When players come to the National Training Complex (NTC) in Cary, N.C., there are always a couple of goals in mind. Perform at the highest ability, compete against the best of the best, and earn yourself an invite to Training Camp.
Those goals are no different for Milton Watkin of the Texas Twelve Red Sox. Traveling to Cary for the first time, Watkin was blown away by the NTC and excited to be here.
“The fields are beautiful, I know a bunch of big leaguers have played here, and it’s an honor to compete on these fields,” said Watkin. “I'm just blessed to be out here and working hard to help my team succeed.”
Texas Twelve Red Sox had an incredible day today, going 2-0 with aggressive offense while outscoring opponents 17-8. Starting the 15U National Team Championships North Carolina off strong is a huge factor when looking to make it into bracket play, and Texas Twelve Red Sox took full advantage today.
“My favorite part was us jumping out on teams, hitting the ball well, and playing great defense as a whole,” stated Watkin.
Watikin warming up pregame in the outfield
Competing in this tournament is no regular stage; playing in front of the 15U National Team coaches and Task Force, looking on, eager to find the top talent. With that in mind, some players may feel some added pressure to perform, while some may embrace the moment.
“I treat it like I’m playing against any other team,” explained Watkin. “Just going out there and having fun while knowing people are watching is an honor and an incredible feeling, and it means a lot.”
Being around the NTC, you never know who may be watching you – the work players put in prepared them for this moment, and it could lead to a spot on the 15U National Team.
Asked what it means to potentially make the 15U National Team and Watkin’s answer was straightforward.
“It would mean a lot to be identified here, because it shows all the work I put in, it would mean a lot to me and my parents,” said Watkin.
For the rest of the tournament, it will take a full team effort in order to have a recipe for success, especially to go on a deep run in bracket play. Texas Twelve Red Sox takes on Canes National tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., looking to end pool play 3-0. With the keys to success in the eyes of Watkin being “stay hot, hitting the ball, pitching, and playing great defense.”
