Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

'Me and Brady on the dirt again': House, King reunite at Spring Breakout

Nationals' top prospects man the field together after growing up as travel ball teammates
March 16, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King. Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization,

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King.

Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization, with House at third base and King at shortstop working toward their shared goal.

“We did a lot of road trips together,” House, 21, said. “We went to Cooperstown together. His dad and my dad are really good friends, and so we ended up us four traveling a lot.”

House, the Nationals’ No. 4 prospect (per MLB Pipeline), was selected as the 11th overall Draft pick in 2021 out of Winder-Barrow High School (Ga.). King attended House’s Draft party. Three years later, the Nats picked King 10th overall out of Wake Forest. He is ranked as their No. 5 prospect.

“We’ve always played with a good group of guys to be around,” King, 21, said. “Some of our friends are still playing college ball and pro ball, so it’s cool that we’re on the same team.”

House finished last season in Triple-A Rochester; King played with Single-A Fredericksburg after the Draft. They reported to West Palm Beach, Fla., for Spring Training, where House was invited to Major League camp for the second year in a row.

“I saw him for the first time [this spring], it’s like we never lost a step,” King said.

📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER

The Spring Breakout, an annual exhibition between prospects, reunited the childhood friends. They were both in the starting lineup on Friday, and Seaver started in Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Mets' prospects.

“It was super fun,” House said. “Especially being on the same side of the field.”

Over a decade later, the infield pairing provided a sense of familiarity to House and King.

“It brings a level of comfortability,” King said. “Playing with guys you’ve played with in the past, you don’t feel like you’re proving anything to anybody.”

Their dynamic during game action has stayed strong, too. As they’ve developed to the professional level, their different skills and personalities complement one another.

“I think someone being a shortstop, letting them take the lead and I kind of just listen to what they have to say,” House said.

Echoed King, “He’s got the arm and I’m flying around the field, hopefully making plays, as well. I think our left side -- if me and him are on the same side of the field -- is one of the best.”

The fact they have spent their lives pursuing baseball is evident in their approach to the game. Manager Dave Martinez has noticed their spark on the field.

“They’re both very aggressive,” Martinez said. “What I’ve seen from Seaver, he’s a go-getter and I love that about him. House, quiet but same. … He plays with a lot of passion, he loves the game. They both do.”

The Spring Breakout was a highlight of camp for House and King -- a reminder of the past and a glimpse into what the future could hold.

“[My dad] said, ‘What are you looking forward to today?’” King recalled. “I said, ‘Me and Brady on the dirt again.’ It’s been a while.”

19-year-old hurler fans six
Nationals No. 6 prospect Alex Clemmey got the start on Sunday, less than a year after the left-hander was acquired from Cleveland in the Lane Thomas trade.

Clemmey, 19, recorded six strikeouts in three innings. He allowed one run off three hits (including a home run to Mets No. 14 prospect Boston Baro) and one walk.

“It’s great,” Clemmey said of facing top prospects from another organization. “There’s a lot of different guys, a lot of different swings. It’s seeing how my stuff plays in different counts against different hitters at different levels.”

Caleb Lomavita (Washington's No. 9 prospect), who caught Clemmey in Single-A Fredericksburg last season, was behind the plate with him on Sunday.

“He’s that guy,” said Lomavita. “You don’t want to be in the box when he’s trying to get you out.”

Jersey swap tradition
The jersey swap featured a pair of Oklahoma State alumni. Nationals right-hander Robert Cranz and Mets outfielder Carson Benge (MLB Pipeline's No. 100-ranked prospect) shared a Cowboys bond after the game.

Views from the dugout

Senior Reporter Jessica Camerato covers the Nationals for MLB.com.

