Braves host young talent, honor Hank Aaron at Invitational Showcase (2024)

\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Team Aaron middle infielder Rookie Shepard, a class of 2026 University of Miami commit from Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nev., had perhaps the hardest hit of the game. With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Shepard hit a 382-foot triple off the base of the right-field wall in front of the home bullpen.\n\nShepard represented the game-winning run at third base, but a Georgia kid – Team Robinson left-handed pitcher RJ Cope out of Georgia Premier Academy in Lawrenceville, Ga. – slammed the door and preserved the tie.\n\nShepard took in the sights and sounds prior to his first Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game.\n\n“Being at the Hank Aaron Invitational has been unforgettable,” Shepard said during batting practice. “It’s incredible being out here \\[and\\] being able to play on the Braves’ field. I’m sharing the field with guys like Ronald Acuña Jr., Orlando Arcia, Ozzie Albies; guys like that who I really look up to. Being able to get this great coaching and learning a lot every day, it’s an unforgettable experience.”","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2024-08-03T15:37:51.443Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-08/03/9c41ee7c-bf66eb7d-db81df18-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"The Braves host players of the Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game at the Atlanta History Center for a special cultural day experience","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:02:00","slug":"hai-atlanta-history-center-visit","tags":[{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-144","title":"Atlanta Braves","team":{"__ref":"Team:144"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"vod","title":"vod","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"community","title":"community","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-play-ball","title":"MLB Play Ball","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"youth-baseball","title":"youth baseball","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-110001","title":"Hank Aaron","person":{"__ref":"Person:110001"},"type":"player"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qjnuakxmhg6vyfjhe0lx"},"title":"Hank Aaron Invitational Atlanta History Center Visit","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/hai-atlanta-history-center-visit"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Both coaching staffs featured former MLB players such as Team Hank Aaron manager Lou Collier, who was a utility player for the Pirates, Brewers, Expos, Red Sox and Phillies in his MLB career (1997-2004).\n\nTeam Robinson was managed by Jemile Weeks, who played for the Athletics, Orioles, Red Sox and Padres in his six MLB seasons.\n\nTeam Robinson Class of 2025 outfielder Anthony Pack, out of Millikan High School in Long Beach, Calif., is committed to the University of Texas.\n\n“I feel like a big leaguer right now,” Pack said during pregame infield drills. “I feel like a big leaguer before the game on the big field. I’m gonna be facing a lot of great pitchers.”","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"

📸: Hank Aaron Invitational

This annual showcase game featured 44 top high school ballplayers from across the nation! pic.twitter.com/PwC9M18AZ6

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 3, 2024
\n\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Longtime MLB player and manager Dusty Baker watched batting practice and was in both dugouts on Saturday. It was Baker’s first time at the Hank Aaron Invitational as he retired from his post as Astros manager after last season.\n\nBaker played for the Braves from 1968-75 and was teammates with Aaron. Baker was on deck when Aaron hit his record-breaking 715th home run on April 8, 1974. The two maintained a good relationship until Aaron’s death in 2021.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"1974-04-09T00:46:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2020/2020-05/05/87a3d585-fbe6e3ac-bfc6d3f0-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"4/8/1974: Hank Aaron connects for career home run No. 715, passing Babe Ruth to become the all-time home runs leader","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:02:40","slug":"hank-aaron-hits-home-run-no-715","tags":[{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-144","title":"Atlanta Braves","team":{"__ref":"Team:144"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"epic-innings","title":"Epic Innings","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-110001","title":"Hank Aaron","person":{"__ref":"Person:110001"},"type":"player"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/ly3ukahmduoq2usxkix4"},"title":"Hank Aaron hits home run No. 715","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/hank-aaron-hits-home-run-no-715"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"“I’ve heard about it a lot,” Baker said of the invitational. “My godson \\[MLB vice president of baseball development Del Matthews\\] is one of the leaders of this. This is the first time I’ve been able to attend it because I’ve been off. I had to come for two reasons. One, it’s Hank Aaron Week. And second, to see these kids and let some of them see me. They probably heard about me from their dads or grandfathers.”\n\nThe amateur development event serves as a youth-oriented, on-field diversity initiative that aims to get high school-age players, with diverse backgrounds, to the next level.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2024-08-03T05:38:39.8Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-08/02/0c12e918-15349878-91aa7604-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Dusty Baker, Billye Aaron and Andrew Young discuss Hank Aaron's legacy in baseball, his leadership around the community and more","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:02:01","slug":"hank-aaron-invitational-cultural-day","tags":[{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-144","title":"Atlanta Braves","team":{"__ref":"Team:144"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"vod","title":"vod","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"interview","title":"interview","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-110001","title":"Hank Aaron","person":{"__ref":"Person:110001"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qieu2dips74nmi2b8xi0"},"title":"Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/hank-aaron-invitational-cultural-day"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"On Collier’s Team Aaron coaching staff were Marquis Grissom, Antonio Grissom, Marvin Freeman and Stan Kyles.\n\nCoaching alongside Weeks for Team Robinson were Tye Waller, Mike Jackson, Brian Hunter and Kyles.\n\n“This is the greatest collection of young instructors that I’ve seen in a long time,” Baker said. “You hear the negative things in baseball \\[about\\] not signing minorities. Well, here is an opportunity to have some talent in one area where you can look at them.”","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"

