Teaming Up for the 2018 Triple Crown US Club Nationals

We're excited and getting ready for the third annual Triple Crown US Club Nationals on July 24-28, 2018 to be hosted at East Cobb Baseball Complex, our venue partner in Marietta, GA.

Triple Crown Sports has offered exclusive invitations to the country's most highly skilled and rigorously organized baseball clubs to compete in this unique national event. Each club will send 4-6 teams, ages 9u-14u. The individual teams will compete in their division for the age-group title, but the final standings in all divisions will be factored into determining the Organization National Champion.

Last year, travel ball founder Guerry Baldwin and his East Cobb Baseball organization (Georgia) claimed the overall crown, winning age group titles in 12u and 14u. Five Stars Tigers (Florida) won the 9u, 10u and 11u championships, and the Dallas Tigers (Texas) took first place in 13u. (You'll find scenes from the games in our hype video above.)

This year, you'll find 1000 athletes competing for the crown from 13 baseball organizations from around the country including:

6-4-3 DP Baseball (Georgia)

Canes (North Carolina)

Central Alabama Nationals (Alabama)

Dallas Patriots (Texas)

Dallas Raiders (Texas)

Dallas Tigers (Texas)

Dirtbags Baseball (North Carolina)

East Cobb Baseball (Georgia)

Five Star Tigers (Florida)

Georgia Bombers (Georgia)

Lone Star Baseball Club (Texas)

SBA Canes (North Carolina)

Slammers (Colorado)

Select games will be televised on ESPN 3, but you catch all the games live and on-demand on your mobile device or computer in our HiCast Sports Network. Sign up for your free 1-hour trial: http://www.hicastsports.com/triplecrown

Share your 4th of July Week Highlights for a chance to win a FREE 1-Year PASS!

Just tag and share your Moments That Matter™ in our HiCast Feed within the app starting Sunday, July 1st through Sunday, July 8th and you're automatically entered to win. 

We'll pick 1 Hot Highlight of the Day each day and you'll win a free 1-Year Pass to watch all the games live and on-demand in our HiCast Sports Network for the next 365 days.

Catch the winners right here and in our Facebook and Instagram feeds so give us a follow and bring your best game this week!

Here's your 4th of July Week Lineup of Tourneys Across our Network

Ballparks of America – Nations Hometown Heroes Salute & Stars & Stripes Showdown

Baseball Heaven – Independence Weekend Championship, All American Invitational and Girls Fast Pitch All American Invitational

Baseball USA Powered by Marucci – Rawlings Summer Championships & Fireworks Festival

Diamond Nation – Garden State Invitational 16U, Finch's Aces Stars & Stripes,  Independence Weekend Firecrackers & DN Youth World Series 9U-11U

East Cobb Baseball Complex – Auburn University Showcase, Perfect Game 17U & 16U WWBA, Training Legends World Series, CABA World Series 12U

Shipyard Park – Showcase Tourney

Sports at the Beach – Firecracker Four-Day Classic, Clash of the Titans

Tyger River Sports Complex – TCS/SC Bandits Hot Times Classic Showcase

HiCast Sports Network Covers Buckhead Baseball

Join us for highlights from Opening Day on March 24, 2018 at Buckhead Baseball in Atlanta, GA where players and families enjoyed good times with special guests including the Atlanta Braves Heavy Hitters Drumline and mascot Blooper, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta mascots, Hope and Will.

Buckhead Baseball was founded in 1952 with a mission to "develop our players' skills and character, promote good sportsmanship, cultivate lifetime family friendships and HAVE FUN!" We're proud to cover spring and fall seasons and their Moments That Matter™ for these young athletes on seven fields. Each field is dedicated to teams within a specific age group, beginning with T-ball at age 4 up through Majors at age 12. Buckhead Baseball also has a Buddy Baseball program that enables children with special needs to play baseball with support from the 12-year-old Majors.

