After two very successful weeks in their debut venture for combines in Nashville, the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series powered by Program 15 Sports wraps up the summer in the Music City with the Underclass Combine for the 2026 and 2027 grad classes.
Originally, these were scheduled as separate events, with the 2027 group set to lead off a four-week long stretch of events, but Mother Nature had other plans, forcing that event to be postponed and ultimately combined with the 2026’s for an even more can’t-miss look at some of the younger players who are working their way towards participating in FSS events, namely the Fresh 50 and Underclass Premier.
It isn’t unprecedented for a player from this group to make the Main Event, however, as Mick Abel — who just started for the National League in the Futures Game — was the youngest player at the inaugural International Week back in 2017, and went on to earn invites to two more before the Philadelphia Phillies took him in the first round three years ago.
With that said, there will certainly be some eyes on RJ Cope (pictured), who was a standout at the Underclass Elite event in Frisco, Texas last year and will surely have scouts flocking to see his scheduled outing for the Columbia Blue team, likely on Tuesday.
In all, this is currently scheduled as an eight-team event, with Monday set for more of a focus on development and athletic testing, while games will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday in addition to gathering Rapsodo data.
Follow this link for the most up to date information on rosters, schedules and pitching rotations, but the game schedule is currently as follows:
Tuesday, July 11
White vs. Columbia Blue, 10 AM
Royal Blue vs. Navy, 10 AM
Green vs. Gray, 12:30 PM
Black vs. Maroon, 12:30 PM
White vs. Royal, 2:45 PM
Columbia Blue vs. Navy, 2:45 PM
Wednesday, July 12
Black vs. Green, 10 AM
Maroon vs. Gray, 10 AM
White vs. Navy, 12:30 PM
Columbia Blue vs. Royal Blue, 12:30 PM
Maroon vs. Green, 2:45 PM
Black vs. Gray, 2:45 PM
As usual, there is a wide array of talent at the event, but especially this time around with two different grad classes being in attendance. While plenty of players are making their first appearance at this level with the FSS, there are also some familiar names, including Owen Beatrice, Cooper Benjamin, Joshua Burkholder, Cruz Cooper, Adam Plascencia, Rowen Smith and many, many others.
- Underclass Premier, Fresh 50 exceed expectations in Hartford - September 16, 2024
- Reports: Romo set to become fifth FSS alum to reach majors - August 16, 2024
- Recap: 2024 Future Stars Series 2027/2028 Grad Class National Tournaments - August 8, 2024
