When we met Lio Garcia, the 14-year-old rising star of the baseball diamond, we knew we had to introduce him to all of you. Lio is a true talent gracing our neighborhood with unparalleled skill and dedication. This exceptional shortstop, whom is also found in center field or on the mound, has not only secured the coveted #1 ranking shortstop spot in his age division in Georgia but also an impressive #4 nationwide (you read that correctly - NUMBER FOUR IN THE WHOLE USA!).  He was also named the 2023 MIF Defensive Player of the Year for the Class of 2028 for Perfect Game’s exclusive, Finest in the Field.   This young sports sensation has a rich family history, a work ethic beyond his years, and a future so bright he’s gotta wear shades (that are super stylish and were gifted to him from a big-name sponsor - thanks to the perks of being an incredibly talented teen with a truly great attitude!).

The Garcia family calls Atlanta home but is rooted in the Dominican Republic. Lio’s grandparents immigrated to the US for the first time in the early 70’s, and to Atlanta when Lio’s dad Karl was a young child. They became an integral part of the Latin American Association in Atlanta, and Lio’s grandfather worked as a civil engineer during the foundational years of building the infrastructure of Atlanta as we know it today. Lio’s grandfather was quite a baseball prodigy himself in the Dominican Republic, and to this day baseball has remained a part of the family. It is quite literally in Lio’s blood! 

For Karl and Amanda, a stellar education is and always has been at the forefront of their family’s goals for all of their children. Amanda recalls Lio latching on to the love of reading and learning from an early age. The minute Lio was finished reading his books, he was off and crawling across the room to grab a ball! Nothing has changed now that Lio is looking ahead to high school. Grades trump everything, ensuring a holistic approach to this amazing athlete's development. Lio knows that his ability to maintain high grades and navigate a challenging practice schedule requires discipline, and it is already paying off.

Even as an 8th-grade student, Lio is already fielding a flurry of letters inviting him to prestigious collegiate camps and clinics. Lio has had the opportunity to train at several universities nationwide, most notably camps at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Tennessee.  While Lio loves traveling and playing in different tournaments around the country, he is drawn to the Florida schools most of all.

Balancing Act: Life as a Star Athlete

While dreams of college and the MLB already seem to dominate his thoughts and conversations, the everyday focus is on his 

For this baseball maestro, a typical game day is a mix of excitement and responsibility. Constantly under the watchful eyes of coaches and scouts, he embraces the delicate balance between motivation and managing the inevitable pressures. With a large fan base consisting of friends and family, attending games becomes a joyous community affair, resembling a mini-reunion at each tournament. Lio loves the baseball tournament culture! Reconnecting with friends who come together from different states and countries to play side-by-side or on different teams at each tournament is what he looks forward to most. Lio says that his most recent experience at the coveted Perfect Game Select Fest at the University of Tennessee is a perfect example of how far and wide his baseball community reach has become.  Lio had the opportunity to play on the East Squad with friends from Venezuela, Puerto Rico, New York and Florida against his West Squad friends from California, Texas and Washington.

Our baseball prodigy proudly wears the Braves 14 U Scout team jersey, a connection to the legendary Atlanta Braves. Beyond the perks of working out at Truist Park and receiving exclusive merchandise, the athlete values the camaraderie with his teammates, a close-knit group fostered by Coach Mark DeRosa and Karl Garcia, Lio’s father. 

While he's a force to be reckoned with on the field, our rising star reveals that he’s not all baseball all the time! Lio shares that most people probably do not know how much he loves fishing. Lio and his family spend quite a bit of time in the Dominican Republic with extended family, and fishing is a family favorite sport.  However, his best catch ever was in Charleston, SC, and included a black-tip shark.  

Lio also enjoys hanging out with friends, playing basketball at the neighborhood courts, and spending quality time with family. He is passionate about community service and truly enjoys participating in local events to give back to the community through organizations such as Tim Tebow's Night to Shine and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital with his Perfect Game Select Fest opportunity.   Lio and several friends participated in Gwinnett Church's Night to Shine Prom just a few weeks ago.  Amidst the extracurriculars, the dream of playing for the MLB remains his ultimate goal. Lio has a short-term goal of filing a spot on the Varsity baseball roster as a freshman, a mid-range goal of signing with a D1 school on a baseball scholarship, and ultimately achieving a long-term goal by securing a spot on his favorite MLB team.

With deep family roots and a father and brother who played baseball through college and beyond, the athlete draws inspiration from these familial ties. As he navigates his journey, the unwavering support of his family and his consistent work ethic is the driving force behind his success. 

As we witness the ascendancy of this baseball prodigy, it's not just about the victories on the field, but the invaluable life lessons learned. In the neighborhood, we cheer for our rising star, who exemplifies dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.