Homewood-Flossmoor shortstop Mikey Watson received the first shot at glory.
Playing under the bright lights on the biggest stage at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, Watson definitely wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to create his own brand of magic.
“I take pride in my game being the spark plug for the team,” said Watson, a rising senior for the Vikings who is an Illinois-Chicago recruit. “I want to help the team out as much as I could.
“Getting the dugout fired up and the momentum started in our favor was really huge.”
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Mikey Watson (9) connects on a triple for the East All-Stars against the West during the Double Duty Classic at Rate Field in Chicago on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Watson came up huge Wednesday night with a leadoff triple and scored the first run, leading the East All-Stars to a 9-2 win over the West All-Stars in the prestigious Double Duty Classic.
Watson and Marian Catholic’s Jazarris Mackmore, who’s also a rising senior, shared the Minnie Minoso Award as the game’s co-MVPs. Mackmore had three hits, including a two-run double.
“We’ve been playing together for at least four years now and we’ve known each other since kindergarten,” Mackmore said of Watson. “He’s just a goofy guy.
“He’s somebody who likes to run, really hits the ball hard and does everything out there.”
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Mikey Watson (9) rounds second baes on a triple for the East All-Stars against the West during the Double Duty Classic at Rate Field in Chicago on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
West Aurora’s Oscar Alexander Jr. drove Watson home with a double in the first inning.
“I just met him this week but it was great to hit behind him,” Alexander said of Watson. “He brought a lot of energy to the team. He’s a very good player, quick, fast and very smooth in the infield.”
Watson finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two stolen bases. His opposite-field blast set a dominant tone for the East.
“I was definitely fired up and excited about batting leadoff, especially this being my first time on a big-league field,” Watson said. “It also brought nerves, but we had the chance to hit and field before the game.
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Mikey Watson (9) celebrates an inning-ending double play for the East All-Stars during the Double Duty Classic at Rate Field in Chicago on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“I was feeling good and wanted to make sure I was doing all the right things.”
The smooth-fielding Watson also initiated three double plays. He demonstrated ease and command in the infield, always under control and anticipating the flow of the game.
The moment underscored his versatility.
“I like to take pride in my defense,” Watson said. “I want people to realize that I’m also a defender. I like to use my speed to save or win games and help us any way.”
After playing baseball and basketball his first two years at Brother Rice, Watson transferred to Homewood-Flossmoor at the start of his junior year.
Change is never easy or simple, but he seized the opportunity, and helped the Vikings (20-15) post a winning record this spring.
“It was two different environments, two different cultures,” he said. “Making the move to H-F, making it my team, allowing me to be the leader, I think it really helped me find my voice.
“I felt like it helped me determine whether we won games or not.”
Homewood-Flossmoor’s Mikey Watson (9) reacts after hitting a triple for the East All-Stars against the West during the Double Duty Classic at Rate Field in Chicago on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
Watson’s game is predicated on speed, movement and rhythm. His defensive prowess is one part. As H-F’s leadoff hitter, he looked to optimize every chance up to make something happen.
“I like to put pressure on defenses and force them to make plays,” Watson said. “I just want to be that leader and make spectacular plays.”
The game has been a central part of Watson’s life since he was 4 years old playing T-ball in South Holland. He’s the oldest of three boys. His natural impulse is to be out front and take charge.
The charged atmosphere at Rate Field only deepened the pleasure.
“I know a lot of these guys and sharing the field with them meant so much to me,” Watson said. ”They’re like my family and I love playing with them.
“(Wednesday night) was like a dream come true.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.