The 13U season should be a interesting year for sure. The end of year 12U rankings added teams that have never been heard of played against seen and they jump into the top 10.
Here are some rumors from the 13U player market and team
Changes.
The number 1 Olney Pirates have either cut or had 4 players leave since the start of last year. We saw what happened to another team that was top 5 in the state and lost 4 kids in a year, they dropped from a winning team to a loosing team over night. Hope this isn’t the case for the Pirates but they definitely lost to teams they normally don’t last season (tide lakeshore), but with Tommy Rey at the helm I’m sure this team will be just fine with one of the best head coaches in the state at the helm.
Gambrills- Seems like this is the team that so many hate, for one reason or another but the bottom line is they win. Looks like this team to be the same team as last year with the loss of 1 kid and the addition of API’s number 1 player (pitcher and hitter), and rumor has it they added kid that played for lakeshores B team who’s throwing upper 70’s. They have by far two of the biggest power bats in the state at this age group. With the addition of Dominic from API this line up is scary. They also have the same returning pitching staff and adding another flame thrower makes this teams pitching crazy. Only thing is they only present one lefty arm on the mound, but he may be one of the best pitchers in the state, when he’s on he throws low mid 70s and has some of the most devastating off speed we saw this year. Interesting playing against them last year because if the top was off the bottom of the lineup hurt you. Oh and Juan is still with them, some love him some hate him But he has a great knowledge of the game. And yes they recruit but it’s getting to the age this will happen more and more. If your upset is it really because they recruit or is it your son wasn’t recruited.
RBA- Word is Brian has went out and found another big country strong kid from Pennsylvania. Rumor mill is the kid hits the ball over 370 feet. The team that Brian has buttembled over the years is just a very well coached clean playing team that pitches hits and plays great defense. Was disappointed I didn’t get to see them play last year but that’s how the cookie crumbles. Only tough thing you won’t find em on gamechanger.
Delmarva Aces East- 26-4 on the year. Key win against RBA( 11-10 lost to rba 14-5), splitting on the year. They got spanked by edgemere elite every time. Haven’t played this team in 2 years but may have one of the best outfielders in the state in Osiah. Can’t comment to much but looking at their schedule didn’t have the toughest schedule of the year but 26-4 is still impressive. They have the speed and power to adapt to the big field.
Calvert Tide- This team may be a smaller built team, but the bottom line they have one of the best pitching coaches in the age group, Chris runs a great team who can compete with anyone. They haven’t changed as a team over the years and that may be on of the reasons they are always able to compete. Will size be an issue for them jumping to the big field especially when tournaments have drop 5 only.
Mid Atlantic Shockers Gaylor- bottom line they should be ranked higher. Can’t see their record as Mike didn’t put them on gamechanger this year but they have been a power house in the state since 10U. They have some flame throwers and power hitters and will have no issue adapting to the big field. Hope to see them travel north and west this year but understand why they don’t when they have new competition every week at SATB.
Hickory Black- Team has imploded and half went to US ELite, who recruited 18 player roster. They had one of the best catchers in the state. Upset Gambrills in a close game. Bottom line team is ranked to high, 1 big win doesn’t jump you into the top 10.
Elkridge Hurricanes- hard to see them in the top ten only playing 7 games last year. Have one of the best lefty pitchers in the state in Harrison, who can also rake. Last year picked up good pitcher and bat in White who left middle of the season, but 4th team in 3 years. Looks like they added new bat to the lineup this year that in last years has raked against sons team when he was with Lakeshore. Don’t know what to expect from this team.
All Star Baseball Academy- Who the hell is this?
Mid Atlantic Redsox - the loss of Justin Maxwell at the helm.... what will this do to this team??? Though this team had high expectations going into this year adding a big arm that played up the year before, the team had a tough season at 21-18, but did travel a ton so probably saw some good competition. Don’t know what’s in store for 13U, didn’t play em last year.
Lakeshore- 49-19 at 11U to 9-9-1 at 12u. Probably the biggest fall off in the state. Lost numerous kids from 11-12u and clearly this hurt them dramatically. This team was the one team that you never wanted to see on your draw. Did finish the season with big tournament championship beating Olney and Stars 11U team that’s ranked top 3 in the country. Threw a no hitter against Maryland Baseball Club this week but gave up 7 runs. Pitching And defense may be an issue for them.
The outlook for 13U baseball in Maryland is bright with some really good teams and players. If smaller teams can find tournaments with no bat restrictions they may be ok, but limiting walks, above average outfield play, and willing to play small ball will be important this year. As stated above next year is when baseball really takes the change with BBCOR. Coaches need to get their players swinging drop 5s as much as possible to get ready for the drop 3. If you find the drop 10 tournaments your not helping the kids in the long run. Yea they may get more hits this year but watch them struggle next.
Bottom line next year more kids will move around as showcase teams are now in Maryland with US Elite, Dirtbags, 5 Star, and teams that have a mix of 2025 and 2026 players will be floundering to pick up enough kids to start the season as 2025ers are in high school.
Wishing everyone a healthy and good season.
Elite
