Mikey Watson Shines in Double Duty Classic

Homewood-Flossmoor shortstop Mikey Watson stepped into the spotlight at Rate Field, the Chicago White Sox’s home. He embraced this opportunity to make an impact. Watson, a senior and Illinois-Chicago recruit, explained his role: “I take pride in my game being the spark plug for the team. I want to help the team as much as I could. Getting the dugout fired up and the momentum started in our favor was really huge.”

On July 22, 2026, Watson led off for the East All-Stars with a triple, scoring the first run in a 9-2 victory over the West All-Stars in the Double Duty Classic. His performance earned him co-MVP honors alongside Marian Catholic’s Jazarris Mackmore, who contributed three hits and a two-run double. “We’ve played together for at least four years and known each other since kindergarten,” Mackmore said of Watson. “He’s a goofy guy who runs hard, hits hard, and does everything out there.”

West Aurora’s Oscar Alexander Jr. drove Watson home with a double in the first inning. Reflecting on Watson’s impact, Alexander said, “I just met him this week but it was great to hit behind him. He brought energy to the team. He’s fast, smooth, and a good player.” Watson’s performance included two runs, three hits in four at-bats, and two stolen bases. His skills in the field were also on display, initiating three double plays. “I take pride in my defense,” Watson commented. “I want people to realize I’m also a defender. I use my speed to save games.”

After transferring from Brother Rice to Homewood-Flossmoor before his junior year, Watson helped lead the Vikings to a 20-15 record. He embraced the shift in culture, stating, “Making the move to H-F, making it my team, allowing me to be the leader, helped me find my voice. It helped determine whether we won games.”

Watson’s gameplay revolves around speed and rhythm. As a leadoff hitter, he aims to capitalize on every opportunity. “I like to put pressure on defenses and force them to make plays,” Watson remarked. “I want to be that leader making spectacular plays.”

His passion for baseball began at age 4 in South Holland, playing T-ball. The atmosphere at Rate Field intensified his love for the game. “Sharing the field with these guys meant so much to me,” Watson said. ”They’re like my family and I love playing with them. It was like a dream come true.”

Patrick Z. McGavin contributed as a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.