Mingus Union High School senior infielders Tom McCarty and Orlando Machado were inspired by head baseball coach Bob Young to lead at a championship level early.
“Me and Orlando have been talking about it since we were freshmen,” McCarty said. “We had good leaders last year — the best we’ve had in a while — but coach Young always said the last great leaders of the team were when my brother Shaun was there.
“My brother’s lucky: He won two state championships.”
It’s early, but that luck may have rubbed off on little brother. The shortstop has also won championships with teammates ages 17 or younger in two Phoenix tournaments since May 23, nearly winning Most Valuable Player of a third.
Each tournament, Machado has been there, too — either rooting on McCarty or playing third base for his own U18 team.
For the full story, please see the Wednesday, July 16, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
