Texas Rangers player Wyatt Langford hosted his second annual baseball camp for over 100 kids in Newberry, Florida.
Langford, a Trenton native and former Florida Gators star, aims to provide local youth with the mentorship he lacked growing up.
Former UF teammates joined Langford as coaches, and about half the campers were from the surrounding tri-county area.
Langford, a 2023 World Series champion, still lives in the area during the offseason and is seen as a role model by young players.
It’s rare for kids to agree on anything, especially a desire to wake up early on a Saturday.
Yet, over 100 kids from around the Gainesville-area willingly braved tiredness and the odd January heat to drive to Newberry.
Why? Because a local superhero offered his tips on how these 8-14 year olds can reach the big leagues.
Trenton native and Florida baseball legend Wyatt Langford hosted his second annual baseball camp at Champions Park in Newberry — three months before his third season with the Texas Rangers begins.
Despite his new big city digs with the 2023 World Series champions, Langford remains committed to the area. He still lives in Trenton in the offseason with his wife Hallie. A college softball player, Hallie will play her final season with North Florida. She’ll visit Gainesville on Tuesday, February 17.
It’s his love for the area that pushed Langford to begin the camp. He said that when he grew up in Trenton, youth baseball camps weren’t popular, despite the proximity to UF.
“There wasn’t a lot of people you can look up,” Langford said. “People who could tell you what to do and what not to do.”
The lack of resources didn’t hurt Langford much, who won two state championships in Gilchrist County. That led to a scholarship from Florida. He became of the Gators best offensive player in program history and a College World Series finalist in 2023.
The campers benefited from Langford’s connections as his former UF teammates Colby Halter, Blake Purnell and Ryan Slater served as coaches. The camp was run by the Florida Hardballers, the travel baseball team Langford played for.
About half the kids came from the tri-county area of Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist Counties. This pleased Langford even more.
“We’re lucky enough to be role models to them, so it’s our duty to be good role models and show them a little something that gives them hope and ambition to continue practicing,” Langford said.
Calling himself a role model isn’t far enough. For the kids at the camp, he’s a superhero.
Mason Depaola, a 12-year-old, called Langford a superhero and an inspiration to him.
“If you’re playing with better guys, they’ll push you, and if you see guys in the majors, you can strive to be like that,” Depaola said. “That’ll make you the best player.”
The Rangers 2026 season begins on March 26 at the Philadelphia Phillies. Texas will visit the Tampa Bay Rays July 28-30, the Atlanta Braves July 17-19 and the Miami Marlins June 22-24.