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JCCC baseball commit Maverick Garnder selected for the Native America All-Star Showcase in Atlanta

Promotional baseball commitment graphic featuring a player in a white jersey and blue cap mid-throw, holding a baseball in the foreground. The background shows a textured baseball-field surface with warm brown and green tones. Large bold text across the top reads “COMMITTED.” A stylized signature reading “Maverick Gardner” appears in white cursive on the left. On the right side, a circular emblem displays the letters “JC” in yellow against a blue background.
Posted: Jun 26, 2026

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves recently released the rosters for the fifth annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase, which will take place at Truist Park on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday June 28. Forty-seven of the top high school baseball players of Native American descent will participate, representing 32 tribes from across 19 states and Canada.

Among those selected is Maverick Gardner, a 2026-27 commit to Johnson County Community College.  Gardner graduated from Moore High School in Moore Okla. and is a member of the Choctaw tribe. Earlier this year, Gardner was named All-State by the Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association

The Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase highlights Native American high school baseball players who aspire to compete at the next level. As part of the Braves' commitment to expanding access and opportunity for diverse baseball talent, the event provides elite player development with former Major League players, and the opportunity to perform in front of college and Major League scouts on a big-league stage.  

As part of the two-day 2026 Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase, selected athletes will first compete in a pro-style workout on Saturday, June 27. Executed by Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, the workout will focus on defensive work, hitting, fielding, throwing, and catcher pop times. Four to six players will be selected during Saturday morning's batting practice to participate in a Home Run Derby later that afternoon.  

On Sunday, June 28, all athletes will be divided into two teams for the 12 p.m., showcase game, with former Major League Baseball players serving as coaches for each team, including Pete Smith, Jerome Walton, Bruce Benedict and Ron Jackson. As with years past, the Atlanta Braves will continue to utilize TrackMan Baseball, a leading technology company in sports analytics, for the showcase to capture, track, and deliver player statistics to help players improve their overall game.  

Players and families will also participate in a Panel and Mentor Q&A with former Atlanta Braves star pitcher and current Braves Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Growing the Game Greg McMichael, Atlanta Braves scout Allen Butts, Savannah State University Head Baseball Coach Tino Burgos, and MLB alumnus Bruce Benedict. Native American mentors in attendance will have the opportunity to connect with participants in a small group setting.