Seth Olczak and Shayne “SJ” Box Jr., both 16‑year‑old standouts from West Hartford, have earned spots on the 2026 Team USA roster for the Latin America Baseball Classic, a tournament that brings together the continent’s most promising youth talent.
The duo first met on the diamond at age three, quickly becoming teammates on a championship West Hartford Youth Baseball squad that captured titles from ages ten through twelve.
This summer they have intensified their training, with Olczak focusing on his pitching arsenal while Box Jr. honed his outfield instincts, a complementary skill set that coaches say gives the team a strategic edge.
A tournament of historic proportions
From August 9 to 15 they will travel to the Dominican Republic, where they will join roughly 30 other American prospects in a competition that organizers label the world’s largest international youth baseball event.
Their families, former coach Kyle Jeter, and the local community have rallied behind the pair, praising the discipline and camaraderie that have defined their journey.
Looking ahead
With confidence bolstered by months of joint work, the young athletes say they are ready to bring a championship home, a prospect that would cap a decade‑long friendship with a crowning achievement.