Local player competes in All American Games

Contributed Photo – Aidan Papaj

A young Medina diamond enthusiast, Aidan Papaj, played in the Baseball Youth All-American Games in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from August 9th to 12th.

Players from different states all over the county participated and were divided up into teams based on graduation years. They had to be selected through submission of video tape and coaching references.

Papaj played on the 2027-2028 Freedom Team that went 4-0 in pool play. After getting a bye in the semi finals, the Freedom Tream beat the Patriots by a narrow margin of 7-6 in the championship game.

Papaj pitched one inning in game 2 and then 2 innings in game 4 where no runs were scored on him. He threw 24 pitches to only 7 batters. He also played second base, third base, as well as, left and right field during the weekend. At the plate, he had several base hits, walked a few times and struck out only once on the weekend.

Eight year old Papaj, who will be a fourth grader at Medina this fall, also played travel baseball for the ANJO Bombers U9 this past season. The Bombers went undefeated, 10-0, in the regular season to win the Clarence Travel League Championship.  He pitches, plays third base and plays outfield for the Bombers as well.