DALLAS, TX — A local kid from San Angelo is headed to the MLB All-Star game for the Jr. Homerun Derby National Finals during the MLB All-Star week. Michael Sarabia II won the regional competition on June 25 at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy in Dallas to claim his spot in Seattle.
Sarabia took part in the local 14U Jr. Homerun Derby competition in San Angelo back on June 10, where the young man won in dramatic fashion against an equally deserving competitor, Aiden Perez. Michael won by a single homerun with 18 total home runs.
With the win, Sarabia advanced to the regional competition on June 25 in Dallas. There are only 11 regions in the United States that hold these competitions for thousands of young baseball fans for a chance to swing a bat during All-Star week with the Big Leaguers. He hit eight home runs in the first round—good enough for a spot in the finals. He went head-to-head against the defending National Champion in the finals. Sarabia’s 12 homers in the finals placed him first in the competition and punched his ticket to the National Finals.
Coach Andy Sarabia and Michael Sarabia II
(Credit: Rikki Sarabia)
“It's been an absolute blast being a part of his development and witnessing his progression not only as a player and leader on the field but as a young man off the field,” said his coach and uncle, Andy Sarabia. “I can't express how proud I am of him, as is the rest of our family and the entire community.” Andy Sarabia coaches the select baseball program, the West Texas Titans.
In Seattle, he will go up against the other top eight competitors from the 11 different regions to crown the National Champion. While he’s there, he’ll also experience all that All-Star Week has to offer in the different events and festivities. Finally, he will attend the big league MLB Home Run Derby on July 10 at TMobile Park in Seattle.
Michael Sarabia II is an incoming 8th Grader at Glenn Middle School. His parents are Michael Sr and Rikki Sarabia. Michael is a multisport athlete who competes in football, basketball, track and field, and his favorite sport, baseball. He plays multiple positions on the baseball diamond but prefers shortstop and pitcher.
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