Academy Notebook: Texas Rangers Youth Academy announces 2021 RBI All-Star teams

Rangers RBI All-Star Teams Prep for the Southwest Regional Tournament

The 2021 Texas Rangers RBI League All-Star teams are ready to jump into action. Next weekend beginning July 9, the Rangers Youth Academy 15U baseball, 18U baseball and 18U softball teams will participate in the MLB RBI Southwest Regional Tournament. The 2021 Southwest Regional Baseball and Softball Tournament will be the first held since 2019, and the first RBI Regional Tournament hosted at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy in West Dallas.

All-Star teams from across the region, including Astros RBI, Austin RBI and New Orleans RBI, will compete alongside Rangers RBI. The Rangers Youth Academy has assembled some of the strongest teams to date, and each division is eager to make history and play for the chance to win a World Series title.

All three Rangers RBI All-Star teams will compete in pool play Friday, July 9, and Saturday, July 10, with hopes to advance to the championship games Sunday, July 11. Each division winner from the Southwest Regional Tournament will advance to the MLB RBI Baseball and Softball World Series at the Jackie Robinson Sports Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, from Aug. 2-13.

Here is a look at each team that will represent the Texas Rangers Youth Academy.

15U Baseball

This year’s 15U baseball team representing the Texas Rangers is one of the strongest in Youth Academy history. Head coach Dash Johnson and assistant coaches Joe Vazquez and Adam Guay are hoping to lead this team all the way to the RBI World Series in Vero Beach.

“This whole team is outstanding and will all play an important role in our success,” said coach Johnson. “Each individual has the key pieces we need to succeed and make some history. There is a unique combination of relentlessness and tenacity in this team’s demeanor, and we have the potential to do big things.”

Johnson believes this scrappy, yet powerful group has all the tools to make it far in the RBI Southwest Regional Tournament. The team’s keys to success focus around using their power at the plate to generate runs early, utilizing their depth on the mound to control the strike zone, and playing clean defense.

“I am confident we will put up runs. Our offense will be able to play with the best of them,” said coach Johnson. “We have a mix of hard-nosed guys and then those who can drive the ball consistently for extra base hits.”

“The team can just flat out hit, but what really makes us stand out is the depth we have on the mound,” said coach Guay. “We have three very good starters and several quality arms ready to come out of the pen.”

The power at the plate, hustle on defense and the ability to throw strikes makes up a winning combination on paper. The final piece of the puzzle, according to coach Guay, is minimizing the mental mistakes.

Players to watch

Luis Cruz: Big-time power having deposited two pitches over the fence during game one of the Five Tool Tournament and should be a middle of the order impact bat.

David Hogg II: An Oklahoma University commit who will man SS and contribute on the mound with a fastball that lives in the low/mid-80s.

Trace Spann: A versatile player who can play anywhere on the diamond and may see time at multiple positions.

Nikolas Smith: The 6’3" corner infielder will have an impact at the plate and on the mound.

Romel Garcia Jr.: Will work in the outfield and the mound despite being a natural third baseman, as the Rangers will look to get all the power bats in the lineup at one time.

Colin Moore: Coming off his Hank Aaron Invitational invitation is the lone remaining player from the 2019 15U team, having made the team as a 13-year-old.

This weekend beginning Thursday, July 1, the Texas Rangers 15U RBI All-Star team will compete in the Five Tool Texas Summer Showdown. The roster of 15 Academy All-Stars will compete together for the first time in a series of tournament games in Melissa, Texas.

18U Baseball

The Texas Rangers Youth Academy 18U Baseball team will be led by Head coach Edward Taylor. Taylor, a former professional baseball player, has almost 20 years of coaching experience, nine of which took place at Albany State University. As the youngest head coach in the school’s history, he won Coach of the Year three times, lead the team to six SIAC Conference Championships, three NCAA playoff appearances and won the SIAC Most Outstanding Coach Award four times. Additionally, he was the head coach of the USA Athletes International baseball team in Europe, leading the team to a gold medal victory in 2006.

“I'm excited about passing on the knowledge that I have learned about the game of baseball, and I'm extremely excited about the team we have assembled for the regional tournament,” said coach Taylor. “My strategy is to teach our guys to play team baseball and help them know the little things about the game of baseball mean a lot. If we do the little things correctly and consistently, then we will be successful and make it to the World Series.”

