Rancho Santa Fe’s MJ Sweeney to play in 2016 Ripken Futures Game Powered By Under Armour Roster
Ripken Baseball recently announced the selection of MJ Sweeney, son of five-time MLB All Star Mike Sweeney, to its roster for the 2016 Ripken Futures Game Powered By Under Armour. The game will be hosted at The Ripken Experience Aberdeen Powered By Under Armour on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. EST. Fans can watch the game live on MLB.com.
Sweeney, a Rancho Santa Fe Little League player, “showcases soft hands at first base and great footwork. He displays great maturity and versatility at the plate, and he can also hit for power and average,” according to a press release.
“Sweeney has raw talent, and we’re really looking forward to him showcasing that this year,” said John Bramlette, executive vice president of amateur baseball, Ripken Baseball. “It’s clear that he’s a natural; it’s in his blood as the son of an All Star. He will prove a great addition to Team Passion.
“We selected Sweeney based on more than just skill,” said Bramlette. “We looked at their behavior on and off of the field, including their sportsmanship and how they carry themselves as a teammate. We felt it was important the players embodied ‘The Ripken Way’ values of ‘Perseverance, Integrity, Community, Passion, Character, Teamwork, Fun, Family and Commitment.’”
The roster features 24 of the nation’s top 12-year-old youth baseball talents who will be split into Team Passion and Team Commitment for the match-up. Team Passion, managed by two-time World Series Champion and 1990 NL Rookie of the Year David Justice, will play host to Team Commitment, under the guidance of four-time All Star and three-time NL saves leader John Franco. The Ripken Futures Game Powered By Under Armour will be played on Cal, Sr.’s Yard, a two-thirds replica of Camden Yards, and followed by the World Championship game of the 2016 Cal Ripken World Series.
The roster was selected by a committee that includes personnel from Ripken Baseball and USA Baseball.
The game will be broadcast live on MLB.com, which will include live commentary from MLB veteran and
Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster Bill Ripken, on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.RipkenBaseball.com.