FROM NTIS TO NATIONAL TEAM By SEAN ASHER | USA Baseball
When USA Baseball’s National Team Identification Series (NTIS) began back in 2009, it did so with the goal of identifying and maturing the very best baseball talent in the nation. This was no easy task as some of the best baseball talent can often be difficult to discover. Players don’t always have the big platform such as a nationally ranked high school or travel team where they can showcase their talents. NTIS provides this stage for all of its athletes and gives them the opportunity to be recognized. “Our goal with NTIS is to make it possible for kids all over the country to have a chance to be seen, no matter where they’re from,” Senior Director of Baseball Operations Ashley Bratcher said. “If they have the passion for the game and the necessary work ethic to back it up, we want to ensure they get the opportunity to show it.” With 16 regions and six age groups, NTIS has provided more opportunities for young baseball players to be recognized and developed today than ever before. “This experience is different and special for these kids because it’s an opportunity to represent something bigger than your
high school team or your travel team,” continued Bratcher. “They’re playing with players from all over the country who are challenging them to compete at a different level than they have ever competed before.” “Thousands of players have participated in the NTIS and it has certainly made an impact on their lives and playing careers,” continued Bratcher. “I’m proud to have been a part of an initiative that has and will continue to make such a positive impression on our pastime’s future.” As NTIS embarks on its 10th year, it will do so with a track record of identifying hidden talent in all corners of the nation and of paving the pathway for the prospects of tomorrow. The stage has been set for athletes to show what they have. The question is, will you be a part of it?
first time competing against top competition,” said Moniak. “The talent was top tier and being able to go out to North Carolina and take that next step was big.” Moniak was able to use his experience and relationships that he built in his time with NTIS to transition to the 2015 USA Baseball 18U National Team, where he helped the team win a gold medal at the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup in Japan. “I learned a lot from the coaches and being around other guys that had the same goal as me. Watching and learning from them as they tried to reach their goals was big for me,” continued Moniak. Moniak is currently rostered on the Philadelphia Phillies’ Class A Advanced affiliate Clearwater Threshers.
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Mickey Moniak was the Philadelphia Phillies’ first overall pick in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft, but before he was seen by scouts and discussed around the draft table, he was a 14-year-old NTIS participant from Southern California in 2012. “My time with NTIS was huge. I was in 8th grade at the time and it was really my
Alyson Boyer Rode
Phil Ellsworth
Ryan Vilade is another example of a young baseball talent that went through the NTIS process and it ultimately helped him to compete at the next level. The three-time NTIS alumnus from the North Texas region credits his experience at the NTIS as a big contributor to how he got selected to a national team. “My goal growing up was to make a national team and win a gold medal, and I think the NTIS helped me accomplish that goal. It got me seen by scouts and helped me get recognized on a big level,” said Vilade. Vilade certainly accomplished his goal of making a national team. In fact, he was a part of the 2016 18U National Team that won the COPABE Pan Am “AAA” Championships, defeating Cuba in the final. “NTIS was a great experience for me. I got to do it three times and it helped me every time,” continued Vilade. “It gave me exposure to the guys who make decisions about what players go on the national teams and I don’t know if I would have made it on a national team without the NTIS.” Vilade was later drafted in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies. He is currently playing on the Colorado Rockies’ Class A affiliate Asheville Tourists.
Moniak at the 2012 NTIS representing Southern California (L), and the 18U National Team in 2015 (R).
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