching the playoffs. Two were active in the World Series: Brewers infielder David Hamilton and Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson.
The other postseason alumni were Guardians infielder Travis Bazzana, Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford, Braves outfielder Michael Harris II, Yankees infielder George Lombard Jr., White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery, Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodón, Astros infielder Cam Smith, Braves first baseman Dominic Smith and Astros outfielder Taylor Trammell.
That is the line connecting Saturday’s ceremony to the Major League field: a group of youngsters getting their turn under World Series lights, with a few former program players already playing meaningful innings in October.
