Each year, the opening ceremonies of the All-Star Commissioner’s Cup and Jennie Finch Classic begin with a traditional roll call. Baseball and softball teams competing in the tournaments stand up one-by-one, tipping their hats as they receive a round of applause.
“For these young athletes to be able to have this opportunity to be a part of All-Star Week, to be able to see the fruit of their labor and know that people see , they’re watching ,” Finch said. “Major League Baseball is investing in and future and they care, so this is a life-changing moment for them that they’ll never forget, and hopefully it continues to push them. It’s a lot of sacrifices. These kids have given a lot to be here, to be able to accomplish what they have.
McLin said the biggest life lesson he has learned over the past few months that he has been involved with the academy goes beyond the baseball field.“Play hard, play fun and remember it’s just a game,” McLin said. “Remember that I’m just a kid and to just be in the moment.”