Academy Notebook: New Balance Future Stars Series; Comeback Kid: Jazmin Garcia

Twelve Academy athletes compete in Future Stars Series

Twelve talented Youth Academy baseball players will participate in the New Balance Future Stars Series (NBFSS) this Sunday, May 23, at the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy. Around 145 athletes from across the Southwest region, including the Academy’s dozen, were deliberately scouted for this “invite-only” combine based on their talent and ability to excel in the sport.

From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., these athletes will test their skills through rigorous MLB-style drills and simulated gameplay. Players will receive a Major League Baseball Scout Report, Developmental Plan, Blast Motion Swing Metrics Analysis and a ScoutCast video with metrics.

During the event, players will be professionally evaluated to identify high talent individuals capable of advancing to the NBFSS National Combine for top players across the U.S., and ultimately NBFSS International Week at Fenway Park for top players across the World. Sunday’s Future Stars Series will take place on Oates Field.

Athletes representing the Texas Rangers Youth Academy this Sunday include:

Chris Marcellus – C; Sachse High School ‘22

Channing Vernon – OF; Cedar Hill High School ‘22

Joshua Ortiz – SS; LD Bell High School ’22

Jonathan Alvarado – P; Duncanville High School ‘22

Anthony Winters – OF; Lake Ridge High School ‘22

Colin Moore – 1B; Prosper High School ‘23

John Sanchez – SS; Woodrow Wilson High School ‘23

Aden Howard – OF; Hebron High School ‘23

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

David Hogg – SS; The Oakridge School ‘24

Zeke Velazquez – C; Woodrow Wilson High School ‘22

Ben Stec – P; Independence High School ‘24

Comeback Kid: Jazmin Garcia

For the past few years, Jazmin Garcia has been a regular presence on the softball diamond at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy. However, more recently, Garcia has been recovering from a knee injury, putting softball on the backburner during the healing process.

Jazmin’s journey in the sport began when she was just six years old after she started playing baseball with her brother. Not long after, she made the transition to softball and has been playing the game ever since. Garcia first joined the Youth Academy at 12 years old to participate in the year-round training programs. She has been able to fine-tune her natural fielding and hitting abilities with help from Youth Academy coaches.

In addition to playing at the Academy, Jazmin is a multi-sport athlete at W.H. Adamson High School, where she has claimed the Freshman of the Year Award in both softball and wrestling. Garcia also plays in the Rangers RBI League and was selected to participate in the 2020 Softball Factory.

Before her season-ending injury, Garcia was experiencing discomfort in her left knee for some time but pushed through the pain. In one of her tournament games, Garcia took off for first base when her lateral meniscus finally tore.

“Jazmin can flat out hit, and we look forward to seeing her back on the diamond doing what she loves,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “We can definitely see her having a strong Junior season next spring that should get her back on track to play at the next level after she graduates high school.”

Jazmin is still finding ways to improve even though the recovery process prevents her from taking the field.

“[During recovery], I have set my mind to do all of my exercises and get my knee stronger no matter how long it might take,” said Garcia. “The toughest part about being hurt is the mental game because you have to push yourself to continue doing things that make you better.”

Jazmin’s love for the game has been a motivating force through recovery. “My favorite thing about softball is the thrill of it, how everything works, and how the game is played. Plus, it's a sport for girls of any age to enjoy,” she said.

Garcia is looking forward to the day she can return to the field and continue her journey in softball for many years to come. She tells young athletes the key to success is to “Work hard, do your part as a player/teammate, and most of all have fun when playing.”