Academy Notebook: Cameron Alardin commits to Texas A&M University Texarkana; Rangers RBI open tryouts

Cameron Alardin commits to Texas A&M University Texarkana

Earlier this week, Texas Rangers Youth Academy outfielder Cameron Alardin committed to playing collegiate softball at Texas A&M University Texarkana. Alardin, a Grand Prairie High School senior, is the 17th Youth Academy athlete in the Class of 2022 committed or signed to play collegiate ball.

After an out-of-the-ordinary recruiting schedule, Alardin is thrilled to call Texas A&M University Texarkana her new home. “Texas A&M Texarkana stood out to me because of their principles," she said. "They focus a lot on the mental side of softball and I believe that is what makes players and teams great.

“The recruiting process was long and hard. I started late because of an injury my freshman year, and then COVID hit my sophomore year, so it was a difficult start. Now, I know that all the work was worth it. The emails, camps, visits, calls, everything was worth it to continue to play the sport I love."

In just two years at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, Alardin has participated in two Dairy Max Softball Factory Showcases and was a member of the 2021 Rangers RBI All-Star Team and championship-winning Jennie Finch Classic team.

After recording a long list of accomplishments at the Youth Academy, Alardin is ready for the next step in her playing career and looks forward to improving her game on the softball diamond.

“I am most looking forward to pushing my limits and seeing just how good an athlete I can become," she said. "College ball is a league of its own and I can’t wait to see how much I grow in my athleticism and softball IQ.”

Before starting her journey as a college athlete, Alardin will again represent the Rangers on the Jennie Finch Classic team as they look to defend their title during MLB All-Star Week in Los Angeles.

Rangers RBI open tryouts

Next weekend the Texas Rangers Youth Academy will hold free-agent tryouts for athletes looking to participate in this summer’s Rangers RBI League. Newcomers ages 13-18 will take the field on Saturday, April 9, to showcase their skills and formally try out for the Rangers RBI League.

Rangers RBI is one of over 200 RBI programs operating under Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities is a youth baseball and softball initiative designed to drive participation and create opportunities for young athletes from underserved and diverse communities looking to play ball.

Each year the Youth Academy’s Rangers RBI League sees dozens of teams compete throughout the regular season and into the post-season until one team in each division has been crowned a champion.

Next Saturday’s free-agent tryouts will give new athletes a chance to showcase their skills in front of Rangers RBI coaches looking to add talent to their teams.

Throughout the season, Rangers RBI athletes will have opportunities to work with their coaches and improve their game, staying busy during the summer while creating lasting memories with their teammates.

The Youth Academy’s top performers this summer will have a chance to join one of the Rangers RBI All-Star Teams and compete in the MLB RBI Southwest Regional Tournament with hopes of advancing to the RBI World Series in Vero Beach. After the season concludes, two athletes will be awarded Rangers RBI college scholarships for their performance on and off the field.

Opening Day for the 2022 Rangers RBI League is set for Saturday, May 7, at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy. To register for Rangers RBI free-agent tryouts, visit _rangersrbi.leagueapps.com_.

April High School Baseball & Softball Schedule

Below is the schedule of the Pinkston, Sunset, and Thomas Jefferson High School baseball and softball games to be played at the Academy in April. Scheduling is subject to change.

Dallas Independent School District high school baseball and softball games to be played at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy in April.