2024 Futures Invitationals Recap

 The 2024 Futures Invitational showcased elite youth baseball talent, as 10U and 11U teams from across the country competed at Thomas Brooks Park in Cary, North Carolina. From walk-offs to wipeouts, the tournament delivered exciting competition and a look at the next generation of stars.

In the 10U division, pool play brought plenty of fireworks. The East Cobb Aviators opened with an exciting comeback win over Florida Burn Platinum, set off by timely hitting in the late innings. The Scottsdale Dirtbags cruised to a victory behind a big offensive performance, while the TC Titans notched an 8-0 shutout, combining a dominant pitching outing with power at the plate. Canes West continued their dominant run with a strong all-around performance, piling up strikeouts on the mound and delivering clutch RBIs to seal a 7-1 victory over Team Elite.

Tennessee Elite emerged as a powerhouse, going 3-0 in pool play with a +22-run differential led by Jaxon Spray, Ethan Wagner, and Duncan Mount. ZT National Prospects matched that momentum with sharp pitching and consistent offense. The Texas Sun Devils and Scottsdale Dirtbags also pushed their way into bracket play with big-time performances.

In the semifinals, Tennessee Elite defeated the Sun Devils 7-1 behind Spray’s 3-for-3 day and Wagner’s inside-the-park home run. ZT National Prospects knocked off the Dirtbags 7-2, with key contributions from Matthew Vazquez and a lights-out start from Sebastian Perez. Tennessee Elite topped a perfect tournament with a 6-2 win in the championship game, powered by Spray, Wagner, and Ryan McCallum. Spray and Knox White were key contributors, as they combined for a shutdown effort on the mound. The Sun Devils rallied in the bronze medal game, erasing a four-run deficit to top Scottsdale 10-6, sparked by Brody Pemberton’s inside-the-park homer and late bullpen heroics.

The 11U division was just as electric. The Scottsdale Dirtbags opened with a shutout win over SBA Bolts, setting the tone early with dominant pitching and defense. Knights Elite went off for 11 runs in a high-scoring win over Ghost National, helped by consistent production throughout the lineup. The Wildcatters impressed during pool play and delivered one of the weekend’s biggest upsets with a 6-5 win over the previously unbeaten San Diego Show.

MVP Hustle brought the bats in a 14-3 win thanks to a bases-clearing triple from Carson Schoener, who was later selected for the 12U national team. Cade Chapman also launched a grand slam for Premier Banditos in their 11-3 rout. Wildcatters and Knights Elite added walk-off wins, while solid defense from SBA Bolts turned heads throughout the weekend.

In the end, it was the Scottsdale Dirtbags who claimed the 11U Futures Invitational title, the club’s first ever medal at the tournament. The Dirtbags finished the tournament tied for the best defense in the tournament, having allowed just 11 runs.

Beyond the competition, the Futures Invitational served as an identification event for USA Baseball's 12U National Team. Several standout players also joined Schoener, including Ben Hamlin, Andres Rodriguez, Ethan Palacios, and Daylon McCants – proof that the path to Team USA often begins right here.

With national team talent emerging and championship moments unfolding, the Futures Invitational once again delivered on its name. The future of baseball is not just something to watch for, it is already taking the field.