The Richmond Braves would like to invite you or one of your staff to our annual scouting combine on Tuesday, June 18th and Wednesday, June 19th at James River High School. 3700 James River Rd, Midlothian VA 23112

The 2 day combine will feature 125 (8 teams) of the top 2014 and 2015 players from 7 different states. Approximately 60 plus players (4 teams) will be featured each day. Coaches in attendance will be given team rosters with player contact information. Each portion of the combine will be done by teams in order as shown on rosters. (see schedule below). Players name and number will be announced at each station.

At the conclusion of the combine, a game will be played on the 2 fields. Pitchers will face 5 batters each starting with a 1 and 1 count.

Schedule for each day:
11:30 – Player stretch
12:00 – 60 times
1:00 – OF Velo, Catcher pop, Inf Velo
2:30 – On field BP
4:00 – Games

June 18th: 16U West (graphite), 17U College Showcase (white), 17U East (navy), 17U American (red) June 19th: 16U National (white), 16U American (graphite), 17U National (red), 17U West (navy)

We look forward to your response as to who from your staff will be attending. Any questions should be addressed to the Richmond Braves National Director, Tommy Mayers, 804-241-0833 or tommy@bravesmail.com

Another All Braves Final!

Congratulations to the Braves organization for another all Braves Championship game.  This weekend saw the 14U Richmond Braves American and the Richmond Braves North squaring off in the Championship game.  The contest was close the entire time, with both teams playing outstanding baseball.  When the dust settled the 14U Richmond Braves North ran their spring record to 23-3 and their 4^th tournament win by a score of 3-2. Congratulations to both teams on an outstanding tournament.

The Early Spring version of the Braves 14U National and American squads went to the Virginia Sports Complex for an early season warm-up at their 2nd Annual Line Drive Classic.  Both teams worked their way through pool and bracket play, and when the dust cleared, the two teams met in an All-Braves final.  While the National squad pulled away to claim the gold, both teams accomplished the task at hand by taking advantage of the great weather to knock the snow off their cleats and play a full weekend of competitive baseball.  Early signs show that off-season workouts and selective roster additions, have strengthened a 14U group that set the bar high with a strong Fall season. Summer can’t get here fast enough…

Horton already throws as hard as 82 mph

We start in the state of Virginia which is the home of one of the top teams (#5) in the nation, the Richmond Braves National –coached by Rusty Sladler. This team is led by the #1 shortstop in the nation and one of the best 12U players you’ll see anywhere across the country – Kyle Horton. He is a shortstop and Ace pitcher who has gained the respect of all coaches who have seen him play. What they say tells the story on Kyle.
Coach Chad Beldsoe of the Evoshield Canes says, “Kyle Horton of the Richmond Braves is the most complete and talented player I’ve seen in this age group. He possesses all the tools at an elite level. He can shut down a team from the mound. He can lock up the left side of the infield defensively, and spray the ball with power from the plate, and he can take a base (seemingly) whenever he wants. He’s truly a “game changer”.  You know that all too well when you’re sitting on the bucket in the opposing dugout. I’ve seen many great players over the years . . . and while they were all talented in some areas, they could not dominate in all areas of the game. But, Kyle’s skill set is extremely high in all areas of the game. He’s the type of kid you want to follow for years to come . . . . just to see where this game takes him.

Coach Dennis Kampas of Wolverine Baseball Club says, “During the Elite 32 World Series at the ESPN facility in Disney, I had the opportunity to coach Kyle Horton.  I experienced, first hand, what an elite baseball player he is.  No matter what we asked him to do, Kyle approached the task at hand with 100% of his ability.  I saw him score from first on a lazy hit to the gap in right center.  Watched him turn his back and track a ball in center that would easily have been a base hit on anyone else. His range at short was nothing short of “jaw-dropping”.  But without a doubt, his poise and composure on the mound is amazing.  My assistant coach said, “he could throw a lamb chop past a wolf!”  Kyle is without a doubt one of the few true five tool players that I have seen or had the opportunity to coach.  Kyle is definitely a game changer, where ever he is playing.

Horton hit .665 with 24 home runs and over 100 runs scored

Coach Jeff Balance who has coached high school baseball for 10 years and travel baseball for 7 years, in the Tidewater Virginia area, has nothing but top praise for the exceptional talents of this young athlete.  He goes on to say, “we have competed outside the state of Virginia against some of the best teams in the nation that this group has to offer. It has been my privilege to have watched Kyle play competitive travel baseball against our team for 2 years.  First of all, Kyle’s attitude and effort is second to none. The way he carries himself on and off the field is nothing but first class. He has great character, and he is a tremendous team leader. On the field, Kyle is as talented a baseball player as I have seen for his age level.  He is a very talented defensive player with outstanding range and ability to make the hard plays look simple.  His arm strength is terrific.  On offense, he was the toughest at bat we faced. He hit with a high average, high on base percentage, and with his excellent speed and quickness, he always moves around the bases.  Kyle is the total package.  I would be hard pressed to say there was another player in this age as talented as this young athlete.”

Horton stole 80 bases without being caught

We could fill pages of praise from coaches across the south who have seen Kyle play and are quick to expound on his talent.  However, we wrap up with the words that Richmond Braves Skipper, Rusty Sladler, as he coaches Kyle year-round.  Coach Rusty says it well, “Many top players can hurt you, but Kyle hurts you in all areas; offensively, defensively, on the mound, and with his speed.  You could argue him for being a top 5 player in each tool category.  To further explain, Kyle played shortstop for his JV Baseball team as a 12 year old  and led the team in hitting!!  He also plays up with our older teams as well.  I’ve coached for many years in an organization that puts 25 players a year in college to play baseball . . . and he’s the best I’ve seen at this age – bar none”.

The Braves would like to announce 2013 Joey Bartosic, MIF/OF from Oakton HS, VA. Has committed to play at George Washington University.

Bartosic Commits to George Washington

Joey, with his 6.4/60 speed and natural baseball instincts is an electrifying athlete. Joey has been with the Braves for 3 years, working his way up to be one of the top athletes in the Braves program.  GW will be getting a fine ball player and even better young man. We congratulate Joey and his family.

Tommy Mayers/National Director