Labor Day has, perhaps ironically, turned into something of a weekend off for some.
Not ’round here, partner.
With four signature events set for a two weekend stretch, why not add a bit of a preview to the mix, with the inaugural New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series Labor Day Classic, set for Hartford’s Dunkin’ Park on September 6 and 7. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Six will all field scout teams over the course of what’s set to be a five-game event; the Blue Jays will face both other teams on Sunday, while the Diamondbacks will do the same for the first two games on Monday, followed by a mix of the Jays and D’Backs squads facing off against the Sox to close it out in a tripleheader.
Why should you care?
Great question, loyal reader.
Sure, you get a mix of FSS players headed to those September signature events — the Fresh 50, Underclass Premier, Underclass Elite and Main Event — as well as standouts from up north in the FSS Scout League: Canada. But you’ll also see some new faces, particularly on a Red Sox squad that features some big-school commitments; Paul Barnett and Hunter Finck are both set to attend Alabama, you’ll see Jackson Nicholls and Patrick Bryan before they head to Stanford and Tennessee, respectively, Auburn commit Owen Burnes and many, many more.
You want the FSS staples you’ve followed throughout this summer and others past? Sure. We can do that too. Jax Van Valkenburg and Collin Thomas are both set to appear before serving as captains of their respective Main Event squads in Minnesota, and we’ll get another look at big names like Joseph Rutledge II, Jamie Chipman, Quincy Pratt and Jett Pratt, Luc Turgeon and many, many others who have made their name with the Future Stars Series over the years.
Hartford is the place to be this weekend, so make sure you’re checking that above link for the latest in roster and schedule information, and follow us on the social media channels you see listed below to be among the first to see all the action from what is set to be a jam-packed two days in Connecticut.
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.
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