The start of the Canes American season is just around the corner as our group of 27 talented players is set to take on a challenging four-tournament summer. First pitch comes on June 8 at the PBR National Program Invitational at LakePoint Sports Complex in Emerson, Ga.

Head coach Mike Petty along with assistant coaches Guy Howard and LT Tolbert will lead the team across the southeast, also competing in the Black Bear and 17U Elite Championship before competing in the PG World Wood Bat National Championships to conclude the summer in Atlanta, Ga.

We have a versatile group of 13 position players who not only have the ability to do damage in the batters box, but also support our pitchers with impeccable defensive skill.

One of our first-year players is outfielder Sawyer Black (Oak Ridge, N.C./Wesleyan Christian), who linked up with the Canes through long-time assistant Anthony Burke. A commitment to Liberty, Black brings his lefty bat to the lineup.

“Coach Burke reached out and told me that I had the opportunity and it sounded great. I thought about it and it seemed like a great fit,” Black said. “This is my last summer in travel ball, so I’m looking forward to having a great time with new teammates and winning a lot of games.”

Another first-year player for our American squad this summer is infielder Levi Brown (Taylorsville, N.C./Alexander Central), who is one of several players on the roster from the state of North Carolina. Brown, a right-handed hitter, is committed to N.C. State and knows the Canes because of our winning tradition.

“Coming off two surgeries, I am super excited to get back on the field. I missed a lot of baseball and can’t wait to travel this summer and play,” Brown said. “I wanted to join Canes baseball because of their winning past. Seeing most the guys that play for them go and succeed in college means they do a great job with their guys before they send them off. I see the bonds canes guys make and I want to make one of those bonds.”

The roster is stocked with class of 2024 players, but we do have a 2025 rising star on the roster. Outfielder Joshua Campbell (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./IMG Academy) is playing up this year, and brings a great set of skills into our lineup, offensively and defensively. The right-handed hitter is committed to play his college baseball at Michigan.

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and making connections. I am also looking forward to the coaching and developing my skills as a player,” Campbell said. “I joined the Canes because they have a history of winning and great coaches. It is the best program to develop for college and pro ball. The Canes always have a talented roster where everyone is competing.”

Returning to the Canes for his second year of action is two-way player Eli Hudgins (Easley, S.C./Powdersville), who could see time on the infield and as a right-handed pitcher. A switch hitter who is currently uncommitted, Hudgins loves the camaraderie within the Canes organization.

“I’m looking forward to just having the opportunity to compete with some great teammates and coaches,” Hudgins said. “Honestly, I joined the Canes just because it’s a top tier organization with top tier coaches who are always looking out for you!”

One of our long-time Canes on the roster this summer is outfielder Payton Shipman (Suffolk, Va./Greenbrier Christian Academy), a right-handed hitter who is committed to play his college baseball at Delaware. The competition and the way the players hold each other accountable are some of the reasons that Shipman is proud to be a part of the Canes.

“There’s a lot of memories with the Canes and the group of guys I’ve played with, including the tournaments in Florida and having fun with the guys along with winning games and the family that you build,” Shipman said. “The Canes have one of the best organizations in the country. The way they hold themselves and always push to be the best, I wanted to be a part of that and wanted to be a part of greatness.”

Infielder Joseph Zorc (Sterling, Va./Gonzaga College) is back for his fourth year in the Canes organization. A right-handed hitter committed to Princeton, he’s done some damage at the plate during his time with the organization.

“I am looking forward to connecting with the new guys on the roster and developing as a team with our new coaches,” Zorc said.

Other position players on the roster include uncommitted catcher/utility Connor Bellew (Indian Trail, N.C./Metrolina Christian Academy; outfielder/left-handed pitcher and Northwestern commitment Zach Carlson (South Jordan, Utah/Juan Diego Catholic); catcher/outfielder and Boston College commitment Mason Clark (Audubon, Pa./Malvern Prep); infielder and Radford commitment Jaxon Kehoe (Prospect Park, Pa./Monsignor Bonner); corner infielder/right-handed pitcher and College of Charleston commitment Landon Penfield (Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood); utility player and Clemson commitment Briggs Sullivan (Mount Pleasant, S.C./Oceanside Collegiate); and uncommitted first baseman and right-handed pitcher Reece Van Devander – (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral).

We always begin building our roster with great pitching, and there are 14 talented arms on the roster this summer.

One of our first-year Canes is left-hander Tyler Bonsignore (Searford, N.Y./MacArthur), who is committed to play his college baseball at James Madison University. Bonsignore says he’s looking most forward to the tournament in Hoover, Ala., the same park where the SEC Tournament is held.

