NEW YORK, NY – For the past four summers Nelson Santiago Sr. – along with his son Nelson, Jr. – have been helping city youngsters achieve their dream. The dream of playing college baseball or even going pro if they impress enough.
Nelson and Nino’s organization is called the N.Y.C. Rising Stars. On board is former Detroit Tigers farmhand Adrian Castano, and together they work to develop these high schoolers for the next level of baseball.
Nelson and Nino also school these players on becoming decent adults and dealing with adversity. Players who are taking advantage of this program are Kenneth Reyes, Lucas Rumberg, Mahly Louis, and Brandon Locco. As they get ready for the Perfect Games showcase the players prepare with an Eye of the Tiger mentality. Their different combos of uniforms have been the talk of these tournaments. There are three different sets that add swagger to their talents. Nelson goes all out to make these youngsters feel like pros. Nelson states, “For me it’s all about them. Nothing makes me happier than helping one of my players get noticed by a college.” Nelson’s son Niko is the team’s catcher, but for Nelson all of these players are his sons.
Players like Chris Anthony Guzman, who is the son of ex-Major Leaguer Christian Guzman, raves about Nelson. He states, “He treats us so well and has the respect of everyone.” Another player, Justin Hernandez, a junior at Woodberry Forest says, “Nelson and Nino are the greatest.”
Between games the boys can be found at the nearest planet fitness getting toned for their power displays. While in Kansas City during the PBR Super 17 showcase, the players took a trip to the Negro Leagues Museum. They also attended a Royals’ game. Another showcase in Florida they caught a Marlins game and also the Elvis movie. Nelson and Nino show the players the town’s sights when they’re not taking swings.
The scouts came out to see the Rising Stars in Atlanta as the word got out on their center fielder Armani Guzman, who has committed to West Virginia, and Jackson Weir, who’s headed to Morehouse College. These evaluators look for that needle in the haystack, and for these young players there’s no better way to spend a summer than seeing different states while playing the game they love.
Speaking of love, leave yours below and come back tomorrow for Short Matt, who’s busy prepping for tonight’s international rugby match between the USA and Chile. The USA must win in Santiago tonight and beat the Chileans again next week in Colorado to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Catch the action live tonight on Flo Rugby at 6pm ET. Matt will be handling play by play. Mike Petri will be doing color.