Nathan Allen, coach and father of four sons playing ball at Buckhead Baseball shares, "We’re out here pretty much every night. What’s been cool for us about HiCast is that we often have kids playing games on different fields at the same time. So just the other day, my oldest had a game on the Majors field and my younger son had a game on the Rookie field. My wife was actually sitting in the stands watching one son on the field and watching our other son's game on the Rookie field on HiCast.” Nathan's father in Ohio uses the HiCast Sports app to watch his grandsons play too.

Valerie Ausband, HiCast user and mother of two sons playing ball at Buckhead Baseball travels frequently for work, but doesn't have to miss her son's games. “To be able to watch the game when I get back to my hotel room, makes me feel like I was there and I can really talk to the boys about the game and who did what. It makes them feel like I was there in spirit because I actually saw them.”

HiCast user and dad Brad Watkins can typically attend his sons' games at the ballpark but “I use HiCast to watch highlights I want to revisit after their games and share them with family and friends, usually through text or email. My older son watches his games to view his performance, as well as other games in his age division… almost using it as a scouting tool.”

We value our partners here at Buckhead Baseball and the family environment they've created and continue to cultivate while developing the skills of these young athletes just beginning to learn the game we love so much.

HiCast Sports Network Hits a Home Run for the Baseball Youth All-American Games

Last weekend, the Baseball Youth All-American Games brought 335 youth athletes from 39 states and three neighboring countries (Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico) together to play ball at Elizabethtown Sports Park in Kentucky. But here's the best part... teammates met for the first time on arrival to the ballpark! 

Photo Courtesy of Baseball Youth

The All-American Games gives the best of the best youth baseball players (all nominated) a unique opportunity to team up with fellow athletes across state and country lines to form Baseball Youth teams (United, Eagles, Patriots, Freedom, Stars, and Firecrackers) spanning six different age groups. On the field, you’ll find players identified by their home state or country displayed on the back of their jersey. But beyond the top-notch competition, the All-American Games creates a solid playing field for new friendships to form, uniting diverse players and families.

 "We have players coming from all over the United States and travel is expensive. Not everyone can attend. Parents and grandparents want to see their player participate in an All-American event like this, even though they can't be there in person. People were thrilled that we were doing that. The quality was fantastic. No issues at all. We were pleasantly surprised and pleased by that. Having HiCast Sports Network involved was very valuable for us and we hope to continue that with other events we put on.” Shared Scott Hacker, founder of Baseball Youth.

Scott Hacker (former collegiate and professional player) created Baseball Youth in 2005, starting with the Baseball Youth Magazine. About three years ago, Baseball Youth, began hosting their own youth baseball tournaments, both individual events such as the All-American games and week-long team events with great success, growing their fanbase of followers not only at ballparks but across social media networks, spanning more than 350,000 fans.

Photo Courtesy of Baseball Youth

“The All American Games is a unique experience not only for the players, but for families. It's a rare opportunity to play on a team with kids from across the country and it's a bonding experience for the families. These kids come together to play on a team with kids they've never met, and they leave as best buddies. If you're a top level player from Maryland, you're playing with kids at that same level from California, Texas or even Alaska. The whole experience... from the opening ceremonies held at the University of Louisville Jim Patterson Stadium... to workouts and skills measurables, to games all weekend long... it's just very unique." shares Scott Hacker. "It's one of those memories they will never forget from their youth baseball career."

Photo Courtesy of Baseball Youth

Each player is asked to share their primary and secondary position, and Baseball Youth puts a lot of effort in forming team rosters that mix players from different states, and not only give athletes     a chance to showcase their skills, but also stretch them by giving them an opportunity to play different positions. "We try to make it a lot less stressful and more enjoyable than playing on their home-based travel ball team." says Scott Hacker. 

HiCast Sports Network set up a temporary network installation at Elizabethtown Sports Park to cover the event on the four key championship fields, and live-streamed select games through Baseball Youth's Facebook page 300k+ followers, to play off live tournament excitement. We provided live and on-demand through our HiCast Sports Network mobile app and web viewer, giving players, coaches and fans the ability to save and share their favorite highlights from the game in the HiCast Sports Network and beyond. User highlights from the tournament appeared in Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, receiving thousands of views.

