Academy Notebook: 2023 Whataburger Rising Stars; Amira Forbit tosses ceremonial first pitch

Rangers recognize 12 2023 Whataburger Rising Stars

Each summer, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy and Whataburger partner for the Whataburger Rising Stars program, highlighting exceptional moments from the Rangers Nike RBI season.

This year, the 12 winners, nominated by their Nike RBI coaches, were honored during pre-game ceremonies at Globe Life Field on Friday, Sept. 22.

2023 Whataburger Rising Stars:

Bryce Mills, Wood Ducks – Jr. Baseball: Bryce was nominated for his high-energy, positive attitude and dedication to consistent improvement as a player. This summer, he spent countless hours training at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, earning himself a spot on the Rangers’ roster for the Memorial Day Weekend tournament, where he further showcased his ability to be a great team player.

Luis Amador, Express – Sr. Baseball: During the Rangers Nike RBI season, Luis was an everyday player for the Express and proved on multiple occasions that he is willing to do whatever is best for the team. Several times this season he was asked to move from his primary infield position to catch and always took on the role with enthusiasm.

Kayla Clemmons, Express – Jr. Softball: Kayla was nominated for her dominant pitching performances in the circle for the Express. She proved to have one of the best arms in the junior softball division and played a major role in the team’s Rangers Nike RBI championship-winning season. In addition to playing hard during games, she regularly attended summer training programs and was an active participant in the Angles in the Outfield classroom program.

Isabella Grijalva, Bumblebees – Sr. Softball: As the Bumblebees' standout catcher this season, Isabella was a reliable teammate day in and day out, earning herself a spot in Iván Rodríguez’s Catching Clinic this summer. In addition to proving herself as an irreplaceable backstop, she stepped into the circle to pitch when her team was short on arms.

Raul Lomas, Wood Ducks – Jr. Baseball: Raul played a key role in the Wood Ducks' early success, showcasing his versatility across the diamond as an infielder, outfielder and dominant pitcher on the mound. His trustworthy pitching performances earned him a spot on the Rangers Nike RBI 15U All-Star team for the Southwest Regional Tournament, where he had an incredible winning performance against the Colorado Rockies.

Christian Maeder-Baldwin, RoughRiders – Sr. Baseball: Christian was nominated for his incredible on-field performance primarily in June when he recorded a hit in every RBI game that month. He never missed a game throughout the season and was the ace of the RoughRiders' pitching staff while also filling the role of the team’s primary designated hitter.

Khloe Gonzalez, Crawdads – Jr. Softball: Khloe, a long-time Youth Academy programming participant, had a standout Nike RBI season this summer, playing across the diamond as an outfielder, pitcher and catcher. In addition to being a consistent presence at all games and practices, she was always there to support her teammates.

Shania Jackson, Wood Ducks – Sr. Softball: Over the course of the Rangers Nike RBI season, Shania was nominated on three occasions for the influence she had on the Wood Ducks' championship-winning team. Shania was a key player in the outfield and was ready to contribute at every turn.

Edwin Chavez, Jaguars – Jr. Baseball: Jaguars ace Edwin led his team to their first junior division championship appearance this summer, where he took the mound as the starting pitcher in their second-place finish. His reliable play throughout the season garnered him a spot on the Rangers Nike RBI 15U All-Star roster, where he played spectacular offense and first base during the team’s second-place performance at the Southwest Regional Tournament.

Trace Spann, Down East – Sr. Baseball: Trace was nominated for his tremendous resiliency throughout the year. After experiencing the tragic loss of a family member due to illness, Trace continued to give maximum effort on the diamond, showcasing his strong-mindedness while continuing to be a plus teammate, constantly playing with a smile on his face. His impressive on-field performance earned him two All-Star team selections for the Rangers’ Commissioner’s Cup and Nike RBI Southwest Regional teams. Trace also earned MVP honors for his role on the Rangers Nike RBI runner-up team.

Kayla Ortiz, Express – Jr. Softball: This summer, Kayla showcased her desire to develop her game on the softball diamond through her consistent presence at Youth Academy programming and her dedication to the championship-winning Express softball team.

Alyssa Summers, RoughRiders – Sr. Softball: Alyssa re-established herself as one of the Rangers Youth Academy’s top softball players this summer, especially at the plate. Her dominant offensive performance throughout the season earned her an All-Star selection for the Rangers Nike RBI Southwest Regional team.

Amira Forbit tosses ceremonial first pitch

Before the Rangers’ final regular-season Saturday home game on Sept. 23, Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete Amira Forbit threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Globe Life Field.

Forbit, a Choctaw National tribal member, was invited by the Rangers and Choctaw Nation to throw the first pitch in celebration of her Jr. Home Run Derby National Championship win after hitting 24 home runs at T-Mobile Park in Seattle as part of MLB's All-Star Week.

Forbit fired a strike to her pre-game ceremonies batterymate and Rangers third base coach, Tony Beasly, before the Rangers defeated the Seattle Mariners in front of almost 37,000 fans.