BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Some of the most talented high school baseball players in the country are in Birmingham this week for a competitive national event.
The 2024 Perfect Game 17 and Under National Elite Championship is the most prestigious event to take place out at Rickwood Field since the MLB game on June 20.
On Wednesday, CBS 42 talked to players who were thrilled to be playing at Rickwood Field where so much baseball history has taken place.
“You walk into every baseball stadium, you expect an average baseball field but then you see all these historic figures that have played here in the past and it’s just really cool,” Florida Dodgers Scout Team player Noah Prudencio said.
Coach Judson Belote with the Memphis Tigers describes the Perfect Game tournament as the meet-up where dreams are made.
“They’re basically trying to get into a college program that they can enter into and try to play immediately so they have some success in college," Belote said.
Participating in an elite tournament helps young players get noticed by scouting agents.
“You’re going to see a lot of kids who go on to D1 baseball. These are the guys who are going to Auburn and Alabama and Vanderbilt," Gerald Watkins, Chairman of the Board for the Friends of Rickwood Field, said. "We’ve had scouts here from Columbia and Ivy League schools, so these are really high-quality baseball players."
For some of these players, this is their first time learning about the history of the ballpark.
“At the like front of the stadium there’s a little photo of Satchel Page," Prudencio said. "He’s a good pitcher, and of course, Jackie Robinson played here and he’s just an amazing guy."
The five-day tournament wraps up on Thursday, with more Perfect Game tournament action to come later this month. On Monday, Watkins said baseball players from Australia will arrive at Rickwood Field to play.