ATLANTA – The Atlanta Braves released Wednesday the roster for the fifth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase, which will take place at Truist Park on Saturday and Sunday, and it includes Ian Velasquez, an incoming freshman infielder for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros baseball team.
 
Velasquez is one of 47 of the top high school baseball players of Native American descent who will participate, representing 32 tribes from across 19 states and Canada.
 
Velasquez comes to UTRGV from Giddings High School in Giddings, where he was an All-State Third Team shortstop as a senior by hitting .343/.522/.433. He was also his district's defensive player of the year as a junior.
 
The Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase highlights Native American high school baseball players who aspire to compete at the next level. As part of the Braves' Commitment to expanding access and opportunity for diverse baseball talent, the event provides elite player development with former Major League players, and the opportunity to perform in front of college and Major League scouts on a big-league stage. 
 
As part of the two-day 2026 Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase, selected athletes will first compete in a pro-style workout on Saturday. Executed by Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, the workout will focus on defensive work, hitting, fielding, throwing, and catcher pop times. Four to six players will be selected during Saturday morning's batting practice to participate in a Home Run Derby later that afternoon. 
 
On Sunday, all athletes will be divided into two teams for the 12 p.m. ET showcase game, with former Major League Baseball players serving as coaches for each team, including Pete Smith, Jerome Walton, Bruce Benedict and Ron Jackson. As with years past, the Atlanta Braves will continue to utilize TrackMan Baseball, a leading technology company in sports analytics, for the showcase to capture, track, and deliver player statistics to help players improve their overall game. 
 
Players and families will also participate in a Panel and Mentor Q&A with former Atlanta Braves star pitcher and current Braves Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Growing the Game Greg McMichael, Atlanta Braves scout Allen Butts, Savannah State Head Baseball Coach Tino Burgos, and MLB alumnus Bruce Benedict. Native American mentors in attendance will have the opportunity to connect with participants in a small group setting.

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