How does Baseball Youth feel about players and fans having the ability to save and share tournament highlights from the HiCast Sports Network? Scott Hacker said, ”It's unbelievable. It's great for the parents. It's great for the venue, and our tournament. You'll see us doing a lot of that as we go through the tournament archive and share highlights through our social networks."

What would Baseball Youth say to venues considering the HiCast Sports Network? "It's a no-brainer. Everything that we requested was done this past weekend, and it worked perfectly in our mind. For any destination-type of venue... why would you not install the HiCast Sports Network and showcase your ballpark? It just makes perfect sense,” shared Scott Hacker.

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If you're a tournament director hosting games at venues in our HiCast Sports Network, join our Promoter Program. And if you're hosting tournaments somewhere else, give us a shout and let's team up to cover the venue.

If you're a venue owner or general manager, fill out this form to see you qualify for a limited-time, discount on HiCast Sports Network installation.

HiCast Sports Network to Cover the National Youth Baseball Championships at Baseball Heaven

The 10th Annual National Youth Baseball Championships (NYBC) kicks off its Championship Week starting today, July 22 at Baseball Heaven in Yaphank, NY (Long Island) for a major league tournament experience, and ending with championship games for each age division on Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30. 

In its 10th year, the NYBC is bringing together the best of the best youth travel baseball players from 9U-14U age divisions representing 70 teams from 14 states across America. Each team had to earn a bid to compete in this final week of championship games by way of NYBC Qualifiers that occurred March - July throughout the US. 

Nathan Clinkenbeard, Communications Manager for Steel Sports, shares, “It all comes down to providing the ultimate tournament for these players and families to experience… beyond the games, we’re providing opening ceremonies, skills competitions, a home run derby and Friday is our big festival day. We understand the time and financial commitment these families make to come to New York for a week and we just want to give back, and celebrate these young athletes and families for all the hard work they put it all season long.”

NYBC was founded in 2008 by former Chicago White Sox vice chairman and minority owner former Eddie Einhorn. His vision was to give youth travel baseball athletes a platform to showcase their skills. Steel Sports expanded the NYBC to include more age groups. “We want to give these players that unique opportunity to play for a national audience. While we get a lot of hype around our 12 games to be televised by CBS Sports, the great news is that ALL of our games at Baseball Heaven will be covered by HiCast Sports Network,” said Clinkenbeard.

How does NYBC feel about HiCast Sports Network putting game highlights in the hands of players and fans at Baseball Heaven? Clinkenbeard answers, “These kids love being able to see their highlights and we love sharing them too in our NYBC social media. Getting exposure for a great hit or a big play is everything to them. These are the future stars. You’ll see many of these players in Major League Baseball one day.”

Catch the entire tournament live or on-demand July 25 - 30 on the HiCast Sports Network. Start your free trial here: http://www.hicastsports.com/baseballheaven

Championship Moments: Triple Crown Sports 2017 U.S. Club Nationals

We're proud to have covered the Triple Crown Sports 2017 U.S. Club Nationals, delivering all games throughout the week live and on-demand to players, coaches, families and friends across America. Championship Day on Saturday, July 22 showcased phenomenal young athletes at legendary East Cobb Baseball Complex. Triple Crown Sports, lead by Executive Director of Baseball Joe Santilli, managed a truly memorable event. High fives to all 900 players and their coaches, and big cheers to these champions:

9U Five Star Tigers Hannah win 5-3 over Five Start Tigers Labbe

10U Five Start Tigers DeMarini win 4-2 over 6-4-3 DB Baseball

11U Five Start Tigers DeMarini win 8-1 over 6-4-3 DB Baseball

12U East Cobb Astros win 16-4 over 6-4-3 DB Baseball

13U Dallas Tigers win 12-7 over East Cobb Astros

14U East Cobb Astros win 13-5 over Tidewater Drillers

Top 3 Final Club Standings:

1. East Cobb Baseball
2. Five Star Tigers
3. 6-4-3 DB Baseball

Replay the games on-demand and save and share your favorite highlights from the tournament. Sign up to watch here: http://www.hicastsports.com/triplecrown

Learn more about the Triple Crown Sports 2017 US Club Nationals.

