Florida Pokers Shine in National Championship: Key Wins and Standouts!

Hoover, Alabama, USA - The summer has brought excitement to the world of youth baseball in Florida, as the Original Florida Pokers recently showcased their skills at the Perfect Game Elite National Championship in Hoover, Alabama. This annual event draws top talent from across the nation, and the Pokers put on quite a display as they took on formidable opponents.

Among the highlights, the 2026 team managed to secure a commendable victory against 5 Star Southeast, finishing with a strong score of 7-2. Reggie Rodriguez was a key player, driving in an impressive four runs during the game, while Reid Dadic and Cade Raley added two and one RBIs, respectively. On the mound, Julian Diaz and Blake Sundberg didn’t disappoint either, combining for seven strikeouts over five innings, with Diaz pitching three innings without allowing a run or a hit, despite walking four batters.

Ups and Downs

However, not all was smooth sailing for the 2026 crew. They faced a tough start, losing their opening match 4-1, although Nico Sabatino managed to contribute an RBI. Further challenges followed, including losses to St. Lucy Legacy and Canes Southwest, but Rodriguez provided a silver lining in the final game with a three-run homer.

The excitement didn’t end there. The 2027 team enjoyed remarkable success, winning four games overall. One of the most thrilling moments came with a walk-off victory against USA Prime Coastal, where Jackson Taylor drove in Brody Gargiulo to seal a dramatic 6-5 win. They also pulled off a comeback win from a five-run deficit, ending that nail-biter at 9-6. Dominating in pitching and hitting, they secured a close 1-0 win against Marucci Elite Texas, where Taylor drove in the only run, while a duo of Sage Bennett and Landon Combs combined for a shutout.

Younger Stars Shine

The future looks bright as the 2028 team also demonstrated their prowess, winning two matches. Their hard-fought 4-3 victory against Farm System Prospects featured Nelson Velasquez hitting a two-run double for the win. In another exciting clash, they steamrolled to a 9-1 victory against the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox, with Dom Burns and Tyler Stertzbach each contributing three RBIs. Stertzbach also showcased his pitching talent, throwing a complete game while allowing only one earned run.

As we watch these young athletes grow and compete, it’s clear that the Original Florida Pokers are nurturing talent that goes beyond the field. The organization’s commitment to player development is evident, as seen in the impressive list of players advancing to prominent colleges and universities. Chris Davila, Anthony Perritano, and Adonys Velez are just a few of the athletes making their marks by signing with notable programs such as the University of Florida and Florida State University. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication showcased by the Pokers, both on and off the field. For more on player commitments, check out the Florida Pokers‘ official page at Florida Pokers Baseball.

The journey of these young players isn’t just about baseball; it’s about growth, teamwork, and carving out paths for their futures. As they step onto the diamond, they bring not only skill but also dreams that are ever so close to coming true. It’s this blend of competition and character that makes local baseball communities, like the Pokers, truly inspiring.

As we await the next chapters in their journeys, keep an eye on these players, for they are not just great athletes today; they are making strides toward a bright tomorrow in baseball. And who knows, one of them might be the next big name in the sport.