This is another one that not only shouldn’t surprise you if you were at the event, but shouldn’t surprise you if you’ve been watching for the last several years.
David Bankston earned Best Hitter honors at the recent New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series Underclass Elite, an annual event spotlighting incoming juniors that was, for the first time ever, held at Dudy Noble Field on the campus of Mississippi State University. Seeing Bankston there or similar big SEC spots would hardly be shocking either; a multi-time signature event standout, our scouts believe he has Eric Davis-type potential in the big leagues as a perennial 30/30 club player, seeing him as an every day MLB 3B/CF/RF-type. In what feels like a pretty loaded FSS system of late, Bankston is one of our best, and there’s little to not like here.
Scouts would like to see him continue to put in the work to refine his arm action to give himself more of a chance to stay at third base and stay flexible as he continues to add muscle to a frame that continues to allow him to show his plus athleticism wherever he’s at on the diamond.
About New Balance Future Stars Series
New Balance Future Stars Series is a global platform for amateur baseball development and scouting, powered by a commitment to impact, integrity, and player-focused innovation. Its alumni can be found throughout professional baseball, and its events and partnerships have reshaped how talent is identified, nurtured, and celebrated.
Connect with New Balance Future Stars Series by visiting our website, www.futurestarsseries.com, by visiting our YouTube page, and by checking out the social media channels listed below.
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Since 2003, he has six World Series and has worked high-profile events ranging from the MLB All-Star Game to the World Baseball Classic. In addition to his role working for the Future Stars Series that he's held since 2017, Ashmore currently serves as the beat writer of the Double-A New York Yankees affiliate, the Somerset Patriots, as well as national hockey writer and New York Jets game day beat reporter for The Trentonian.
A regular contributor to Baseball America, Ashmore has worked eight Super Bowls, 13 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, the NCAA D1 Men's Basketball Tournament, College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Frozen Four, Daytona 500, major UFC events and much more as he approaches 3,300 games covered in his career.
An avid trading card enthusiast and motorsports fan, he lives with his wife, Sarah, their son, future No. 1 overall draft pick in 2042, William, their beloved dog, Bailey, and occasionally well-behaved cat, Smokey.
- 2026 Underclass Premier Award Winners: Justin Monterosso, Best Pitcher - November 9, 2026
- Five Names To Know: JUCO Regional Seminole (Oklahoma) - October 31, 2026
- 2026 Underclass Elite Award Winners: Juaquin Ochs, Best Pitcher - October 30, 2026
