Matt Shaw's first full season of professional baseball was nothing short of a resounding success. Hailing from Brimfield and having been a star at Worcester Academy, he was rapidly ascending through the Chicago Cubs system. By the end of the season, the 2023 first-round pick had already reached Triple-A and firmly established himself as one of the top 25 prospects in the sport.

An Unbelievable Offer

Shaw's remarkable performance caught the attention of many in the baseball world. Late in the season, the 23-year-old infielder received a truly astonishing offer. The opportunity to play for USA Baseball in the WBSC Premier12 Tournament was a dream come true. "Hearing about the chance to represent the United States was beyond belief," Shaw shared. "I quickly called my fiancé, we discussed it, and I promptly informed them that I was 100% in and eager to get started."

About the Premier12 Tournament

Held every four years, the Premier12 showcases the world's 12 highest-ranked national teams and is widely regarded as the premier international tournament outside of the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. Shaw is among the 28 players selected for Team USA's roster, which consists of the best American players not currently on an MLB club's 40-man roster.

Local Talent on Team USA

Shaw isn't the only local star on Team USA. The American roster also features Rich Hill, a Milton native with 20 years of MLB experience. Additionally, there's Millbury's Ryan Ward and ex-Central Catholic standout Cam Devanney, who is originally from Amherst, N.H. "It's been an amazing experience," said Devanney, a 27-year-old infielder who plays for the Kansas City Royals' Triple-A affiliate. "For many baseball players, it's one of those bucket list opportunities, and wearing the USA across our chests has been a truly special moment."

Advancing to the Super Round

Last week, Team USA became one of four teams to advance from group play to the Super Round. The team played five games in Mexico, finishing as runners-up in Group A with a record of 3-2. On Saturday, they traveled to Tokyo, where they have been practicing and adjusting to the time difference in preparation for their first Super Round game against Japan on Thursday.

Local Players' Impact

The local players played a crucial role in helping the team advance. Shaw was Team USA's most productive hitter, going 11 for 19 (.579) with two home runs, 12 RBI, and a 1.662 OPS in five games. Ward led the team with four home runs, including two in the team's 12-2 win over Mexico, which secured their trip to Tokyo. "He's been on fire," Shaw said of Ward, a former Bryant University standout who is now an outfielder and first baseman with the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A club.

Team USA's Star Player

By far, Team USA's most accomplished player is Hill, who at 44 is more than two decades older than many of his teammates. Hill did not allow an earned run over 6.1 innings in two group play outings and has been an invaluable asset in the clubhouse for a group that grew up watching him pitch. "Oh, it's been incredible. He's such a great guy, and it's crazy to see him still competing at this level. I'm not the youngest here, and he still has 15-16 years on me," Devanney remarked. "Just thinking about how long he's been doing this and his drive to participate in an event like this is truly remarkable."

New England's Pride

Given that New England isn't typically known as a hotbed of baseball talent, the fact that Team USA has a strong northeast flavor has become a source of pride. Devanney was shocked when he realized how many of his teammates were from New England and was delighted to see the contingent contribute so significantly early on. "It's usually quite rare, so it's great to have so many northeast guys on the team. Wardo and Shaw have been outstanding for us in this tournament. They're not just on the team; they're some of our best players. It's been a real honor to be with guys from the northeast."Team USA's first Super Round game against Japan will kick off Thursday at 5 a.m. ET, which is a 7 p.m. start in Tokyo. The team will also face Venezuela and Chinese Taipei, and the top two finishers in the round robin will advance to the championship, while the third- and fourth-place teams will compete for a bronze medal.