Academy Notebook: Youth Academy to visit Kansas City; Chris Marcellus commits to Grambling State; Whataburger Rising Star Joseph Jones

Texas Rangers Youth Academy travels to KC

This weekend, 15 Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes will embark on an unforgettable trip to Kansas City. An itinerary full of baseball and history, the boys will visit the Negro Leagues Museum and play a couple of games along the way.

With help from Comerica Bank and a donation from Ian and Allison Kennedy, former Texas Rangers, the kids will officially begin their journey to Kansas City, Missouri, early on Friday, Sept. 3. The first stop on the trip is a visit to the historic Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

“[This trip] gives the kids the opportunity to experience a visit to the Negro Leagues Museum, which is the highlight and cornerstone of the trip,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “It's not a coincidence that we selected an all Black team. We wanted to give these kids an opportunity to see a big piece of baseball history which is located right next to the Kansas City Youth Academy.

“It's important for players to see that side of the game, and it's a part of the game that doesn't necessarily get talked about much. For these players, getting a chance to see that should be pretty special and an overall experience to bond with their peers.”

After taking a detailed tour, the group will enjoy dinner at the museum, surrounded by history.

The following morning, the Rangers will face the Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy in a friendly doubleheader. The roster consists of a mix of longtime Academy athletes, some who have experience playing on All-Star teams and some who will be making their traveling team debut.

After the games, the teams will enjoy lunch with one another. Later that evening, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy players will watch the Kansas City Royals play the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.

A few players who will be traveling this weekend expressed their excitement for the trip. “I’m looking to gain more knowledge about the Negro Leagues Museum and play against some new faces,” said Ian Williams.

Ty Moore, another athlete making the trip, said, “Traveling with friends is always fun, and it will be good to get some experience, learn about the players across the country and see how I stack up against everybody else.”

“I’ve heard from friends that the [Kansas City Urban Youth Academy] facility is pretty cool, so I’m looking forward to seeing that,” said Christian Boykins.

By the end of the weekend, these kids will have an experience they will never forget. An opportunity to explore the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, playing at the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, and watching the White Sox and Royals, all alongside some of their best friends.

Chris Marcellus commits to Grambling State University

Texas Rangers Youth Academy catcher Chris Marcellus has committed to attend Grambling State University in 2022.

“Last year, the Academy had its first D1 Softball commit (Erin Ledesma, Southern University), and this year Chris will become our first D1 baseball commit,” said Juan Leonel Gárciga, Director of Youth Baseball & Academy Programs. “Coincidentally, both players will attend a Louisiana HBCU.”

Marcellus locked in his offer to play collegiate baseball just a few weeks ago, after a stellar year at MLB Develops events and his role as a standout player during the RBI Regional Tournament.

In early June, Marcellus first popped up on the Grambling State recruiter’s radar at a showcase in Dallas, later reuniting at an MLB Develops event where he had another impressive performance. Shortly after, Marcellus was invited to Grambling, La., to participate in drills and scrimmages for the coaching staff. Once the offer was on the table, Chris had no doubt Grambling State was where he needed to be.

“They really made me feel at home, the coaches, and their recruiter,” said Marcellus.

“When I first met Chris, he was the younger brother of one of our top academy athletes, Josh Marcellus,” said Gárciga. “Chris quickly made a name for himself and showed that he was special not just defensively, but at the plate as well.”

Over the years, his progress at the Rangers Youth Academy has made him one of the best athletes the facility has seen.

“I don’t think there is a limit on where the game can take Chris. The combination of talent, work ethic and attitude is what any coach would want, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an opportunity to play beyond college one day,” added Gárciga.

Not only does he prioritize his game on the field, but he has made a point to develop into a Major League citizen as well, which is a focal point at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy.

When making his decision to commit to Grambling State University, the level of competition wasn’t the only factor he was considering. “I think playing at Grambling will build [my baseball skills], but I also think it will make me a better person overall,” he said. “The focus is to make us better. They really try to preach making us better fathers, better husbands, better workers.”

Chris will finish his senior year at Sachse High School and continue to work at the Academy while he waits to start at Grambling State.

Whataburger Rising Star Joseph Jones

Every year the Texas Rangers Youth Academy partners with Whataburger for the Whataburger Rising Stars Program, highlighting exceptional moments from the Rangers RBI season. This summer, eight athletes were recognized for sportsmanship, on-field performance, academic excellence and displays of perseverance and dedication.

Joseph Jones, a Duncanville High School student, was named a 2021 Whataburger Rising Star for his performance as a member of the Rangers RBI Seahawks. Jones’ coaches nominated him for the award for his “Display of great leadership in the dugout and the energy and enthusiasm needed to become integrated into a new team.”

In his third year at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, Jones joined the Seahawks for the first time this summer. While being the new kid can sometimes be difficult, that was not the case for Jones, who fit right in and said his favorite part of the season was playing with his new teammates.

“I am glad to have the opportunity to be a Whataburger Rising Star and represent the Rangers Youth Academy,” he said. “On the field, I give it my all and play hard. It’s important to me to have high standards and get better for my teammates.”

Jones was presented with his award in early July and expressed his gratitude saying, “Thank you to the Rangers Youth Academy staff for giving me this opportunity and giving us the chance to be well-rounded and better young men.”

The full list of winners includes Rafael Carbajal, Giovanca Frias, Angelyna Grisham, Joseph Jones, Christian Lopez, Hannah Pacheco, Josue Pina, Briana Rodriguez and William Terry.