NHSI Quickly Builds Rich History

USA Baseball’s National High School Invitational, now in its sixth year, has become the top high school regular-season event in the country. This year’s event features 16 of the country’s top teams, populated with 11 members of Baseball America’s Top 100 High School Prospects.

- Hudson Belinsky

Records and rankings are through games of March 19.

American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla.

2017 RECORD RANKING: 8-3 (NR).

PROMINENT BASEBALL ALUMNI: Shaun Anderson, rhp (Red Sox); Zack Collins, c (White Sox); Eric Hosmer, 1b (Royals); Deven Marrero, ss, (Red Sox)

In American Heritage’s only previous trip to the NHSI, the Patriots made it to the semifinals. Led by head coach Bruce Aven, Heritage has one of the most talented offenses in the country this season. Senior shortstop Mark Vientos was a first team All-American, thanks largely to his explosive bat speed and power potential. Junior Triston Casas starred for the 18U national team last summer; he has arguably the best power of any prep player in the country. On the mound, senior right hander Christian Santana (a Florida International signee), Barry (Fla.) commit Israel Cordero and junior left hander Bailey Mantilla lead the way.

Archbishop McCarthy HS, SW Ranches, Fla.

2017 RECORD RANKING: 10-0 (1).

PROMINENT BASEBALL ALUMNI: Alex Avila, c (Tigers); Nick Castellanos, 3b (Tigers); Nick Travieso, rhp (Reds)