Taylor will be assisted by coach Clemente Sosa and coach Jimmy Martin. Coach Sosa has experience playing at Iona College, at the Dominican Republic NY Mets Academy and 18 years with the NYPD baseball team. Sosa has been coaching baseball for eight years and is the current head coach at Fort Worth Christian School. Five-year coach Jimmy Martin rounds out the staff.

“I think the biggest keys to our success is the coaches on staff establishing a team goal and promoting a winning atmosphere around these boys,” said coach Martin. “Most of these guys have been around or playing together since their younger days, so the team chemistry is off the charts, which makes them play for each other in ways that some teams can’t. That’s why I think we are different and will be successful.”

Assistant Coach Clemente Sosa is excited to be hosting the regional tournament on familiar turf. He thinks if the group utilizes the team chemistry, plays with maximum effort and controls pitching, defense and situational hitting, they have a chance to win the tournament.

“What makes our team stand out are the players and the coaching staff. The players are excited about the opportunity. They love the game and love the make-up of the team,” said coach Taylor. “These guys were selected because they are exceptional players with great attitudes. They are dedicated to this team, are excited about learning, and being coached to improve their abilities in the game of baseball.”

Players to watch

James Malone: A bonafide ace on the hill will no doubt get the ball in the big moments.

Christian Jarmon: The big first baseman brings a power bat and power arm to this year’s team.

Ricky Rangel: A member of the 2019 RBI All-Star team brings experience and could see time at all infield spots and on the mound.

Eric Gallegos: A member of the 2018 15U team that made it to the championship game, is the longest-running active Rangers RBI All-Star.

Anthony Winters: A backup outfielder on the 2019 15U team, has made significant strides in his game and is a dangerous power/speed combo despite his age.

Dylan Byrd: A+ defender with a rocket arm. We don’t expect too many teams to test his arm.

Christopher Marcellus: Fresh off his Breakthrough Series Appearance, he moves on from serving as the 15U All-Star starting catcher to the 18U team in his first year of eligibility.

Austin Phillips: Twice been selected to participate in the Hank Aaron Invitational and a member of the 2019 15U RBI All-Star team, Austin is a young player who brings a strong bat and versatility.

Daniel Cox: Coming back from a major injury, the 2020 Rangers Youth Academy Youth of the Year should still find ways to contribute at the plate and the mound.

This weekend the Rangers 18U RBI All-Star team will compete together for the very first time in the Five Tool Texas Summer Showdown. From Thursday, July 1 to Sunday, July 4, the team will compete in a series of tournament games in Melissa, Texas.

18U Softball

The 18U softball coaching staff is led by Youth Academy Director Juan Leonel Gárciga, assisted by Plano High School alumni Molly Goza and Mackenzie Velasquez. Since 2009, Gárciga has coached numerous RBI Softball Regional teams for the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers. Assistant Coach and Dallas-area lawyer, Molly Goza, spent time on the softball diamond as a D1 college athlete and has over 14 years of softball coaching experience. Former Lehigh University softball player Mackenzie Velasquez rounds out the 18U softball coaching staff with her five-year coaching resume and experience in strength and conditioning training.

“The depth of talent that we have on our team this year is outstanding,” said coach Goza. “I'm excited to see the girls play together as one powerhouse team against other top teams from the region.”

After the cancellation of the 2020 regional tournament, the 18U softball coaches and players are using the hiatus as extra motivation to make the most of this year's talented selection of players, relying heavily on three polished pitchers and an entire line-up that can hit the ball hard.

“Each player brings something special to the team. Some have been a part of the program for multiple years, while others are first-year participants,” said Gárciga. “This is a special group of players who as a whole produce in every aspect of the game at the highest level. Anyone on the roster could be the reason we win the whole thing and go to the World Series.”

“I'm most excited about seeing this year's team compete together. As an RBI coach, I've not only seen these girls compete against each other, I've also had the chance to train them together,” said coach Velasquez. “Over the past two years, I've witnessed their progress both athletically and mentally. They truly are an exceptional group of girls, and I can't wait for them to put all their hard work together and compete in the Regional Tournament.”

This roster of 15 was thoughtfully selected based on more than talent, considering dedication to the program, attitude, versatility on the field and sportsmanship. “Not only will we have a group of elite softball players, but we have a team with character, integrity, and passion for the game,” said Coach Goza.

