Northwest Prospect Showcase Amplifies Youth Baseball Dreams at T-Mobile Park
By Omari Salisbury
Yesterday, T-Mobile Park was abuzz with activity, following the Mariners' decisive 11-4 victory over the Oakland A's, a game in which Cal Raleigh etched his name in MLB history by setting a single-season record for most home runs by a catcher. The post-game excitement transitioned seamlessly into a significant youth baseball showcase, a collaborative effort between Baseball Beyond Borders, Baseball Generations, and the Seattle Mariners.
The event, known as the Northwest Prospect Showcase, aimed to amplify and expand access to baseball for youth in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, with a particular focus on African American, Black, and Brown student-athletes. Bookie Gates, founder of Baseball Beyond Borders, emphasized the importance of this initiative. Gates highlighted that the showcase provided a platform for identified talent, with 40 student-athletes from across the Northwest market, including Portland, Oregon, and Eastern and Western Washington, showcasing their skills in a Pro Day style workout. This included measuring key metrics, an opportunity many participants were experiencing for the first time. The goal, according to Gates, is to "open up the ability for them to dream, to see themselves on a big league field and to showcase the talent that they have in front of scouts."
Bookie Gates - Founder, Baseball Beyond Borders
The collaborative nature of the event was a recurring theme. Gates acknowledged the crucial partnerships with the Seattle Mariners and Baseball Generations, stating, "This work can't be done without the partnerships." Ron Miller, co-founder of Baseball Generations, echoed this sentiment, noting the shared focus of both organizations: "We're trying to give kids from areas that don't get a lot of exposure, some exposure." Baseball Generations, founded in 2017 by Miller, Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford, and Dom Smith, gives back to inner cities and hosts events nationwide for top prospects. Miller expressed the significance for the young participants, many of whom have never had the opportunity to play in a major league stadium or in front of college scouts. He also highlighted the personal connection for Baseball Generations' founders, who grew up in similar inner-city areas in Southern California and understand the needs of these aspiring athletes.
Mariners Manager and Baseball Beyond Borders Board Member, Dan Wilson, was present to show his support to the prospects.
The presence of prominent figures underscored the importance of the showcase. Seattle Mariners Manager Dan Wilson, a strong advocate and board member for Baseball Beyond Borders, was on hand. Wilson emphasized the value of giving players "an opportunity," especially for high school juniors and seniors, to play in a big league stadium and be seen by scouts. He praised the work of both organizations in breaking down barriers to access in baseball, noting that "it's not just about the baseball. It's about creating opportunities for life." Millard Dawson, Associate Head Baseball Coach at Seattle University, was also present, actively scouting for talent. Dawson emphasized the need for exposure for minority student-athletes in a sport where they are often underrepresented. He looks for a variety of skills, including hustle and projection of future ability, recognizing that athletes are at different stages of development. Dawson's presence also highlighted Seattle University's commitment to the community, as the university has hosted the HBCU Classic, an event organized by Bookie Gates and Baseball Beyond Borders in which an HBCU teams travel to Seattle to take on the Red Hawks in a three-game series. The next one is slated for spring 2026.
Millard Dawson - Associate Head Baseball Coach at Seattle University was scouting talent. Beyond just skill he is looking for hustle.
EC Parker, Vice President of the board for Baseball Beyond Borders, articulated the core mission of the organization: "Baseball Beyond Borders is for us, by us in a sense." He stressed that it's about exposing kids of color to the game and filling the gap in representation, which is often lacking in the big leagues. Parker also mentioned the array of opportunities available to the participants, including All-Star Games and the Hank Aaron Invitational, with the testing and metrics gathered at the showcase being crucial for recruitment and scouting.
“110% giving it everything I got because I want to be here." - Quinton Allen-Greggs, a senior from Davis High School in Yakima, Washington
One of the student-athletes, Quinton Allen-Greggs, a senior from Davis High School in Yakima, Washington, shared his experience. A left-handed pitcher and first baseman, Griggs viewed the showcase as "a next step" towards his goal of playing for the home team (Mariners). He expressed his dedication as “110% giving it everything I got because I want to be here." Allen-Greggs also recognized the significance of Baseball Beyond Borders for minorities, stating, "I feel like they kind of overlook us sometimes, but I feel like we got some spark in here and they just got to start paying attention more."
Ultimately, the Northwest Prospect Showcase was more than just a display of athletic talent; it was an undeniable demonstration of community collaboration and a commitment to nurturing dreams. By providing access, exposure, and mentorship, organizations like Baseball Beyond Borders and Baseball Generations are working to ensure a vibrant future for baseball, built on diverse talent and a shared passion for the game. As Bookie Gates put it, the goal is to build a pipeline for student-athletes to "become the next JP Crawford or the next Julio Rodriguez," preserving the cultural legacy of baseball for future generations.
