For most 12-year-old baseball players, Cooperstown is more than a tournament. For Nolan Brock, it marked the end of one chapter and the start of another.

After six years with North Gwinnett Baseball and the Georgia Chargers, Nolan made his final trip with the team to the storied fields of upstate New York. It was his last run with friends and teammates he had grown up with, and it could not have ended on a better stage.

Nolan was most excited about hitting home runs in the tournament, and he did not disappoint. He sent three balls over the fence, the most on his team, including one during his very first at-bat and then two back-to-back in game five. At Cooperstown, home runs are a tradition, and Nolan was proud to be part of it.

The players stayed in bunks, sharing late-night laughs, inside jokes, and memories that felt bigger than the game itself. Nolan bunked with his teammate Eli Rowland, and the camaraderie made the week unforgettable. Even the less-than-fabulous food and chaotic showers became part of the story they will never forget.

For his family, the trip was more than baseball. Cooperstown replaced their summer beach vacation, but they knew its importance. Jeremy, Nolan’s dad, was struck by the beauty of upstate New York.

“Everything that is beautiful is there. The cool breeze and the scenery felt perfect. Driving up, I kept thinking about all the memories we’ve made with Nolan and his teammates over the years.” 

Devon, Nolan’s mom, added, “It was a big financial commitment, but we knew how important it was for him. Being there over the Fourth of July made it so special. Being in the small town where the game of baseball started, playing in the most traditional baseball tournament, what could be more American on this holiday?” She also noted how meaningful it was to see Nolan bond with his teammates.

Walking through the Baseball Hall of Fame, Nolan spotted memorabilia from three of his own coaches, a reminder of how fortunate he has been to learn from some of the game’s best. Jeremy reflected on the experience, saying, “Nolan has been blessed with great coaches who have not just taught baseball but life lessons.”

Devon, Nolan’s mom, shared a deeply emotional recap. “Cooperstown… it is hard to put into words just how truly awesome this baseball experience is for those who love the game, whether you are a 12-year-old boy there to play or a parent there to watch your favorite little player. We had the best time, and I know Nolan will forever remember the memories he made here. For anyone with younger baseball-loving little boys, one hundred percent take the trip. Core memories we will absolutely never forget.”

Now transitioning to USA Scout Purple, Nolan looks ahead with determination. Some longtime teammates will move with him, easing the transition. He trains with a personal coach, practices with high school players despite being the youngest, and keeps his swing sharp with drills at home. His role models, like Bryce Harper and Jarren Duran, inspire him not just for their talent but for their resilience.

For Nolan, Cooperstown was a part of the journey. He tells us, “I want to play in the MLB someday. Cooperstown was the perfect way to say goodbye to the past and look ahead to what is next.”