Jax Van Valkenburg, C/1B
6-0, 210
2025 Signature Event: Underclass Elite
It isn’t so much that Van Valkenburg can do a lot of everything, it’s that he’s willing to. Named a co-captain of the Underclass Elite in part because of his tremendous attitude, the Sandlot product grades out fairly well across the board, providing a somewhat unique profile as a switch-hitting catcher who can also handle the corner spots on the infield well. The trip to Arlington will mark his third straight FSS signature event, having appeared at the Fresh 50 in 2023 and Underclass Premier in 2024.
A nominee for the 2025 NSMA New Jersey Sportswriter of the Year, 43-year-old Mike Ashmore has 24 years experience and nearly 2,000 games covered in professional baseball.
Since 2003, he has covered multiple 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, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, 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, 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.
Since 2003, he has covered multiple 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, 12 Stanley Cup Finals, the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NBA Playoffs, 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, 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.
Latest posts by Mike Ashmore (see all)
- Reported contracts for Pratt, Griffin add to growing list of big-money deals for FSS alums - April 3, 2026
- FSS alum Konnor Griffin called up to majors by Pirates - April 2, 2026
- Eight FSS alums start 2026 season on MLB Opening Day rosters - March 26, 2026
