Derrick Pitts, a sophomore outfielder for the Cincinnati Bearcats, has received an invitation to the 2026 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp. The honor makes him one of only four Big 12 players and 53 athletes nationwide to earn a spot, and if he ultimately makes the final roster he would become the first Cincinnati player ever to represent the program on the national team.
A Breakout Season
During the 2026 campaign Pitts appeared in 58 games, batting .329 while delivering six home runs, 42 runs batted in, 12 doubles and 49 runs scored. He also contributed 17 stolen bases and four outfield assists, and his highlights earned him two appearances on ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 Plays.
Camp Schedule and International Outlook
The training camp features a series of exhibition games and a Stars versus Stripes matchup that serve as a prelude to the inaugural World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan, scheduled for July 11‑15, 2026. Pitts will join teammates from across the country in a competitive environment designed to prepare players for the international tournament.
Despite the national team opportunity, Pitts has announced his intention to return to Cincinnati for his junior season in 2027, signaling his commitment to the Bearcats while still valuing the experience the camp provides.