Collin Thomas (pictured) and Jax Van Valkenburg have been named captains of their respective teams for the upcoming New Balance Baseball Future Stars Series Main Event, set for CHS Field on September 18 and Target Field on September 19 and 20.
“Simple as can be, with what looks like the best and most harmonious culture we’ve had, ever,” said CEO Jeremy Booth in a post on X.
“These two embody what it looks like to be talented, balanced, driven, good citizens, and competitive. We go as they go, in 2026…Thank you to @premier_sox and @Sandlot_Tulsa @G_Glad11 for the unwavering partnership and trust. We roll on.”
An Auburn commit, Thomas is a electric, switch-hitting middle infielder with a long history with the FSS, dating back to a Georgia Premier Academy Scout Day in 2023. He’s participated in his grad class’ signature event every year — the Fresh 50 in 2023, Underclass Premier in 2024 and Underclass Elite in 2025 — and is set to complete the career Grand Slam this September. We last saw him this May at another GPA event, where our scouts projected him to have a ceiling as an everyday MLB infielder. Per our scouts, he’s an “above average runner with instincts and IQ that play up the pure foot speed…really good defender who can play all over the field at a 50 or better clip…can stick at SS long tern if he makes physical jumps.”
Van Valkenburg was a captain of one of the Underclass Elite teams at Globe Life Field last season, and is an Arizona State commit who also has a lengthy history with us, one that dates back to a Scout Day with the Sandlot program in 2023.
A versatile player lauded for his gregarious ways, Van Valkenburg is a versatile player who can catch and hold down first base with ease. We last saw Jax when he was a member of the winning American team at the 2026 Caribbean Classic presented by DraftLine where he received future 60 grades from our scouts on approach, raw power and fielding.
“This is the kind of catcher that you want to coach and have a part of your system,” according to our scouts on his most recent report. “Leader on the field with ability and a durable body built to last. I dig this dude. I think he will have a really good college career and then play professional baseball for a long time.”
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.
