Thursday, September 19, 2024
Colton Alford, an 11-year-old standout athlete from Granbury, has been making waves in youth baseball, achieving notable success with the Texas Edge baseball team. Colton, who has played select baseball since age 7, recently played a key role in helping his team secure the World Series championship at the 2024 Triple Crown Slumpbuster in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Texas Edge team, competing against 39 teams from across the country, went undefeated with a 6-0 record. Colton delivered an impressive performance, hitting .455 over the six-game tournament, which included five hits, one home run, and four RBIs. He also contributed as a pitcher and first baseman for the team.
“We played teams from California, Nebraska, Colorado, Virginia and more,” said Colton’s father, Jason Alford. “Out of all of them, we came out on top. Colton hit a home run in the World Series despite waking up sick at 4:30 in the morning before the game.” Alford noted his son’s perseverance and performance in tough situations have been a hallmark of his young career.
The young athlete’s success continued during the USA Baseball tournament in early August. Out of 85 players, only 13 were selected for the USA team, and Colton was among them. Over the course of the tournament, Colton batted an astounding .875, with seven hits, one home run and three RBIs, earning him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. His home run in the championship game helped secure a 7-4 victory against Venezuela.
In addition to his recent tournament success, Alford highlighted his son’s strong work ethic and dedication to improving his game. “Colton is very humble and works hard,” he said, noting their weekly practice sessions and lessons.
A Tennessee Volunteers baseball team fan, Colton had the opportunity to attend a College World Series game in Omaha to watch his favorite team. As both a first baseman and pitcher, Colton has earned four or five All-American selections at Perfect Game tournaments in Houston.
In just four seasons, Colton has hit over 30 home runs, a testament to his consistency and power at the plate. During his 10U season with Texas Edge, he batted .466, collecting 41 hits, five home runs and 44 RBIs across 10 tournaments.
Colton’s mother, Janit Alford, expressed her pride in her son’s character, both on and off the field. “Coaches from all over the country have personally spoken to us about what a well-rounded and kind kid Colton is, beyond his athletic abilities,” she said. “People have even thanked us for how he treated their children, showing great sportsmanship. For us, his character comes before the home runs.”
In addition to his athletic prowess, Colton excels academically, maintaining As and Bs while juggling his baseball practices and lessons. He works with his longtime coach, Matt Mitcham, the owner of Texas Edge, who has been training Colton in hitting and pitching since he was 5.
Colton’s achievements on the field and his dedication to academics and sportsmanship have garnered attention from coaches and players alike. As he continues developing his skills, his performance and character suggest a promising future in the sport.