County Days Set For April 13th, 27th with $5 Tickets On Sale

February 24, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Buster was on the move recently, heading to County Tourism offices in both Ocean and Monmouth Counties, to promote County Days in ShoreTown this spring! Monmouth County Day is Sunday, April 13th and Ocean County Day is Sunday, April 27th. Tickets are available for just $5

BlueClaws to Celebrate Jersey Shore Tourism Industry with Locals/Bennys Games

BlueClaws to play as Locals, Hudson Valley to play as The Bennys for three games this summer
March 27, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The Bennys are coming…to ShoreTown! As part of a one-of-a-kind promotion celebrating the tourism industry at the Jersey Shore, the BlueClaws will play three games as the Jersey Shore Locals against the Hudson Valley Renegades, who will play as The Bennys at ShoreTown Ballpark this summer.

BlueClaws Charities Suite Raffle Winners

March 28, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Congratulations to the eight winners of the 2025 BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle. The names were drawn on Thursday in a Facebook Live stream that you can watch by clicking here.

Introducing the Jersey Shore Shine Barons

BlueClaws to don alternate identity on Saturday, June 14th
March 18, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – It was February of 2000. A new Minor League Baseball team was coming to the Jersey Shore. The suggested names were piling in, and it was BlueClaws that was ultimately selected, a name and identity that has lasted a quarter-century. Another name on that list was

BlueClaws Charities, New Jersey Natural Gas to Give Four Scholarships As Part of Copa de la Diversión Program

March 4, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities and New Jersey Natural Gas have come together once again on a scholarship program in conjunction with the team’s Medusas de Jersey Shore brand and Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. "Copa de la Diversión," or "Fun Cup," is a season-long event

BlueClaws Collecting National Anthem Applications

February 6, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Individuals interested in performing the National Anthem at a BlueClaws game this summer can now apply. Performers are encouraged to submit an audition video online for consideration. To submit, CLICK HERE and please fill out the form completely. All submissions are due by March 15th.

Star Wars Night Bundle Now On Sale

February 20, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws are excited to host Star Wars Night, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, on Friday, July 18th, and our special Star Wars Night bundle is currently on sale!

Bluey is Coming to ShoreTown on April 26th

January 17, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - On the morning of this morning, the BlueClaws announced that the one and only Bluey will be making a visit to ShoreTown Ballpark this year on Saturday, April 26th at the team's 4:05 pm game against Brooklyn (Mets).

BlueClaws Announce 2025 Fireworks Schedule

January 22, 2025

JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws will have 14 special fireworks shows at ShoreTown Ballpark this year summer, beginning with Opening Night at the Jersey Shore on April 8th, presented by Jenkinson's Boardwalk.

Military Appreciation Night Hero Nomination Form Now Open

BlueClaws announce additional military initiatives
November 11, 2024

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws will once again honor military heroes through a special post-game ceremony after the July 24th Military Appreciation Night game and the team is now collecting nominations of military heroes to be recognized that night. Military Appreciation Night is presented by OceanFirst Bank.

This road trip will give you the spirit of '76

Revolutionary sojourn salutes General George Washington
@JoshJacksonMiLB
June 26, 2024

Because there's no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than getting out to a ballgame, earlier in the week we presented a breakdown of must-catch Minor League games with Independence Day celebrations, with one entry for each farm system. But let's say you're not satisfied with one Independence

Crawford, Abel lead Phillies' Organization All-Stars

Philadelphia's top prospects ready to get club back to Fall Classic
@RobTnova24
December 8, 2023

Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization and honors the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in each farm system. Next up in our 2023 Organization All-Stars series are the Philadelphia Phillies. 2023 organization summary: Triple-A Lehigh Valley: 80-66

The best of the Phillies' Minor League ballparks

Beaches, ballpark friends and bacon highlight road to Philadelphia
@Kelsie_Heneghan
July 26, 2023

The Minor League Ballpark Guides series presented by Wyndham brings all the most fun features of Minors ballparks across America (and one in Canada!) onto your desktop, tablet or mobile device, whether you're interested in taking a virtual tour from where you sit or planning a trip to catch some

Copa de la Diversión en la comunidad

Monarcas among clubs making connections beyond the ballpark
@Gerard_Gilberto
May 31, 2023

