The Texas Rangers Youth Academy 18U Scout Team last weekend claimed a decisive victory in the inaugural Bob Gibson Juneteenth Baseball Tournament in Omaha, Neb.
Under the guidance of Ruby Butler, the Academy’s Manager of Baseball & Softball Operations, the Rangers posted an undefeated record over the course of the five-day event, which ran from June 18-22.
The Rangers belted a tournament-high 22 home runs, including a team-best five long balls by Savannah, Texas, native and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff commit, Aaron Grant. Edwin Chavez, a recent graduate of Sunset High School in Dallas, led the squad with 17 RBIs and connected on three homers of his own.
As part of the experience, the group of Academy athletes were also treated to a visit of Charles Schwab Field Omaha, where they had the opportunity to take in the 2025 Men’s College World Series.
“This weekend in Nebraska was unforgettable,” said Butler. “Not only did our team come together to perform extremely well against high-level competition, but we also got a chance to witness the game being played at an even higher level. It was an incredible experience for both myself and our athletes.”
QUICK HITTER
UMPS CARE Charities hosts meet-and-greet with Academy athletes and MLB umpires at Globe Life Field
- What it is: Through the efforts of the UMPS CARE Charities Leadership Program, a group of athletes from the Texas Rangers Youth Academy had the opportunity to meet with Major League umpires Andy Fletcher, Gabe Morales and Willie Traynor prior to the Rangers game at Globe Life Field on Thursday, June 19.
- The right call: The UMPS CARE Charities Leadership Program not only grants opportunities for young people to learn the foundations of umpiring, rules, skill and mechanics, but also valuable life lessons such as goal-setting, financial literacy and situation-handling.
- Go deeper: UMPS CARE Charities was founded in 2006 through the compassion of MLB umpires and their families. Through these youth-based programs, professional umpires enrich the lives of at-risk youth, children coping with serious illness and military families by providing memorable, once-in-a-lifetime baseball experiences.
SNAPSHOTS
Shawn Armstrong visits Youth Academy during Lockheed Martin’s Angles in the Outfield STEM Camp
Education & Buckner International Programming
The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Bucker International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register here for all Youth Academy classes.