SURPRISE 😁👋🏾‼️

MLB Develops alum @MoneyyyMikeee shows some love at the Hank Aaron Invitational 44 Showcase Game🌟 pic.twitter.com/3h1Xni92Fi

— MLBDevelops (@MLBDevelops) August 3, 2024
\n\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Braves center fielder Michael Harris II made an appearance pregame. Harris took photos with players and shook hands. Harris’ Catch 23 Foundation was giving out free school supplies to students and teachers inside the third-base gate.\n\nA replay of the game can be viewed at MLB.com, and it will re-air on MLB Network on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/braves-host-2024-hank-aaron-invitational-showcase-game","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"ATLANTA – Truist Park and the Braves hosted a select group of high school baseball players with diverse backgrounds in Saturday’s Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game.\nThe showcase game marked the conclusion of the Hank Aaron Invitational – which was held last week at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"rick-farlow","title":"Rick Farlow","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-144","title":"Atlanta Braves","team":{"__ref":"Team:144"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-110001","title":"Hank Aaron","person":{"__ref":"Person:110001"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-play-ball","title":"MLB Play Ball","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"community","title":"community","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"usa-baseball","title":"USA Baseball","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-pa","title":"MLBPA","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/hxdn9huuvcxab1julb9l","title":"Braves host 2024 Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game"}},"Person:110001":{"__typename":"Person","id":110001},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","id":144}}} window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"} window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"} window.appId = '' /*-->*/

August 3rd, 2024

Rick Farlow

ATLANTA – Truist Park and the Braves hosted a select group of high school baseball players with diverse backgrounds in Saturday’s Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game.

The showcase game marked the conclusion of the Hank Aaron Invitational – which was held last week at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., with 200 invitees from across the United States – and featured the top 44 class of 2025-2026 players from the week-and-a-half-long invitational.

  • Kendrick emphasizes Negro Leagues legacy at Hank Aaron Invitational

Held annually, the event is supported by USA Baseball and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Fund, and the 44 players selected are a tribute to Aaron's jersey No. 44.

The invitational is part of the Braves’ annual Hank Aaron Week, which is a celebration of the life and legacy of Aaron.

“We’ve had a lot of great opportunities to host young kids here that don’t normally get to come to Atlanta and play at Truist Park,” said Braves senior director of alumni relations & growing the game Greg McMichael. “We’re proud that this is one event that has Hank’s name on it, and we’re able to get to see some of the great talent across the country.”

The wooden bat game pitted Team Jackie Robinson (away) against Team Hank Aaron (home) in a seven-inning contest, and the teams played to a 1-1 tie.

Prior to the game, players took on-field batting practice, shagged fly balls and took infield.

Team Aaron BP 🌟 #HAI44Showcase #HAI2024 pic.twitter.com/QZh4pxg4xU

— MLBDevelops (@MLBDevelops) August 3, 2024

Team Aaron middle infielder Rookie Shepard, a class of 2026 University of Miami commit from Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nev., had perhaps the hardest hit of the game. With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Shepard hit a 382-foot triple off the base of the right-field wall in front of the home bullpen.

