Jack Leiter surprises 12U team with new baseball gear
- Jack Leiter gifts new baseball equipment to Youth Academy 12U baseball team
- Jennie Finch Classic and Commissioner’s Cup rosters announced ahead of their trip to Philadelphia
- Amarianna Hill is one of four recipients for the 2026 Jennie Finch Empowerment Award
Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter partnered with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation to surprise the Youth Academy’s 12U baseball team with cleats, batting gloves, sunglasses, his 2026 City Connect bobblehead and Rangers-themed gift bags on June 20, 2026.
The youth baseball team arrived at Globe Life Field expecting to watch a Texas Rangers game but was escorted to a locker room decorated with name plates and their jerseys, where Leiter surprised them with their new gear. He autographed baseballs and bobbleheads for all of the young athletes in attendance.
The Youth Academy team utilized their new gear during the A-Rod Invitational in Mansfield from June 25-28. The team advanced to the tournaments semi-finals. In the boys first outing as a team, umpires and opposing coaches complimented the group’s discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
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Amarianna Hill receives 2026 Jennie Finch Empowerment Award presented by ARM & HAMMER
- What is it: The Jennie Finch Empowerment Award presented by ARM & HAMMER annually recognizes four young female athletes who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills on and off the field. Inspired by the Olympic Gold medalist and MLB Youth Softball Ambassador Jennie Finch, the award provides each of the athletes with a $10,000 college scholarship and a trip to the World Series.
- Who it is: Amarianna Hill, a North Forney High School sophomore, recently participated in the Elite Development Invitational, a USA Softball pipeline program, where she demonstrated her skills. Hill is the second Rangers Youth Academy athlete to receive this award, joining Anita Gonzalez, who earned this award in 2023.
Rosters for Commissioner’s Cup and Jennie Finch Classic announced
- What is it: The Commissioner’s Cup and Jennie Finch Classic are elite 17U tournaments that are held during MLB All-Star Week. The tournaments feature baseball and softball athletes from MLB Youth Academies and Nike RBI Programs from across the country. The tournaments run from July 11-13 in Philadelphia.
- Who it is: The athletes representing the Academy are:
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 Bucker International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register here for all Youth Academy classes.