Welcome Triple Crown Sports 2017 U.S. Club Nationals

Big high fives to the Triple Crown Sports U.S. Club Nationals teams today at Media Day today! We're excited to be covering the tournament live and on-demand starting tomorrow at East Cobb Baseball Complex through championship games on Saturday! Learn more about our partnership with Triple Crown for this tournament and catch these top baseball clubs (900 athletes spanning 9U-14U teams) across America and Ontario, Canada in our HiCast Sports Network as they compete for the crown:

Central Alabama Baseball Academy – Alabama
South Bay Surf Baseball – California
Slammers Baseball – Colorado
Five Star Tigers – Florida
6-4-3 DP Athletic – Georgia
Georgia Bombers Baseball – Georgia
East Cobb Baseball – Georgia
EvoShield Canes Baseball – North Carolina
Mound Time Baseball – Oregon
Dallas Tigers Baseball Club – Texas
Dallas Patriots Baseball – Texas
Tidewater Drillers – Virginia
Field House Pirates – Ontario, Canada

See the full tourney game schedule and results.

Triple Crown Sports Teams Up with HiCast Sports Network to Bring Families Across America Together on One Playing Field

Triple Crown Sports will host its second annual US Club Nationals at legendary East Cobb Baseball Complex in Marietta, Georgia on July 18 - 22, bringing together 12 baseball clubs from across the country and one from Canada representing 900 youth athletes from 9U to 14U age divisions to compete for coveted championship titles. Even though each of the teams will be competing in their own age divisions, they’ll be earning points for their clubs. Triple Crown Sports will crown one club the overall champion at the closing ceremonies to be held at The Battery Atlanta and SunTrust Park (home of the Atlanta Braves) on July 22.

Joe Santilli, Executive Director of Baseball for Triple Crown Sports, shares “The geographic representation is phenomenal. We limit how many clubs we invite from each region. Our criteria is not just performance on the field. We invite clubs that are highly competitive and highly organized. They’ll be 10-16 games in each division, but because of the high caliber of play, you know every game is going to be a good one.” Clubs represented in this year’s event include:

• Alabama – Central Alabama Nationals
• California – South Bay Surf
• Colorado – Slammers Baseball
• Florida – Five Star Tigers
• Georgia – 6-4-3 DB Baseball, Georgia Bombers and East Cobb Baseball
• North Carolina – EvoShield Canes
• Oregon – Mound Time Baseball
• Texas – Dallas Patriots and Dallas Tigers
• Virginia – Tidewater Drillers
• Ontario, Canada – Fieldhouse Pirates

Triple Crown Sports selected East Cobb Baseball Complex to host the US Club Nationals because of the park’s reputation. “It’s a beautiful facility. Well kept. The East Cobb Baseball organization is legendary in travel baseball. And what we saw last year with the HiCast Sports Network at East Cobb Baseball Complex was just great. It enhanced the experience,” shared Santilli. True to their core value of putting “Family First,” Triple Crown Sports goes beyond the competition on the field to create a fun experience for the whole family including tickets to an Atlanta Braves game and tours at the new SunTrust Park and entertainment at The Battery Atlanta.

“Triple Crown Sports is about building memories. And our events are all about providing those moments that will give someone a lifelong memory. When I was originally involved as a coach with Triple Crown Sports, I still have these crystal clear memories in my head of teams that I coached in the Steam Boat World Series, but HiCast is actually capturing those memories. So no matter how clear it is in my head, no matter how I explain these memories to someone, it’s never going to be the same. HiCast makes it possible for someone to save and actually show it to someone. Triple Crown Sports is creating the event for these memories to happen, and HiCast is capturing them, which is just a great addition and a great partnership for us.”

