Academy athletes Maddox Johnson, Liliana Martinez, Gianna Orozco and Blair Walker announce commitments to collegiate programs
- Four additional Youth Academy athletes announce commitments to collegiate programs
- Rangers center fielder Evan Carter speaks at Frost Bank’s Money Smarts Reality Fair
- Vincent Hood recognized at World Series Game 2 as Rangers Youth Academy Athlete of the Year
This month, four Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes announced their commitments to continue their baseball and softball careers at the collegiate level. Maddox Johnson, Liliana Martinez, Gianna Orozco and Blair Walker are among the first class of 2027 Youth Academy athletes to announce the next step in their athletic journeys.
Maddox Johnson, a senior at Wylie High School, committed to the baseball program at NJCAA-level Yakima Valley College. Johnson, an infielder, competed for the Youth Academy in the Breakthrough Series Invitational, Commissioner’s Cup and Negro Leagues Museum Invitational. He was part of a Commissioner’s Cup championship-winning team and participated in the MLB ID Tour and RBI Regionals.
Skyline High School of Health Professions student and Rangers Youth Academy athlete Liliana Martinez committed to continue her softball career at NJCAA-level John Wood Community College. Martinez, an outfielder, has competed in MLB’s Elite Development Invitational, multiple Jennie Finch Classics and RBI Regionals.
Gianna Orozco, a softball player at South Grand Prairie High School, committed to continue her softball career at NAIA-level Ottawa University. Orozco, a catcher and infielder, competed in the Cat Osterman Tournament in 2023, multiple RBI Regionals and the past four Jennie Finch Classics.
Grace Preparatory Academy student and Rangers Youth Academy athlete Blair Walker committed to continue his baseball career at Westmont College’s DII program. Walker, a right-handed pitcher and infielder, competed on Youth Academy's Breakthrough Series Invitational team. He began attending Rangers Youth Academy programming in 2025.
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Rangers center fielder Evan Carter joins students at Frost Bank Money Smarts Reality Fair
Rangers Youth Academy Athlete of the Year recognized at World Series
Vincent Hood (center), the Texas Rangers Youth Academy Athlete of the Year, was recognized on the field ahead of Game 2 of the World Series at American Family Field.
Education & Buckner International programming
The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Buckner International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register here for all Youth Academy classes.