Shepard represented the game-winning run at third base, but a Georgia kid – Team Robinson left-handed pitcher RJ Cope out of Georgia Premier Academy in Lawrenceville, Ga. – slammed the door and preserved the tie.

Shepard took in the sights and sounds prior to his first Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game.

“Being at the Hank Aaron Invitational has been unforgettable,” Shepard said during batting practice. “It’s incredible being out here [and] being able to play on the Braves’ field. I’m sharing the field with guys like Ronald Acuña Jr., Orlando Arcia, Ozzie Albies; guys like that who I really look up to. Being able to get this great coaching and learning a lot every day, it’s an unforgettable experience.”

Both coaching staffs featured former MLB players such as Team Hank Aaron manager Lou Collier, who was a utility player for the Pirates, Brewers, Expos, Red Sox and Phillies in his MLB career (1997-2004).

Team Robinson was managed by Jemile Weeks, who played for the Athletics, Orioles, Red Sox and Padres in his six MLB seasons.

Team Robinson Class of 2025 outfielder Anthony Pack, out of Millikan High School in Long Beach, Calif., is committed to the University of Texas.

“I feel like a big leaguer right now,” Pack said during pregame infield drills. “I feel like a big leaguer before the game on the big field. I’m gonna be facing a lot of great pitchers.”

📸: Hank Aaron Invitational

This annual showcase game featured 44 top high school ballplayers from across the nation! pic.twitter.com/PwC9M18AZ6

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 3, 2024

Longtime MLB player and manager Dusty Baker watched batting practice and was in both dugouts on Saturday. It was Baker’s first time at the Hank Aaron Invitational as he retired from his post as Astros manager after last season.

Baker played for the Braves from 1968-75 and was teammates with Aaron. Baker was on deck when Aaron hit his record-breaking 715th home run on April 8, 1974. The two maintained a good relationship until Aaron’s death in 2021.

“I’ve heard about it a lot,” Baker said of the invitational. “My godson [MLB vice president of baseball development Del Matthews] is one of the leaders of this. This is the first time I’ve been able to attend it because I’ve been off. I had to come for two reasons. One, it’s Hank Aaron Week. And second, to see these kids and let some of them see me. They probably heard about me from their dads or grandfathers.”

The amateur development event serves as a youth-oriented, on-field diversity initiative that aims to get high school-age players, with diverse backgrounds, to the next level.

On Collier’s Team Aaron coaching staff were Marquis Grissom, Antonio Grissom, Marvin Freeman and Stan Kyles.

Coaching alongside Weeks for Team Robinson were Tye Waller, Mike Jackson, Brian Hunter and Kyles.

“This is the greatest collection of young instructors that I’ve seen in a long time,” Baker said. “You hear the negative things in baseball [about] not signing minorities. Well, here is an opportunity to have some talent in one area where you can look at them.”

SURPRISE 😁👋🏾‼️

MLB Develops alum @MoneyyyMikeee shows some love at the Hank Aaron Invitational 44 Showcase Game🌟 pic.twitter.com/3h1Xni92Fi

— MLBDevelops (@MLBDevelops) August 3, 2024

Braves center fielder Michael Harris II made an appearance pregame. Harris took photos with players and shook hands. Harris’ Catch 23 Foundation was giving out free school supplies to students and teachers inside the third-base gate.

A replay of the game can be viewed at MLB.com, and it will re-air on MLB Network on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.

Braves host young talent, honor Hank Aaron at Invitational Showcase (2024)

FAQs

How do you get invited to Hank Aaron's invitational? ›

The players for the Hank Aaron Invitational will be selected via a combination of the following programs and groups: MLB Youth Academy network, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association, USA Baseball, the Buck O'Neil Scouts Association, MLB ...

What honors did Hank Aaron receive? ›

In 1999, Major League Baseball created the Hank Aaron Award to honor the most effective hitters in the National and American Leagues. In 2002, President George W. Bush awarded Hank Aaron the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

How does the Hank Aaron Award work? ›

The Hank Aaron Award is awarded annually to the best overall offensive performer in each league. The award was introduced in 1999 to mark the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record. A panel of Hall of Famers will combine with a fan vote to determine the winners.

