THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,804 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,804 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
All American Game  | Story | 8/6/2018

Dean taking special trip South

Photo: Emanuel Dean (Perfect Game)

See also: Classic supports Rady Children’s Hospital

When Emanuel Dean got the call that he would be participating in the PG All-American Classic, it accomplished a goal that he has been working on since first attending a Perfect Game event five years ago. Hard work and some sacrifice have paved the way for Dean to compete in San Diego on August 12 and he couldn't be happier.



“I was actually laying in my bed, and I had just gotten a call that I would be participating in the Area Code Games,” said Dean. “I was wondering when I would find out, and I actually got a call right after. It was such a blessing.

“I remember going to my first PG event when I was 13 years old, and I got to watch the All-Americans in San Diego. I told myself that I wanted to work hard and make it there myself some day. It is truly just such an honor.”

Dean, who is a native of Anaheim Hills, California, will be traveling just 90 minutes down Interstate Five to get to Petco Park for the Perfect Game All-American Classic. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound outfielder has had an impressive summer on the travel ball and showcase circuit, and that is what ultimately helped earn him a spot on the West Squad roster.

While many players will come from opposite ends of the country to participate in this year’s PG All-American Classic, Dean is excited about the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of his friends and family. They have supported him the whole way, and now they will get the chance to see his hard work come to fruition.

“It is going to be so much fun playing in front of them just because they have supported throughout my entire journey as a baseball player. They are going to be so proud to see me play and to see all that hard work pay off, especially my grandpa. He loves sports so much, and he is always happy to see me play. I love making them happy and proud.”

Outside of the game, scrimmages and home run derby, one of the things that make the Perfect Game All-American Classic so special is the chance to give back in the San Diego community.

Every year, all the participants in the PG All-American Classic get a chance to visit and raise money for the patients at Rady Children’s Hospital. With the proceeds of the Classic going to pediatric cancer research and treatment, it is a great opportunity for these players to meet the kids that look up to them.

“I’m really looking forward to going to Rady Children’s Hospital. It is such a blessing to get the chance to go there and see all these kids that have cancer. It is a reminder that I should be grateful for what I have because there are others that would love to be in my shoes.”

Dean has been playing sports, and his good health and physical gifts are a large part in that. Dean knows that being an All-American is a privilege, and his chance to give back is one that he will not take for granted.

“To play baseball every single day and to be a Perfect Game All-American is just such a blessing,” Dean said. “It gives us a chance to meet these kids, work with them, and have fun with them.”

With such a big frame, Dean found himself excelling on both the baseball and football field early in his high school career. Though he had a passion for both sports, baseball has always been Dean’s favorite.

“Last year I actually stopped playing football because I went to a San Diego showcase with [Perfect Game] and there was an article that came out that said I was more of a football player. My first love was always baseball, and I used football to enhance my abilities on the baseball field. I felt like I wasn't getting better at a quick enough pace, and so I started to focus on just baseball. It has worked out, and I’m grateful I made the decision when I did.”

While he’s not going to be on the football field at Servite High School this fall, he will certainly be getting his work in behind the scenes. A gym rat by nature, Dean loves to workout and find ways to get better during the down time he has.

“When I’m not on the baseball field I really like to train a lot and get an edge,” said Dean, who also noted its important to relax too. “I’m a teenager, so I like to go and hangout with my friends by the beach and just have fun. I love that I have good friends that support me as well and know what I’m trying to do. Going to the beach and playing basketball helps give me those breaks.”

Breaks here and there are much needed for a teenager that is working to become the best baseball player he can be. On top of baseball, Dean is working hard in the classroom so he can excel in the next step of his journey: college.

Dean is committed to playing his college baseball at UCLA following his graduation next spring. A member of a 2019 recruiting class that ranks as the 19th-best in the country by Perfect Game.

“I was born and raised in Los Angeles for the first eight years of my life, so it is close to home for me and about an hour away from my house. UCLA was a dream school for me because their academics are really good.”

Dean also attends high school with the son of UCLA Baseball head coach John Savage. As Dean got to know coach Savage’s sons, he knew that he was a man he could play his college baseball for. Dean isn’t the only PG All-American that believes they can excel under the direction of coach Savage. Corbin Carroll will be joining Dean in Los Angeles next fall, as well as on the West Squad at the Classic.

“I wanted to go to UCLA from the first jump, and right when I got there I fell in love with the campus and the program. I feel like I can develop as a baseball player if I go there, and they can help me achieve my dreams. It is the best fit for my family, and I can play the game and become a better person.”

Emanuel Dean is working hard to accomplish all of his goals on and off the field. Sometime the sacrifices can feel like too much, but moments of recognition can make the end reward that much sweeter. For Dean, the Perfect Game All-American Classic is one of those moments that make the hard work, sweat, and sacrifice worth it.




