An already impressive month of September for the New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series powered by Program 15 just got even better.
With International Week, which will now be called the Main Event for the 2021 season and beyond, historically having been held in September — with the notable exception of the inaugural event four years ago that launched it all that took place in August — it’s safe to say that it’s always been a big month for everyone at NBBFSS/P15.
Two big events are being added for the first time for the 2021 season; first, the Underclass Elite will take place from September 17-19 at the brand new Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts, which is the new home for the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate and one of the state-of-the-art minor league facilities in the country. One week later, the FSS staff will shift their focus to historic Roberto Clemente Stadium in Carolina, Puerto Rico when the inaugural Caribbean Classic is held from September 24-26.
The Underclass Elite event will provide an opportunity to take a better look at some of the standout players from this summer’s Underclass Combine that’s set to be held in Lake Charles, Louisiana from August 2-5. Meanwhile, the Caribbean Classic comes on the heels of the very successful World Combine that was held in the Bahamas, and will be another way to branch out and try to help international players “make their name” in the Future Stars Series.
While the original Underclass Combine last year featured loaded rosters that will make a big impact in professional baseball not too far down the road, the NBBFSS/P15’s history with international players dates back to the first International Week event held in Sugar Land, Texas. The World roster at that event featured future MLB Draft picks Yeankarlos Lleras, Jaden and Dasan Brown, Wendell Marrero, Mateo Gil and first-rounder Noah “Bo” Naylor. In addition, Franco Aleman, who pitched at that inaugural event, is among Baseball America’s Top 300 prospects for this upcoming MLB Draft.
Scouts have flocked to these events to get a chance to look at both domestic and international talent, and many teams have been rewarded for their efforts; Evan Sweeting (Padres) and Enger Castellanos (Yankees) are previous FSS event standouts who have earned contracts afterwards, while Kristin Munroe is said to be close to adding his name to that list as well.
“As we move forward with the series, we decided to add these events to the lineup to see the best International Free Agents play and compete in the Caribbean Classic, and the 50 best underclass players play against each other in an event that’s even more selective and high profile than the Underclass Combine,” said NBBFSS/P15 President and CEO Jeremy Booth.
“It’s just a chance to have another competitive experience at an exceptionally high level.”
- 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
