Dylan Waukazo Selected to Participate in Atlanta Braves NAS Baseball Event

Dylan Waukazo is a loyal Minnesota Twins fan. But he’ll happily take a vacation from his MLB allegiances during his trip to Atlanta.

The recent Bemidji High School graduate will travel to Georgia June 7-9 to participate in the Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park. The Braves welcome 50 youth baseball players of Native American descent from across North America to participate and compete in professional-style workouts and an exhibition game.

Waukazo was the only Minnesota player selected.

“Baseball has been very important to me,” Waukazo said. “I’ve been playing baseball for 13 years. I just can’t wait to go and learn. They work with guys like (Ronald Acuna Jr.) every day. I want to learn from the same coaches.

Former MLB players Marquis Grissom, Johnny Estrada, Marvin Freeman and Lou Collier will coach the teams in the showcase game. As part of this showcase, the Atlanta Braves will use TrackMan Baseball, a leading sports analytics technology company, to capture, track and provide player statistics to help them improve their game.

Annalize Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

The pro-style workout on Saturday, June 8 will be run by the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association and will focus on defensive work, fielding, pitching and catcher pop times. Select players will be chosen during Saturday’s batting practice to participate in a home run derby the afternoon following practice.

As part of the Braves’ efforts to provide access and opportunities to diverse baseball talent, the showcase will highlight Native American high school baseball players who aspire to play at the next level.

In addition to providing the unforgettable experience of playing in an MLB ballpark, the event will provide exposure to players who otherwise may not have the opportunity to play in front of college recruiters and the MLB.

“The only thing I really wanted to learn was more about throwing than fielding,” Waukazo said. “I want to master the (fundamentals) like an MLB player would, and I learn from MLB coaches when I get there.”

Waukazo brings more than a bat and a glove to Atlanta. With him, he will bring a White Earth Nation tribal flag to give to the Braves organization. The flag will be hung with other donated tribal flags at the team’s facility, a gesture that makes Waukazo feel “honored and proud.”

Annalize Braught / Bemidji Pioneer

“There’s stress about going to Atlanta, that’s for sure,” Waukazo said. “But I think they will disappear once I get there.” I just want to learn as much as possible.

Waukazo wants to develop more control with his throwing and learn to throw harder. He will bring the tools he learned in Atlanta to Cornell College in Iowa next fall. Cornell is a Division III school in Mount Vernon, led by head coach Robbie Dombrowski. Waukazo will also play for the Bemidji Bucks this summer.

“I always dreamed of playing college baseball,” he added. “It’s just an honor for me to be able to do this and accomplish this.” I went to a showcase and had a good workout with (Cornell). They gave me my very first offer and (Dombrowski) said I could be a guy on his team. He believes in me, and that’s what I was looking for.