All American Game | Story | 9/15/2025

PG Athletes Raise Money For Charity

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME ATHLETES RAISE MORE THAN $130,000   FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES THROUGHOUT AUGUST    Sanford, Florida (Monday, September 15, 2025) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that its athletes raised a combined $130,195 for children’s charities during its August 2025 showcase events throughout the country.    The fundraising efforts took place at Perfect Game’s Select Festivals and the DICK’S All-American Classic, with each age group rallying behind a cause that supports children in need. The 11U and 12U Select Fests each benefited Elite Development Academy out...
College | Recruiting | 2/25/2026

DII/DIII/NAIA Rankings Update: Feb. 25

Nick Herfordt
Article Image
A few weeks into the season and the shape of the national picture is starting to emerge (slightly, let’s get too silly about early results). Some preseason favorites are humming exactly as advertised, a few dark horses are pawing at the gate, and a handful of early contenders are discovering that February optimism and March reality are not always the same thing. Across DII, DIII and the NAIA, pitching staffs are setting the tone, offenses are either detonating or recalibrating, and the Top 25 is already beginning to feel less theoretical and more earned.   DII UT Tyler is performing as predicted with a 12-2 start that includes a series win at Angelo State. The Patriots’ offense has not exactly been knocking the cover off the ball, but the pitching staff has been stingy, holding opponents to a .228 batting average.  They have not faced a ranked opponent yet, but...
Juco | Rankings | 2/25/2026

JUCO Top 25: February 25

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Another strong week for many of the top teams in junior college baseball. Walters State put together another undefeated weak and sticks in the top spot for the 3rd consecutive ranking. Chipola on the strength of a 20-1 start has established themselves early as one of top teams in the country. Johnson County put together a 2nd consecutive undefeated week and moves into the top 5 with a 15-1 overall record. They will play 4 games against #22 Iowa Western this week who is also coming off an undefeated week. Fresno City (15-0) and Midland (13-0) are two undefeated programs to begin 2026. They have gone from not in the preseason top 25 to the top 15 in our rankings in less than a month. And welcome to the PG Juco Top 25 Cloud County (KS) who debuts at #23 and is coming off a huge 3 game sweep on the road in Texas of a previous top 10 program in our rankings. Plenty of good matchups ahead this...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/24/2026

Perfect Game Softball February Frenzy

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - Perfect Game February Frenzy, February 20-22, 2026.  Twenty-two teams, representing five states, rolled into town for the opportunity to compete in this pool play, then into bracket play, with four games guaranteed,  in both a 14u and 18u division. Taking home top honors in the 14u division was Midwest Sluggers 11, who held off a late charge by the Black Dragons , winning 7-5. In the 18u division, it was Nebraska Gold 319 Berning topping Iowa Gold Prospects 4-0, avenging a pool play opening, 1-0 loss. Below are some of the players that played their way onto our Top Performers list, including the MVP and MV-Pitcher from the championship bracket in each age division. 14U Division Earning the 14u division MVP award was Presley Perkins (2030 Taylor Ridge, IL) who although is listed as a switch hitting OF, was only observed hitting from the left side for tournament...
High School | General | 2/25/2026

High School Showdown Preview

Cam McElwaney
Article Image
We’re only about 24 hours away from the 14th PG High School Showdown and as we get closer to one of the premier events on the high school schedule, we look ahead to what we’ll see in Hoover. The teams and players are what make this event special along with the environment with scouts packing the stands for this event. As with every year we’ve run this event, there are sure to be names called in the upcoming MLB Draft along with big time contributors at the college level. This year’s field is loaded with five teams ranked inside the Preseason High School Top-50, headlined by a trio of top-10 teams in No. 8 South Walton (FL), No. 9 Blessed Trinity (GA), and No. 10 IMG Academy (FL). Rounding out the list of top-50 teams are No. 34 Parkview (GA) and No. 43 Hoover (AL), along with plenty of other teams that will challenge for state championships in their respective...
College | Story | 2/24/2026

College Players of the Week: Feb. 24

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
February 24 Perfect Game/Player of the Week: Will Gasparino, OF, UCLA After playing 117 games, launching 27 doubles and 25 home runs in Austin, TX for the University of Texas, Will Gasparino decided it was time to head back to his hometown of Los Angeles, CA. Based on his performance in the first two weeks of the season for the Bruins, he looks very comfortable and ready to push his name up the Draft Board. UCLA (6-1) enters 2026 with incredibly high expectations, jumped to No. 3 in our Top 25 poll with their 3-game sweep of previously ranked TCU and Gasparino provided much of the offensive firepower. For the week, the 6-6/220 outfielder went 7 for 13 good for a .538 BA, with a double, 5 home runs and 13 RBI. That brings his slash line through 7-games to .391/1.304/.548 with a double, a triple, 6 home runs and he has driven in a total of 15 runs. The scary thing is that Gasparino is just...
High School | General | 2/23/2026

