Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase Returns to Truist Park
The Atlanta Braves have released the roster for the fifth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase, a two-day event that will be held at Truist Park on Saturday and Sunday. The showcase features 47 of the nation’s top high school players of Native American descent, each selected for their standout performances on the diamond.
Beyond the competition, the event is designed to give participants elite player development and direct exposure to college recruiters and Major League scouts. Activities include a pro-style workout, a Home Run Derby, and a showcase game coached by former Major League players, all aimed at accelerating the athletes’ pathways to the next level.
The athletes represent 32 distinct tribes from 19 states and Canada, underscoring the growing reach of the program and its role in providing a platform for under-represented talent across the country.
Elite Development and Mentorship
The Braves are using TrackMan Baseball technology to track player statistics, offering a data-driven approach that highlights each athlete’s strengths and areas for improvement. Families will also take part in a panel and mentor Q&A, where former players and mentors share insights on navigating the collegiate and professional baseball landscape.
Among the participants is Ian Velasquez, an incoming freshman infielder for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros. Velasquez starred at Giddings High School, where he earned All-State Third Team honors as a shortstop and was named his district’s defensive player of the year.
During his junior season he posted a .343 batting average with a .522 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging percentage, numbers that helped him earn district defensive player of the year honors.
The weekend schedule includes a defensive-focused workout on Saturday, followed by a Home Run Derby that will select four to six players for a special round. On Sunday, the athletes will be divided into two teams for a showcase game coached by former Major League players, giving them a final opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a game setting.
Beyond the on-field action, the showcase emphasizes mentorship and community, with Native American mentors meeting participants in small groups to discuss educational pathways, cultural identity, and the steps needed to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.