🧢 This Week in U.S. Baseball: From MLB to High School – Trends, Top Players & Tips for Beginners
As we enter the second week of June 2025, baseball is in full swing across the United States. From Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League action to emerging high school talents, there’s a lot happening in the baseball world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or someone looking to start playing, this blog covers everything you need to know, including standout players, league trends, special MLB news, and beginner tips to help you hit the ground running.
⚾ Major League Baseball (MLB) Highlights & Star Performers
🥇 Aaron Judge – Chasing the .400 Dream
New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge is batting an astonishing .396, putting him within reach of becoming the first hitter since Ted Williams in 1941 to finish a season over .400. Judge added two more home runs this week, maintaining MVP-caliber momentum.
🧠 Automated Strike Zone Coming Soon
MLB has announced plans to implement Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) technology league-wide starting in 2026. The goal is to reduce human error, improve consistency, and speed up the game.
📈 Top Performers This Week
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Pete Alonso (Mets) – .400 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI
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Vinnie Pasquantino (Royals) – .500 AVG, .536 OBP
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Ketel Marte (D-backs) – .400 AVG, 1.000 SLG
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Cal Raleigh (Mariners) – 1.231 OPS, 3 HR
🧱 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) Developments
🧊 Chicago Cubs Farm System
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Iowa Cubs (AAA): Owen Caissie and Carlos Pérez went deep in a 7–3 win over Omaha.
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South Bend Cubs (High-A): Andy Garriola crushed his 8th HR, while Kenton Egbert tossed 5.2 shutout innings.
🔥 White Sox Prospects to Watch
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Jake Palisch (AA): Delivered 6 innings with 2 ER and pinpoint control.
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Andrew Vaughn (AAA): Drove in 4 RBIs this week with excellent plate discipline.
📌 Prospects on the Rise
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Yankees' High-A rotation continues to shine with excellent command and strikeout rates.
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Notable promotions include Chase Burns (Reds) and Tanner Schobel (Twins), both moving up to Triple-A.
🏫 High School Baseball Making History
🏆 Texas’ Humble ISD Dominates
Three high schools from the Humble Independent School District — Atascocita, Kingwood, and Kingwood Park — all advanced to their respective state championship games. This marks a historic first in Texas UIL history.
📡 Tech Comes to High School
Some Connecticut high schools have adopted PitchCom-like tech, allowing catchers and coaches to communicate digitally. This tech, common in college and pro leagues, is now changing how high schoolers approach game strategy.
📰 This Week's Special Baseball News
⚠️ Injury Risks Rising – Arm Care Is Crucial
There’s a growing trend of teres major and lat muscle injuries in pitchers. Rather than chasing velocity alone, modern training now emphasizes mobility, recovery, and muscle balance.
🧤 Sliding Mitts Are Now a Fashion Statement
Sliding mitts have become more popular at all levels, offering wrist protection and style. Youth and amateur players now sport customized versions as both safety gear and personal flair.
🏟️ MLB Standings Snapshot (Top Divisions)
National League
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East: Mets – 42 wins / 24 losses
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Central: Cubs – 40 wins / 25 losses
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West: Dodgers – 39 wins / 27 losses
American League
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Central: Tigers – 43 wins / 24 losses (best overall record)
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East: Yankees – 39 wins / 25 losses
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West: Astros – 36 wins / 29 losses
🧰 Baseball Tips for Beginners – Start the Right Way
Whether you’re a youth player or an adult beginner, here are five professional-level tips to help you develop the right skills early on:
🛠️ 1. Learn PitchCom Concepts
Understanding how coaches and catchers communicate electronically gives you a strategic edge. Practice responding quickly to signs or simulated signals to improve game awareness.
🏋️ 2. Build a Proper Warm-Up & Recovery Routine
Don’t just chase velocity. Protect your arm by doing mobility drills and shoulder recovery routines. Prioritize long-term health over short-term gains.
🧤 3. Catcher Agility & Throwing Accuracy
Great catchers aren’t just strong – they’re smart and quick. Focus on reaction time drills, pop-time workouts, and footwork precision.
⚾ 4. Balance Power and Contact Like Aaron Judge
Practice hitting to all fields, especially opposite field hitting. Combine bat speed with plate discipline — that’s how elite hitters thrive.
🔍 5. Study Rising Prospects
Watch how top MiLB prospects approach their at-bats, pitch selection, and defensive mechanics. Emulating their work ethic and techniques can rapidly boost your game.
✍ Final Thoughts
This week’s baseball scene across the U.S. reminds us that it’s not just about the home runs and strikeouts — it’s about smart training, innovation, and passion. From Aaron Judge’s historic run to high school teams breaking records and prospects making their mark, the game continues to evolve.
Whether you're watching from the stands or stepping into the batter’s box for the first time, now is the perfect time to fall in love with baseball. Follow the players, study the trends, and most importantly — have fun playing the game.