Catch the entire tournament live or on-demand July 18-22 on the HiCast Sports Network using your mobile device or computer and use our HiCast Sports mobile app to save and share your favorite highlights from the tournament. Championship Games for 13U and 14U will also be televised on ESPN3.

Support the Cypress Mounds Flood Relief Tournament

Baseball brings families together, and we're so proud to have Cypress Mounds in Baton Rouge, LA as one of our newest ballpark partners.

Our friends and fans in the southern parts of LA suffered great tragedy due to record rainfall in August that lead to catastrophic flooding. It submerged thousands of houses and businesses and has been called the worst US natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

This weekend, several hundred young ball players ages 9-14, their coaches and families will come together for the Cypress Mounds Flood Relief Tournament. Please tune in to show your support by watching these players on our HiCast Sports Network this weekend. A portion of your in-app HiCast Pass purchase goes right back to our ballpark partners.

HiCast Sports Network Featured on Futurecast Innovation Series

Moderator Andrew Keen interviews HiCast Sports Network Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie Calabrese, in a collaborative discussion on Technology Shaping the Future of Sports at AT&T Park, San Francisco, in conjunction with AT&T's SHAPE Tech Expo on July 15, 2016.

The Futurecast Technology Innovation Series is sponsored by AT&T Foundry and Ericsson. It's a series of discussion-based events that revolve around how technology is shaping our world and bring together leaders in technology, government, business and beyond. Attendees debate and challenge one another to vet current solutions and propose new ones to move our collective technology future forward.

Futurecast: How Technology is Enhancing the Fan Experience

"Just as technology has reshaped so many aspects of daily life, it’s brought new dimensions to the way sports are played, as well as the ways fans engage with their favorite teams and players. From real-time data analytics, live streaming, virtual reality and more, sports in the 21st century is a whole new ball game." – futurecastseries.com

We're really honored to have been invited to participate in Futurecast, an ongoing technology series hosted by AT&T Foundry and Ericsson. On July 15 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA, HiCast Sports Network leaders joined featured guest, Kenny Lauer, VP Marketing and Digital for the Golden State Warriors; moderator Andrew Keen, author, entrepreneur and Techcrunch chat show host; and a select group of sports technology innovators and media influencers for a salon-style discussion that explored "How Technology is Sharing the Future of Sports".

In this video excerpt from the event, hear Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie Calabrese, share a perspective from HiCast Sports Network, then catch more of the conversation at Futurecast.

AT&T Foundry to Feature HiCast Sports in Upcoming Futurecast Technology Innovation Series

HiCast Sports Network has been selected to participate in the Futurecast Technology Innovation Series, created in partnership between AT&T Foundry (AT&T’s innovation group) and Ericsson. On July 15, we’ll join feature guest, Kenny Lauer, Vice President of Marketing and Digital of the Golden State Warriors, and be among a select group of innovative leaders to participate in a forward-looking, salon-style discussion on “Sports in the Digital World” at AT&T Park (SF Giants ballpark) in San Francisco, CA. This session will be viewed by a live audience of select invitees from the Bay Area (investors, media, technology and innovation influencers, academics, and entrepreneurs, etc.), as well as live online attendees via Periscope. 

It’s a unique and very timely opportunity for us to position HiCast Sports as a thought leader in helping to shape the future of sports and fan-based experiences. On July 16, we'll demo HiCast Sports at SHAPE AT&T Tech Expo with exposure to more than 2,000 innovators and sports-enthusiasts at AT&T Park. 

About the Futurecast Series – The Futurecast Technology Innovation Series is a series of discussion-based events that bring together leaders in technology, government, business and beyond to discuss how technology is shaping our world. These curated discussions with leaders are designed to vet, debate, and ultimately spark ideas that will set the course for our collective technology future. They’ll be filmed and shared globally through AT&T media channels.

Check out past Futurecast Series events.