Blaise Priester

Meridian Community College sophomore catcher Blaise Priester from Denham Springs, Louisiana, has been selected to represent the NJCAA and the United States on the NJCAA Baseball All-Star Team, according to an MCC news release.

Priester’s exceptional performance this baseball season earned him the honor to compete at Baseball Week Haarlem, one of the most esteemed international amateur baseball tournaments in the world, held from July 12-19, 2024, in Haarlem, Netherlands.

Priester had an outstanding season with the MCC Eagles, achieving a .377 batting average, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 65 runs. His outstanding performance earned him First Team ALL-MACCC and First Team ALL-Region 23 honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the region and the nation.

“Blaise is very well deserving of being selected to represent our country,” said MCC baseball head coach Dillon Sudduth. “Not only is he the top JUCO catcher in the nation, but he also plays the game the right way, wide open all the time. We are proud of how he represents our program, our school, his family and the United States. His selection to the NJCAA All-Star Team is a testament to his hard work and commitment. We are thrilled to see him represent MCC and the United States at Baseball Week Haarlem.”

The NJCAA Baseball All-Star Team comprises 24 elite players selected from 120 identified as potential members nationwide. This team will represent the NJCAA and the USA, showcasing their talents internationally. The team will be led by head coach Marty Smith from Central Florida, with assistant coaches Mike Davenport from Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin, and Rob Valli from {span}Rowan College of South Jersey {/span}Gloucester Campus.

The NJCAA All-Star Team last participated in Baseball Week Haarlem in 2010 and finished fourth, competing against strong teams from China, Taipei, Japan, Cuba and the Netherlands.

First held in 1961, Baseball Week Haarlem is a biennial event, and 2024 marks its 31st edition. Over the years, Team USA has consistently performed well, winning championships in 2000, 2002, 2008 and 2014.