Northwest Region Top Teams

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Northwest All Region & Top Tools Rk Pacific NW (+ Hawaii) 2025 Record 1 Puyallup (WA) 28-1 2 Kamehameha Kapalama (HI) 19-5 3 South Salem (OR) 30-2 4 Lake Washington (WA) 21-11 5 Bainbridge (WA) 24-4 6 St. Louis (HI) 15-6 7 Iolani (HI) 11-11-1. 8 Eastlake (WA) 23-9 9 Summit (OR) 24-6 10 Sumner (WA) 18-8 11 Sunset (OR) 23-9 12 Punahou (HI) 7-10-1. 13 Mount Vernon (WA) 28-4 14 Jesuit (OR) 26-8 15 Tahoma Senior (WA) 13-9-1 16 Blanchet Catholic (OR) 31-2 17 West Linn (OR) 22-8 18 Woodinville (WA) 13-12 19 Eagle (ID) 15-13 20 Central Catholic (OR) 23-6-1 21 Service (AK) 20-6 22 Meadowdale (WA) 10-4 23 Waiakea (HI) 10-4-1. 24 Liberty Christian (WA) 24-3 25 Madison Senior (ID) 19-11
Press Release | Press Release | 2/23/2026

PG Salutes Chet Brewer, a Youth Baseball Pillar

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
PG Salutes Chet Brewer, a Youth Baseball Pillar A few weeks ago, Perfect Game and its Believe in Baseball foundation held a fundraising event in Los Angeles. The “In the Spirit of the Game” dinner and auction brought in thousands of dollars, all of which will go toward providing deserving youngsters an opportunity to play and grow in the game. Chet Brewer was not at the event – the former Negro Leagues star died at age 83 in 1990 – but his spirit was. Big time. “That night was all about Chet,” PG commissioner Dennis Gilbert said. “He was all about giving kids chances to play the game, especially kids from underprivileged backgrounds. “When you’re 15, 16, 17 years old – those years are the basis of your life. Chet helped put a lot of kids on the right path through the game of baseball.” Brewer’s impactful life has...
College | Rankings | 2/23/2026

College Top 25: February 23

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
College Player Report Database In Week 1, the Top 15 teams in the poll remained unchanged but the college baseball landscape had a different narrative in mind for Week 2. With plenty of upsets and teams at the top establishing their dominance, there was quite a bit of upheaval across the country. While there were some special performances on the mound, runs continue to be scored in bunches and high drama extra-inning games seem to be the norm. There is no time to relax or take the foot off the gas in the college game today; we are in for another wild season it appears. The LSU Tigers (8-0) made the trip across the panhandle to Jacksonville, FL, swept through the Live Like Lou Jax Classic by outscoring their opponents 33-11 and remain No. 1 this week. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-0) secure their spot at No. 2 and are off to a program record breaking run scoring spree, averaging...
General | Blog | 2/20/2026

Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 63

Ron Wolforth
Article Image
Wolforth Throwing Mentorship: Article 62, Part 1 | Part 2 Demystifying the Curveball, Pitch Counts, and Weighted Balls - Part 3  We've made it to Part 3…the final installment of our series on baseball's most misunderstood and debated topics.   In Part 1, we tackled the curveball. The takeaway: the pitch itself isn't what’s dangerous. Decades of awful and ineffective coaching cues, ”snap your wrist," "turn the doorknob”…exacerbated and even in many causes caused some of the problems. Teach it correctly, when the athlete is ready, and it's no riskier than a fastball.  In Part 2, we examined pitch counts. The takeaway: they're a useful tool, but a limited one. Treating a single number as a universal measure of safety ignores everything...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 2/20/2026

18U PG Winter Elite Showcase Indoor

Dave Durbala
Article Image
SPRINGFIELD, IL - 2026 Perfect Game Softball Winter Elite Showcase, February 6 - 8, 2026.  Twenty teams rolled into Springfield to showcase their talents in this 18u, four-game guarantee, pool-into-bracket play,  at the newly opened 170,000-square-foot domed facility at Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe. In the Silver Bracket, it was the 09 Midwest Sluggers taking home the championship over the CR Blue Devils 18u National. In the Gold Bracket, a championship game that featured the tournament's top two pitchers, it was the Iowa Dynamite 18u with the win over GTS 15u Elite-Herrick, by a score of  2-1. The tournament, with a mix of committed players, and those young ladies striving for the next level,  was loaded with talent.  Below are some of the players that excelled on the field and made their way onto the tournament’s Top Performers list. Earning...
Loading more articles...