10-Year-Old Baseball Prodigy from Michigan Competes in MLB World Series Youth Competition in Toronto

A 10-year-old from West Bloomfield, Michigan stunned baseball fans at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Matthew Williams II showed off his skills at Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit and Run Finals on Sunday, October 26. He beat out thousands to claim one of 40 spots in the national finals.

The contest took place during a break in the 2025 World Series matchup between Toronto and Los Angeles. Williams II earned his shot by taking second place in the 9/10-year-old bracket nationally.

"I'm very excited, I'm going to represent Detroit and try and have fun," Williams II said according to Detroit Free Press.

MLB officials flew Williams II and his dad to Toronto, putting them up for Game 2 of the World Series. The next morning at 9:30, MLB.com broadcast the skills contest live. The young star faced tough rivals from across the country - kids from California, Washington and Florida who'd proven themselves the best in their regions.

Baseball runs deep in the Williams clan. Dad played at Wayne State from 2006-2009, making the all-conference team his final year. The sport goes back another generation too - grandpa Michael spent years on the diamond.

"He's a very hard worker. He loves baseball. He's very involved in baseball. When most kids are watching cartoons, he's watching baseball with me," Michael Williams said per The Detroit News.

The youngster first picked up a bat at age two. Now he plays for the Indians Baseball Club travel team. His path to Toronto started at SAY Play Detroit in July. Next came the regional round at Comerica Park in August.

At regionals, Williams II met his baseball idol Javier Báez. "He just inspires me as a shortstop," Williams II said.

Wayne State player Steven Witted has watched the kid grow. "He's got a bright future, and it's easy for everyone to see," Witted said.

The contest tests core baseball and softball abilities. Past stars like Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson once stood where Williams II stands now.

Asked about his strategy, Williams II kept it basic: "Play how I play in the game and just have fun and stay locked in," he said according to WXYZ Detroit.