Representing the United States, the 17U USSSA National Team entered Prague airport in awe. It was a whole new country, a whole new world. The beautiful weather, the amazing scenery, and the cool weather couldnt help but go unnoticed by the players. The trip was about more than playing just baseball, but an opportunity of a lifetime and something that alot of people, let alone kids get the chance to take and what better place to do it then the city of Prague, which is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. After two days of touring Prague, and experiencing as much of Prague as they could, such as the Charles Bridge and the famous Prague Astronomical Clock Tower. The city is filled all around with kiosks, painters, and the immense excitement of everyday life.
Eagles Praha Stadium was the amazing location to where the games would take place. A weird and unusual sight, yet extremely beautiful, the stadium was surrounded by overgrown soccer fields, long country road, and forestry that surround the complex.The stadium featured what they called a locker room but in fact was actually a sports bar. The food that was served at the field came from an on sitge wagon that served traditional Czech sausage and chicken sandwitches.
The USSSA National Team, who was the youngest team at Prague Baseball Week, was the most talented by far. Arriving in Prague with an abundance of arms, skilled hitters, and quality defensive players made the older European National Teams uneasy at the thought of playing this younger amateur team; or so they thought. The fact that USSSA was not in the least bit intimidated made it even tougher for every one of the other teams playing. Throughout the event one thing became clear, USSSA had the most prolific offense, hardest throwers, fastest base runners, and most explosive players.
USSSA finished Prague Baseball Week with a 3-3 record. They defeated the collegiate AIST baseball team, the French National Team, and the Czech Republic 18u National Team. Their losses came by the hands of UCLA, the Czech National Team (older team that participates in the World Baseball Classic), and AIST in what would be the semi-final game. In the end, the lack of experience became too much to overcome against teams that were used to playing along side each other and who were years older.
The buzz around Eagle Praha Stadium wasn’t about the Czech National Team preparing for the World Baseball Classic, or about UCLA having eight year big leaguer Garrett Atkins playing first base, rather it was about the talented USSSA National Team. Players such as Donald DeWees, Bryant Hodge, Wyatt Mathieson, and Matt Ferreira amazed with their sset. From Donald DeWees flying around the baseball field, to Wyatt Mathieson leading the tournament in homeruns, to Hodge and Ferreira lighting up the radar gun, people took notice.
The USSSA National Team consisted of DI signees, top junior college commitments, and a few undecideds. One thing is for sure, wherever these players end up they will be having the same impact as they had at Prague Baseball Week. It was truly a very talented group, but on top of that were quality individuals.
Link to ABR Article on USSSA All-American