News Summary
Ten-year-old LaShun Highsmith Jr. (LJ) from Jacksonville has been selected for the USSSA All-American games, showcasing young baseball talents nationwide. LJ, who excelled in tryouts in Kentucky, will compete in various positions at the event that takes place in Melbourne, Florida. This achievement reflects his hard work and the dedication of his father in coaching him. With dreams of becoming a Major League Baseball player, LJ embraces this opportunity while also juggling entrepreneurial ventures.
Jacksonville, Florida – A talented 10-year-old baseball player from Jacksonville, LaShun Highsmith Jr., affectionately known as LJ, has earned a spot at the prestigious USSSA All-American games, a national tournament designed to showcase the skills of young athletes. The event is scheduled to take place from July 21 to 27 at the Space Coast Complex in Melbourne, Florida, drawing attention from families and baseball enthusiasts across the region.
LJ’s selection to the tournament is a notable achievement, as only 200 players were chosen nationwide for the Southeast region after rigorous tryouts in Kentucky. This significant opportunity allows him to demonstrate his abilities in various positions including third base, outfield, pitcher, and catcher. His passion for the game is clear, and his excitement about this upcoming event reflects the dedication he has shown throughout his young baseball career.
The USSSA All-American games aim to spotlight the talents of young baseball players up to early teenage years and provide them with a platform to compete at a higher level. LJ’s selection comes after years of hard work and commitment to the sport, much of which has included being trained and coached by his father, LaShun Highsmith Sr. Highsmith Sr. has been guiding his son’s development since he was just two years old, highlighting the importance of teamwork and perseverance in their father-son relationship.
LJ’s participation in the tournament is not just a personal milestone; if he makes it to the championship game, the final match will coincide with his 11th birthday, adding an extra layer of excitement and significance to the occasion. The young athlete has expressed that this opportunity means everything to him, and reaching the tournament represents a step towards his larger aspirations of becoming a Major League Baseball player and a veterinarian in the future.
In addition to baseball, LJ has embarked on various entrepreneurial ventures, including establishing his own lawn maintenance company, a juicing and hydration station, and a clothing line. These initiatives reflect not only his diverse interests but also a commendable work ethic that extends beyond the baseball field.
As LJ prepares for the tournament, his family is actively engaged in fundraising efforts to support travel and equipment expenses necessary for the event. Community members wishing to contribute to LJ’s journey can contact the family through the provided email address. These contributions will help alleviate the financial burden associated with participating in such a significant competition that showcases the potential of young athletes.
The road to the USSSA All-American games is a noteworthy chapter in LJ’s life and serves as a testament to the hard work and sacrifice put forth by both him and his father. As they approach the tournament, the support from the Jacksonville community stands as a powerful reminder of the collective effort to nurture young talent and promote their dreams in sports.
The upcoming days leading to the event will be filled with anticipation and determination for LJ and his family as they prepare to seize this incredible opportunity on a national stage.
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Additional Resources
- News4Jax: 10-year-old Jacksonville native will compete in national baseball tournament
- Wikipedia: Youth baseball
- Jacksonville.com: Jax College Baseball Classic 2025 dates, times, schedule announced
- Google Search: baseball training for youth
- Roar Lions: Baseball heads to ASUN tournament on Tuesday
- Google Scholar: youth sports development
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Little League Senior softball & baseball teams make historic double regional tournament appearance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: youth sports
- Jacksonville.com: Florida High School Baseball Gateway Conference tournament schedule
- Google News: jacksonville baseball
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