Copa de la Diversión is a multi-faceted fan engagement platform focused on embracing the cultures and values that resonate most with local Latino/a communities. Indeed, some of the greatest success stories within Copa -- sponsored by Nationwide, the platform's official insurance partner -- relate to each club’s ability to make

The Road to The Show™: Phillies righty Abel

No. 54 overall prospect holding up his end of winning combo
@Gerard_Gilberto
November 29, 2022

Each week, MiLB.com profiles an elite prospect by chronicling the steps he's taken toward achieving his Major League dream. Here's a look at second-ranked Phillies prospect Mick Abel. For more stories about players on The Road to The Show, click here. Coming into the season, Mick Abel seemed to be

Painter, veteran bats bring the noise for Phillies

Young ace headlines All-Stars list alongside experienced sluggers
@Gerard_Gilberto
November 21, 2022

Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization and honors the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in each farm system. Next up in our 2022 Organization All-Stars series are the Philadelphia Phillies.

And now, our ballpark feature presentation

A look at the most unique stadium aspects in the Minor Leagues
@BensBiz
October 8, 2020

What makes a Minor League ballpark unique? The food? The fans? The view? The answer to that query is, of course, all of the above. But perhaps above all, what makes a Minor League park unique are its stand-alone features, those architectural quirks, creative constructions and down-the-line additions that simply

'Greatest Gorra' tournament of hats heating up

MiLB.com staff picks favorites in Copa de la Diversión cap contest
@tylermaun
June 4, 2020

From 92 caps, one will take the crown. The Greatest Gorra tournament has entered its second round, having narrowed its collection to 46 squads from Minor League Baseball's Copa de la Diversión initiative recognizing and honoring Hispanic and Latinx communities with culturally relevant identities. Fans can cast their second round

National Anthem Tryouts on April 1st at FirstEnergy Park

Interested applicants must apply online in advance
February 21, 2020

LAKEWOOD, NJ- The BlueClaws will hold their 2020 National Anthem tryouts on Wednesday, April 1st at FirstEnergy Park. The auditions will run from 5 pm - 7 pm.

Numerous 2020 Promotions Released For First Time

Many more to be unveiled over the next few weeks
February 20, 2020

The BlueClaws have unveiled the first in a long series of Promotional Nights to come out for 2020. This is a partial list with many others to be released over the coming days and weeks. 

BlueClaws, Rothman Orthopaedics Announce Partnership

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute now the Official Physicians of the BlueClaws
February 12, 2020

LAKEWOOD, NJ - The Lakewood BlueClaws (A, Phillies) are pleased to announce a partnership with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, now the Official Physicians of the BlueClaws. Additionally, Rothman Orthopaedics will also become the official physician and sponsor of the BlueClaws youth sports programs including their "Play Like a Pro Series," youth

10th Annual Jersey Shore Wine Festival Returns April 25th

Tickets now on sale for the annual Jersey Shore staple
February 9, 2020

LAKEWOOD, NJ - The return of the Jersey Shore Wine Festival for a 10th season at FirstEnergy Park is so exciting that the BlueClaws moved the event up to April!

Adamson Joins Phillies, Will Manage BlueClaws This Year

31-year old Aussie joins returnees Hockenberry, Marrero on staff
February 7, 2020

LAKEWOOD, NJ - Chris Adamson, a 31-year old Australian, has been named the 14th manager in BlueClaws history, it was announced on Friday by the Phillies. 

BlueClaws Debuting Beach-Theme Hat, Jersey in 2020

Alternate uniform set to be worn at Thursday games; merchandise now available
February 6, 2020

LAKEWOOD, NJ - The BlueClaws have unveiled a brand new beach-inspired hat and jersey combo that will be worn by the team this summer.The cap is modeled after a beach ball and includes a crab walking across the beach with a sand bucket on his head. The brim is sand-colored

Recognizing National Women In Sports Day

BlueClaws showcase the wonderful women on our front office staff
February 5, 2020

In honor of National Women in Sports Day (February 6th), the BlueClaws would like to highlight the outstanding female employees on our staff.