Tempe, AZ – Tempe Diablo Stadium was the setting for this January’s Dream Series, presented by Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. Only 60 pitchers and catchers from around the country were invited to participate, including Hunter Greene, who is potentially the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft. The New York Nine were honored that right-handers Austin Cole and Brayan Garcia were selected to participate.

Along with the tremendous exposure that accompanies the Dream Series, both Cole and Garcia got to work with many former big leaguers including Dave Stewart, Marvin Freeman, Darren Oliver, Marquis Grissom as well as front office personnel such as Tony Reagins (former Angels GM) and Reggie Waller (minor league executive and scout). When asked what stood out about the event, Cole, a 6’7″ hurler from Red Hook HS who resides in Tivoli, NY, stated “being able to make friends and play with some of the most talented kids out there. We also got instruction from people who not only made it to the league but guys like Dave Stewart and Tony Reagins who ran big league ball clubs.”

The 6’3″ Garcia, a Bronx resident who attends Walton HS, said “It was a great experience. I got great information from great players who just want to help us get a chance like they did”. Both young men agreed that it was an unbelievable opportunity.

The New York Nine pride ourselves on being able to create additional opportunities for deserving student-athletes, and would like to thank coach Marcus Cayenne specifically for bringing together such a fantastic opportunity presented to so few ballplayers nation-wide.

“The fact we had two high profile attendees will not only open doors for them as individuals, but for future deserving members of the New York Nine organization”, President Ian Millman stated. “We couldn’t have sent two better ambassadors. Austin and Brayan are first rate young men and represented the Nine with class. They probably also increased their draft coverage twofold.”