Phillies honor Youth Academy seniors with college signing night
Eleven players from the Phillies’ RBI and Urban Youth Academy programs will play baseball at the collegiate level next year.
Three summers ago, high-school aged members of the Phillies Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program were battling at the pinnacle of their league.
When they stepped off the bus at the RBI World Series in Minnesota, a few players were in awe of the talent from other teams. But soon after, they proved they belonged at that stage, fighting their way to a nationally-televised championship game against the Tampa Bay Rays’ team in Minneapolis.
Phillies Urban Youth Academy players also competed in the Commissioner’s Cup, finding success in tournaments held at All-Star Weekend in Washington in 2018 and in Cleveland in 2019. Through all of their events, these players experienced Major League intensity in MLB cities while even being showcased on MLB Network.
Fast forward to present day and members of those memorable team joined together once again under the bright lights of an MLB stadium. At Citizens Bank Park, these Philly-area players sat in the right field plaza at The Yard to celebrate their collective achievements, earned by hard work both on and off the baseball diamond.
Eleven seniors from the Phillies’ RBI and Urban Youth Academy earned scholarships to play baseball at the collegiate level. On Thursday, the Phillies honored them with a signing day ceremony, joined by their friends, family and coaches.
“This is what it’s all about,” Phillies Amateur Scouting Administration Director Rob Holiday said. “We want to give them an opportunity to get to college and to play baseball and softball in college and I’m really proud that there were 11 baseball players this year. It’s extremely rewarding.”
The following players from the program will play baseball in college:
Mark Aaronson: Pitcher, University of Rochester
Jonathan Bautista: Pitcher, University of Pittsburgh
Richard Beggy: Shortstop/Outfield, New York University
Jakob Cantor: Middle Infield, Ursinus College
Nathan Evans: Pitcher/Outfielder, Penn State Greater Allegheny
Christopher Griggs: Catcher, Clarkson University
Devon Koger: Outfield, Rowan College
Nasir Jackson: Center Field, Penn State Brandywine
Rob Lucas: Pitcher/First Base/Outfield, Rosemont College
Karim Mullen: First Base/Third Base/Pitcher, Neumann University
Cameron Simms: Catcher, Neumann University
This group achieved a lot together in a lifetime dedication to baseball. Those memories are still fresh and have created bonds that will last beyond high school and college.
“I played with these guys since I was nine or 10 years old,” Aaronson said. “They’re like my brothers. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”
“It’s real cool to see the guys you started playing with get better and have the opportunity alongside you to play college baseball,” Cantor said. “It’s a real special moment.”
Due to busy high school baseball schedules, only Aaronson, Cantor, Griggs and Simms were able to receive their honor in person at the ballpark on Thursday night. Each were honored with a speech on their behalf by their coach, Eric Cantor.
Then each player signed their letter and took a photo with friends and family that came to support them.
“This group took advantage of every opportunity they had,” Phillies Youth Baseball Development Representative Monica Clark said. “This is the second annual signing day and we’re hoping to have one every year. The program has really continued to grow on both the baseball and softball side and we’re incredibly proud to see so many kids make it to college ball.”
Aaronson was encouraged to pursue college baseball by older Phillies RBI players who went on to the next level. Rochester’s players and coaches were welcoming and presented a chance to get his degree while playing competitively and chasing his dream of pro ball.
Simms remembers his entire family jumping up and down in his kitchen when he received his offer to Neumann. He is aiming to be the first member of his family to earn a college degree.
“It means everything to me,” Simms said. “I know kids dream about this and I have been dreaming about it for a long time. It’s really a blessing.”
Coach Cantor, Jakob’s father, said Jakob used last year’s quarantine period to work hard on his own and improve both his academics and baseball skills. He found Ursinus to be the best blend of challenging academics and baseball competition.
Griggs is studying engineering at Clarkson and one day hopes to open his own firm. He wisely selected Clarkson when he realized he would enjoy attending the school even away from the baseball field.
“It means a lot to me because I’m the oldest of three,” Griggs said. “So going to college and playing sports is a great example to set for my younger siblings. I wanted to be that example.”
This group has created bonds that will last beyond each player’s college days. At one point after Holiday’s address to the group, he asked a player’s family to join him at the podium. When his teammates started walking up instinctively, Holiday had to clarify with a chuckle.
“No, not your baseball family.”
After years of playing the sport they love together, there’s little difference to these young men.
“Just spending time with them on and off the field, those memories last a lifetime,” Cantor said. “I’m glad the Phillies can provide opportunities like this to us and create such special moments.”
— Beyond the Bell contributor Graham Foley
