MEDIA ADVISORY – July 21, 2023
WEEK TWO OF THE “HANK AARON INVITATIONAL” AT THE JACKIE ROBINSON TRAINING COMPLEX TO FEATURE 120+ PREP PLAYERS, AGES 16-18
Diverse Gathering of Athletes from More than 20 States Will Receive Special Development Experience in Vero Beach, Fla. 44 Participants from Week Two Will Be Selected to Participate in The Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Week Two of the Hank Aaron Invitational, operated by Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), welcomes over 120 amateur youth baseball athletes – from diverse backgrounds and hailing from 20 states – to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, in Vero Beach, Fla. The second week of the diversity-focused amateur development camp begins on Monday, July 24th continuing until Friday, July 28th, and will provide training and instruction from former Major League Players, coaches and baseball executives. The week also will include special guest presentations. Attached is the roster for Week Two.
The Hank Aaron Invitational is supported by USA Baseball and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, a joint initiative by MLB and MLBPA to support efforts that focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and internationally.
Following Week Two of the Hank Aaron Invitational, 44 youth baseball athletes from Week Two will be selected to take part in the “Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game,” hosted at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, which aims to honor Hank Aaron’s legacy and impact on Major League Baseball. The student-athletes also will participate in a cultural experience including a visit to the MLK Center in Atlanta.
Schedule of special appearances in Vero Beach include:
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July 24th – Former Southern University Head Baseball Coach & College Baseball Hall of Famer, Roger Cador
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July 25th – MLBPA Executive Director, Tony Clark & MLBPA Special Advisor, Dave Winfield; Professional Scout with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ricky Bennett
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July 27th – Licensed Clinical & Sports Psychologist, Dr. Kensa Gunter
Former MLB & Minor League Player, Coaches & Managers as On-Field HAI Coaches (scheduled to appear; in alphabetical order)
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Willie Banks
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Jake Beiting
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Ro Coleman
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Lou Collier
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Mike Davis
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Courtney Duncan
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Marvin Freeman
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Ken Hill
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David Gallagher
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Tom Gregorio
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Ken Griffey, Sr.
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Antonio Grissom
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Marquis Grissom
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Chris Gwynn
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Trenidad Hubbard
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Brian Hunter
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Charles Johnson
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Howie Kendrick
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Stan Kyles
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Pat Mahomes
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Jerry Manuel
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Carlos Muñoz
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Darren Oliver
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Bo Porter
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Jeff Reboulet
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Mike Scioscia
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Reggie Smith
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Junior Spivey
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Allen Thomas
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Michael Tucker
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Tye Waller
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Lenny Webster
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Jemile Weeks
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Reggie Williams
**Collectively, 19 All-Star appearances; 12 World Series titles**
Additional Baseball Executives (scheduled to appear during week two)
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Tony Reagins, MLB Chief Baseball Development Officer
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Jean Lee Batrus, Executive Director of the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation
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Reggie Waller, MLBPA Player Development Consultant
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Del Matthews, MLB Vice President of Baseball Development
WHERE: Jackie Robinson Training Complex, 3901 26th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
