Timberview player makes DREAM Series

Texas Rangers

For the ninth consecutive year, an elite group of high school athletes spent the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend honing their craft alongside both current and former Major League players as part of Major League Baseball’s annual DREAM Series event.

The unique, cost-free program grants an opportunity for roughly 80 of the top amateur baseball players in the country, most of which come from diverse backgrounds, to travel to Tempe, Arizona, where they receive on-field training and mentorship from some of MLB’s top stars.

Among this year’s DREAM Series participants was Timberview High School junior Nicholas Smith, who has been engaged in programing at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy for each of the past three years. This year’s event marked a return to Tempe for Smith, as he was also selected to the 2024 DREAM Series roster last year.

“It was a blessing to be nominated and selected to participate in DREAM Series again this year,” said Smith. “Last year I was excited to attend, but I didn't know what to expect. This year I wanted to focus more on my mental game.”

A two-player at the high-school level, Smith decided to center his efforts on the mound at this year’s program while working under the watch of MLB All-Star and DREAM Series alum, Hunter Greene.

“Hunter is always inspiring. I appreciate his willingness to share his experience, as well as the other players that take their time out to give back to us that are working hard toward playing in MLB.”

Greene and Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker are just two of nearly 60 former DREAM Series participants who have gone on to be selected in the MLB Draft, a group Smith hopes to join someday.

“DREAM Series gives a select few players a chance to learn from current and former MLB players that have been where we are,” said the 16-yearold. “The guidance they share is great. It gives (me) confidence and encourages (me) to keep working hard.”

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