MLB hopefuls learn from ex-players at Hank Aaron Invitational

The second week of the 2024 Hank Aaron Invitational featured nonstop action from a talented group of players who could be part of the next wave of Major League stars. The careful guidance and extended knowledge of the coaching staff only complemented this action.

Similar to the first week, 120 players, this time from the classes of 2025 and ‘26, spent four days at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., developing their baseball skills and off-the-field knowledge and competing against each other.

For Kameron Street, a pitcher in the class of 2026, it was his first invitational, an honor for any young player hoping to make a name for himself.

“This is my first Hank Aaron Invitational. It was very special,” said Street. “I got to make new relationships with the coaches. … They gave me really good information.”

For some of the athletes, not only is it their first HAI, it’s also their first time taking part in a multiday camp of its size and caliber.

“[As] a first-timer, I didn't know what I was expecting, not being with my family, everything like that. It’s a very special feeling,” said Street. “And for being a first-timer, this is an awesome experience.”

This feeling was echoed by the coaching staff at the invitational, all experienced former players, managers and coaches. Lou Collier, who played in the big leagues for eight seasons from 1997-2004, is one of these seasoned coaches.

Collier was a member of the coaching staff when the event was still known as the Elite Development Invitational.

When the event rebranded to the Hank Aaron Invitational in 2018, Collier stayed on as a coach, and he has been a part of all the events since.

When addressing his feelings on the growth of the invitational, he stated that he felt “like a proud daddy.”

This should come as no surprise, seeing as how many invitational participants have gone on to earn college scholarships and sign pro contracts. These milestones are markers of progress for not just the players but the development system in place at MLB.

“I'm just excited about the talent that continues to come to these programs and excited about the future of this program,” said Collier. “I think baseball is in good hands because the kids are buying in and working really hard.”

That was seconded by other fellow accomplished coaches, like four-time Gold Glove Award winner and two-time All-Star Marquis Grissom, who played for the 1995 World Series champion Braves.

Grissom shared insight about what stood out most with this crop of athletes.

“I think No. 1 would be the talent level,” said Grissom. “I think you go back to year No. 1 and see the kids that continue to come through the program to develop and get better and better each and every year.”

It’s difficult to imagine this level of improvement without the constant work and dedication the entire coaching staff put into the development of these players.

This includes introducing them to what equates to baseball royalty.

“I'm kind of blown away myself by the guys that are invited here,” Grissom said. “Like Larry Davis, Reggie Smith, Ken Griffey Sr., who I get a chance to learn from also being a former player.”

On the final day of the second week, selections are made to invite 44 of the 120 participants to play in the annual Hank Aaron Invitational showcase game hosted at Truist Park, which the Braves call home.

Rookie Shepard, an infielder in the class of 2026 who is attending his third HAI, is one of the invited players.

“It’s truly a blessing to be around these coaches and these players,” said Shepard. “It's a great event. Being in my third year, I've learned so much, and I learn more and more every day.”

Although every player at the invitational hopes to play in the showcase, with the limited spots available, it’s simply not possible.

But the invitational is about more than making it to the showcase game. It’s about development and camaraderie between players from similar backgrounds and walks of life.

“We're all one big family here, and we treat each other like a family on and off the field,” Shepard said. “It's where you want to be.”