Academy Notebook: Rangers RBI Scholarship winner Braylen Jones; Whataburger Rising Star William Terry; Texas Rangers Equipment Drive ends Saturday

Braylen Jones wins Texas Rangers Youth Academy RBI Scholarship

Each year the Texas Rangers Youth Academy awards the Rangers RBI Scholarship to two athletes who participate in the Rangers RBI summer league. This year, the scholarships are twice as big totaling $5,000 for each athlete to put towards their college education.

After an exceptionally tough year, Braylen’s scholarship win couldn’t have come at a better time. “[Winning] is an indescribable feeling,” he said. “I’ve never won anything huge like this, so I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of the RBI Scholarship.”

“Braylen Jones dealt with a great deal of adversity over the past year, losing his grandfather, and then his mother being diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “Through all the hardships, he continued to excel in the classroom and was a great RBI teammate.”

The Texas Rangers Youth Academy scholarship selection committee sorted through applications to find standout student-athletes like Braylen. They considered participation in the Rangers RBI league, character, personal statements and financial need.

“The reason I think I was chosen is my genuine heart,” said Jones. “I always try to do the right thing and make good decisions.

“What probably made me stand out the most was me admitting that I have had struggles academically, especially with an ailment such as stuttering. Some people try to mask their adversity, but I keep it real.”

Braylen started his freshman year of college at Cedar Valley Community College this month with plans to study computer technology.

He was unable to try out for the Cedar Valley Community College baseball team this year due to his mother’s health but plans to take advantage of the opportunity next year.

Whataburger Rising Star William Terry

Each year, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy partners with Whataburger for the Whataburger Rising Stars Program, highlighting exceptional moments from the Rangers RBI season. The program recognizes performance on and off the field with a focus in the areas of sportsmanship, on-field performance, academic excellence and displays of perseverance and dedication.

In his first year as a Youth Academy participant, William Terry was named one of the 2021 Whataburger Rising Stars. “It’s an honor to have been chosen to receive this award,” said Terry. In addition to having this outstanding award boost his college applications, he believes it’s extremely important to set an example for younger athletes, citing his “electrifying attitude” as one of his key traits off the field.

William was nominated for this award for “his display of great leadership behind the plate,” as a member of the Rangers RBI Hard Hitters who took second place in the Rangers RBI senior baseball postseason tournament.

Terry, a utility player for the Hard Hitters, uses his relaxed demeanor and confidence as a tool at the plate and when rotating through various positions on the baseball diamond. As a Lancaster High School student, his favorite part about the Rangers RBI league this summer was playing with and against rival high school athletes.

Terry, along with the other 2021 Whataburger Rising Stars will be recognized pre-game at Globe Life Field on Saturday, Aug. 28, prior to the 6:05 p.m. start versus the Houston Astros.

The full list of winners includes Josue Pina, Christian Lopez, Angelyna Grisham, Giovanca Frias, Hannah Pacheco, Rafael Carbajal, Joseph Jones, Briana Rodriguez and William Terry.

Texas Rangers Equipment Drive ends tomorrow

The 2021 Texas Rangers Equipment Drive officially concludes Saturday, Aug. 28. All month long, the Rangers have collected lightly used baseball and softball equipment to share with young athletes across DFW, including athletes at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy.

The final day to donate is this Saturday, Aug. 28. Donations will be accepted from 3:30 to 6 p.m. outside Globe Life Field at the TXU Energy North Plaza, Southeast, Comerica Northeast and Toyota Southwest Entrances before the Rangers face the Houston Astros.

Can’t make it to Globe Life Field? Monetary donations to the Texas Rangers Equipment Drive fund are also being accepted online through Aug. 28 at _texasrangers.com/equipment_.

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will distribute the donated equipment to Rangers Youth Academy athletes early next year.