07/13/2026
Great weekend for the Midwest Prospects (Campa-Watkins) in the Roger Gillispie Ring of Honor Tournament held in Newton, KS with a 2nd place finish. 
The coaching staff of Brian Watkins, Tim Hein, and Hank Walton, shared a summary with me and I wanted to pass it along:
The Roger Gillespie Tournament was about much more than numbers on a stat sheet. It was a glimpse into the growth, effort, and character of this Midwest Prospects 12U team over six games. The team competed hard, finishing with a 4–2 record while scoring 48 runs and demonstrating an aggressive style of play with 29 stolen bases and a .321 team batting average.
What stands out most is how contributions came from throughout the lineup. Jaxson Shantz led the offense with a remarkable .533 batting average, 10 RBIs, and 7 runs scored, consistently delivering in key moments. Sean Lager hit .500 and drove in 8 runs, while Callen Douglas reached base at an outstanding .692 clip and scored 8 runs. Maddox Koehn added another .455 average and 8 RBIs, showing that success was built on teamwork rather than relying on a single player.
The tournament also highlighted grit and resilience. Players battled through tough at-bats, worked counts, and found ways to get on base. Defensively, while there were challenges and learning moments, the team recorded five double plays and many players contributed across multiple positions, reflecting versatility and a willingness to do whatever the team needed.
Perhaps the most meaningful takeaway is that youth baseball tournaments are ultimately about development. The statistics show players gaining confidence, taking extra bases, competing on the mound, and supporting one another. Wins and losses matter, but the memories made between teammates, the excitement of big hits, the pressure-filled innings, and the shared celebration after hard-fought victories are what endure long after the tournament ends.