THE FLATS – Center fielder Drew Burress (Houston County, Ga/Houston County HS) and catcher Vahn Lackey (Suwanee, Ga./ Collins Hill HS) have been named to the 26-man USA Collegiate National Team, USA Baseball announced this week. The two Jackets, returning to The Flats for their draft eligible season in 2026, will be traveling to Japan to represent the best of United States baseball in the 45th US vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series this coming week (July 8-13).
For Burress, this will be his third time representing the stars and stripes after playing for the 2019 15U National Team that won gold at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier as well as last year’s Collegiate National Team. This will be the USA Baseball debut for Lackey, who solidifies his place as one of the top two American catchers returning to the sport next season and the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
45th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series Schedule
July 8; USA vs. Japan; Es Con Field (Hokkaido, Japan); 4 a.m. ET/6 p.m. local
July 9; USA vs. Japan; Es Con Field (Hokkaido, Japan); 4 a.m. ET/6 p.m. local
July 11; USA vs. Japan; Hard Off Eco (Niigata, Japan); 3 a.m. ET/5 p.m. local
July 11/12; USA vs. Japan; Hard Off Eco (Niigata, Japan); 10 p.m. ET/12 p.m. local
July 13; USA vs. Japan; Jingu Stadium (Tokyo, Japan); 3 a.m. ET/5 p.m. local
Follow along with Burress, Lackey and the rest of Team USA, HERE
On a mission.#ForGlory🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/NAKDmvUuq4
— USA Baseball CNT (@USABaseballCNT) July 4, 2025
This announcement marks the first time that multiple Yellow Jackets have been selected to represent the United States since 2005, when Wes Hodges and Matt Wieters dawned the stars and stripes for an exhibition tour. Lackey becomes the fifth Tech catcher to represent on the international stage, joining GT legends Kevin Parada, Matt Wieters, Mike Nickeas and Jason Varitek.
2026 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for Georgia Tech’s 2026 regular season home schedule, including five ACC home series and a collection of non-conference games to be announced later, are on sale now. Visit ramblinwreck.com/tickets to purchase. For complete information on 2026 baseball tickets, including premium membership options, please visit the official Georgia Tech Baseball Tickets page.
2026 SEASON TICKET PRICING:
Reserved Chairback (Behind Home Plate w/ Tech Fund): $325
Reserved Bench Seating (Sections 3 and 4): $175
SEASON TICKET MEMBER…
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