“I’m excited to be with a new group of guys that I’ve never met before. Being the only guy from New York it’s going to be a cool experience meting other players from other parts of the country,” Bonsignore said. “I wanted to be a part of an organization that has been successful and has high level baseball players. Being someone who loves to compete, I wanted to play with guys who have great talent and love this game as much as I do.”

Another first-year Cane is right-hander Connor Busson (Lexington, Ky./Lexington Catholic), who is currently uncommitted but is looking forward to showing off his talent in our four tournaments this summer.

“Canes is the top premier travel team in the county. I wanted to join to play with the beat and against the best,” Busson said. “I’m looking forward to meeting new guys and playing alongside them to win tourneys and make this a great summer. I’m also very excited for the WWBA because that’s my favorite tournament.”

Another one of our future James Madison arms is right-hander Aidan Carey (McLean, Va./McLean), who is returning to the Canes for another go this summer. His play in the WWBA Championships last year, he says, helped get him recruited after facing off against the Phillies Scout Team.

“The Canes are very well known and very prestigious. I had always wanted to play against the best competition and Canes provides me that opportunity,” Carey said. “Last year’s 2022 WWBA in Georgia was a super cool tournament for me. I am looking forward to this year’s WWBA in Atlanta. The WWBA is such a special tournament and an all-around great experience for everyone.”

Another returning Cane is right-handed pitcher Tobin Eschief (New Braunfels, Texas/PDG Academy), who pitched for one of our teams last fall in Jupiter. A commitment to Texas State, Eschief knew he wanted to pitch for the Canes for quite a while.

“I knew that the Canes were a winning program throughout the years and I knew that it was the environment I wanted to be around. I also saw how many players the Canes put into the college level and that was a big reason for me,” Eschief said of joining the Canes. “My favorite memory with the Canes was playing in Jupiter. I remember getting there and seeing 20 plus scouts at the first game and it was an electric environment. It overall was my favorite memory with the Canes because they really put me out there for recruiting and it was the best baseball experience I’ve ever had.

Another one of our Tar Heel State arms is right-hander RHP Ryan Johnson (Greenville, N.C./DH Conley), who is currently uncommitted but will have a chance to shine this summer in our four tournaments across the southeast.

“I wanted to join the Canes to pursue my goal of playing at the collegiate level. I also wanted to be a part of a nationally recognized baseball program,” Johnson said. “I am excited to play with other top players and feel this will be a great experience for me. I look forward to get to know my teammates and coaches for the upcoming summer season. The opportunity to play baseball at this level will help me to grow as a player and person.”

Left-hander Austin Ludwig (Royersford, Pa./Spring-Ford) has joined the Canes organization for the first time this summer, and looks to parlay his time on the mound into a college commitment.

“I’m excited to play in front of some of the best college coaches in the country and other scouts. I’m also excited to travel around the country and have the opportunity to play against some great players,” Ludwig said. “I joined Canes Baseball because of the exposure you get and to have fun. Canes plays at all of the best tournaments and has a huge network. The Canes also have a huge social media presence and it looks like the guys have a lot of fun.”

Another first-year member of the Canes who is uncommitted is right-hander Morgan Shanaman (Myerstown, Pa./Eastern Lebanon County), who is eager to go against some of the best players in the country.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, playing the game I love, going out there to compete each tournament, and continue to get better and learn,” Shanaman said. “I joined the Canes because they are a well-known and reputable organization that goes out to compete and faces top notch competition. I believe that is most beneficial in wanting to compete at the next level and been seen.”

Right-handed pitcher Bryce Harder (Simpsonville, S.C./J.L. Mann) joined the Canes for one major reason, which was to get the eyes of college coaches on him.

“I’m looking forward to playing in the WWBA this summer,” Harder said. “I wanted to join the Canes because it is a great organization, a winning organization, and because I want to get recruited.”

Also scheduled to see time on the mound for us this summer include right-hander and first baseman Andrew Wallen (Greenville, N.C./Junius H Rose), who is committed to North Carolina, St. John’s right-handed pitcher commitment David Rodriguez (Trevose, Pa./Father Judge) and UMass Lowell commitment Nolan Geisler (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne School). A trio of uncommitted right-handed pitchers round out our pitching roster to include: Liam McFadden (Cedar Point, N.C./Croatan); Ryan Perkins (Marion, Va./PDG Academy) and Dalton Blades (Berlin, Md./PDG Academy).