Did Hank Aaron work for the Braves? ›

That same year, he was one of 30 baseball players elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. After his retirement, Aaron held front office roles with the Atlanta Braves, including the senior vice president.

How do you get into Hank Aaron terrace? ›

Once on the Lexus Level concourse, walk to your left towards section 244 and the entrance to the Hank Aaron Terrace will be adjacent to section 244.

How do you get invited to the Combine? ›

ALL eligible players are reviewed and voted on by the committee members. Each athlete receiving the necessary number of votes, by position, is then extended an invitation.

Did Hank Aaron bat cross handed? ›

Hank Aaron was once a slim infielder who hit cross-handed well before he secured his place as baseball's all-time home run king. It wasn't until a set of clever coaches intervened early in his professional career that Aaron's path to the Hall of Fame accelerated.

What is Hank Aaron's wife's name? ›

In 1975, Billye Aaron transferred to WTMJ-TV, hosting her own weekly talk show called "Billye." Simultaneous to her media career, Billye Aaron taught at the high school and college level for 12 years before marrying Hank Aaron in 1973.

Did Hank Aaron ever win a batting title? ›

A 25-time All-Star, Hank Aaron hit over 24 home runs for 19 straight seasons, averaging 33 from 1955 through 1973. He drove in 100 runs 11 times and scored 100 runs 15 times. He won two batting titles and three Gold Gloves.

Who votes for the Hank Aaron Award? ›

The Hank Aaron Award is awarded annually by MLB to the best hitter in each league. The award is voted on by fans and broadcasters, with fans' votes counting for 30% and broadcasters' votes counting for 70%. Ronald Acuña Jr. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Who is the youngest player to win the Hank Aaron Award? ›

Major League Baseball announced that former Bluefield infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been selected as the American League winner of the 2021 Hank Aaron Award. Guerrero is the youngest player in MLB history to earn the honor. Guerrero played in 62 games for the Bluefield Blue Jays in 2016.

Did Hank Aaron win a ring? ›

Hank Aaron won one World Series Title in 1957. He went to a total of two World Series in his career winning one in 1957 and losing in 1958 as a member of the Milwaukee Braves.

Why is Hank Aaron so special? ›

For more than three decades, Hank Aaron has been best known for hitting more home runs than any other baseball player in history. However, the baseball icon also spoke out against pervasive racism in major league baseball and broke racial barriers throughout his career.

How many gold gloves did Hank Aaron win? ›

He was a consistent producer both at the plate and in the field, reaching the . 300 mark in batting 14 times, 30 home runs 15 times, 90 RBI 16 times and captured three Gold Glove Awards en-route to 25 All-Star Game selections. Nineteen fifty-seven was arguably Aaron's best season.

What records did Hank Aaron hold? ›

Aaron retired in 1976 as the all-time home run king, with 755. He still holds the major league records for most career RBIs, extra base hits, and total bases. He is one of only five players to have at least 17 seasons with 150 or more hits. He's third in all-time hits, behind only two players—Pete Rose and Ty Cobb.

Who gets invited to rogue invitational? ›

With that said, Rogue has generally followed the path of inviting the top 15 athletes from the previous CrossFit Games and inviting the top 5 from 'The Q', Rogue's online qualifier. Of course, there have been exceptions to that 'rule', such as when Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr was invited last year.

How do you get invited to the PGA Tour? ›

PGA Tour membership is available for being a former major champion or multiple tournament winner. There are tons of PGA recognized tournaments that can earn you membership eligibility. Occasionally the PGA Tour will even make special invitations for players that don't meet the requirements.

How do you get into the Open Championship? ›

Players can qualify one of four ways, an exemption, via the Open Qualifying Series (OQS), via local qualifying, or if the field size has not reached 156, being one of the highest rated players in the official golf rankings that is not already qualified.

How do you get invited to the Arnold Palmer Invitational? ›

The players select a member from each team who they think best represents the “Arnold Palmer Legacy,” that is, the values that Arnold Palmer has exhibited during his legendary career. The top vote-getter from the winning team will earn the invitation.

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