“[We need to] play sparkling defense, maximize every player’s skillset on the roster, throw strikes, and give the girls the green light to swing away when they get their pitch," said Gárciga. "If we do all those things, we will have a chance to take down the back-to-back World Series Champion Houston Astros.”

Players to watch

Ximena Zamarron: Elite defensive second baseman who will hit leadoff for the team.

Gabriella Quintanilla: A long-time Academy member coming off her first season of college softball, will be making her RBI Regional debut and take over the starting SS position.

Ariana Ortiz: Hit cleanup in 2019 for the runner-up team and has not stopped hitting since.

Melanie Henderson: Has hit key doubles and home runs since being a part of the Jennie Finch Classic and past RBI Regional teams. This will be her final RBI season and she will look to impact the game with her bat.

Charity Vernon: Will look to shut down the opponents running game with her rocket arm behind the plate.

Giovanca Frias / Tamya Waiters / Nicole Gonzalez: This three-headed monster in the pitching circle will look to keep hitters off-balance throughout the tournament by changing speeds and keeping the team in games.

Below you will find the official rosters for the Texas Rangers Youth Academy teams participating in the Southwest Regional Tournament beginning on Friday, July 9.

2021 Texas Rangers Youth Academy 15U Baseball Roster

Amaad Garrett – P; Collegiate Academy Middle School ‘25

Caleb Richardson – OF; David W Carter High School ‘24

Christian Gray – OF; Duncanville High School ‘24

Colin Moore – OF; Prosper High School ‘23

David Hogg II – SS; The Oakridge School ‘23

Jackson Morris – C; Marcus High School ‘25

Joshua Kohannim – IL; Legacy High School ‘24

Luis Cruz – DH; WH Adamson High School ‘24

Nikolas Smith – 3B; Plano East High School

Romel Garcia Jr. – P; Martin High School ‘24

Victor Camarillo – P; Pinkston High School ‘24

Royce Texada – C; DeSoto High School ‘23

Jose Cortez – SS; Skyline ‘24

Diego Marin – 1B; Newman Smith ‘24

Trace Spann – 2B; Lake Ridge High School ‘24

Coached by Dash Johnson, Joe Vazquez, Adam Guay

2021 Texas Rangers Youth Academy 18U Baseball Roster

Casey Walls – P; Blue Ridge High School ‘23

Dylan Byrd – OF; Cedar Hill High School ‘21

Jacob Guerra – P; Pinkston High School ‘22

Joshua Ortiz – P; LD Bell High School ‘22

Ricky Rangel – 2B; Graduated May 2020

Christian Jarmon – 1B; Cedar Hill High School ‘21

Christopher Marcellus – C; Sachse High School ‘22

James Malone – P; DeSoto High School ‘21

Heber Lopez – 1B; Molina High School ‘22

Austin Phillips – 3B; South Grand Prairie High School ‘24

Channing Vernon – OF; Cedar Hill High School ‘22

Kevin Daniel Cox – DH; Skyline High School ‘21

Anthony Winters – OF; Lake Ridge High School ‘22

Eric Gallegos – SS; Duncanville High School ‘21

Juan Castorena – C; Duncanville High School ‘21

Coached by Edward Taylor, Clemente Sosa, Jimmy Martin

2021 Texas Rangers Youth Academy 18U Softball Roster

Ashlee Cortez – 2B; Molina High School ‘22

Ana Gonzalez – OF; Midlothian High School ‘24

Ariana Ortiz – 1B; Molina High School ‘21

Cameron Alardin – OF; Grand Prairie High School ‘22

Giovanca Frias – P; Irving Nimitz High School ‘24

Tamya Waiters – P; Lewisville High School ‘22

Melanie Henderson – DH; Graduated May 2020

Ximena Zamarron – 2B; Irving Nimitz High School ‘22

Italia Ortiz – OF; Duncanville ‘22

Caitlyn Carrillo – P; Woodrow Wilson ‘23

Adrianna Gauna – 2B; Grand Prairie High School ‘22

Charity Vernon – C; Cedar Hill High School ‘21

Gabriela Quintanilla – SS; Graduated May 2020

Hannah Pachecho – 3B; Cedar Hill High School ‘21

Ditha Gonzales – P; Joshua High School ‘22

Coached by Juan Leonel Gárciga, Molly Goza, Mackenzie Velasquez