I mean, you can’t possibly be surprised that it was Hendrix Pope winning this, right? The big six-foot-three, 235-pound corner infielder made New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series history with his homer at Dudy Noble Field early in the going at the annual Underclass Premier, becoming the first-ever player to accomplish the feat in the event.
Better yet? It was a grand slam.
Pope has made significant strides since we first saw him at our 2024 Underclass Combine, staying on top of an already extra-large frame to give himself the best chance to succeed. The power is obviously very, very real and is the carrying tool here for the Texas native, who was making his second consecutive signature event appearance after breaking onto the scene at last year’s Fresh 50. Our scouts say Pope “is a young Ryan Howard,” and the future remains bright if he continues trending in the right direction.
Manalapan, NJ native Justin Monterosso earned Best Pitcher honors, while Caleb Allen was named Underclass Premier MVP.
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.
X: @ftrstarsseries Instagram: @futurestarsseries
Facebook: New Balance Future Stars Series
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.
- Data Darlings: 2026 Main Event, Pitchers - October 14, 2026
- 2026 Main Event Award Winners: Dominic Giammeta III, Co-Best Pitcher - October 9, 2026
- Data Darlings: 2026 Main Event, Hitters - October 8, 2026
