They say it's a game for the young at heart. It's also a sport that can open doors and provide opportunities.

A rising junior at Manheim Township High School (MTHS), Brett Kirchoff is growing up with baseball.

"Baseball is one of the most important things in my life, along with family, religion and academics," said Brett. "Baseball is right there with all of those things. It helps me take my mind off everything else."

"Baseball is a game of failure," continued Brett. "Because of that fact, when you do succeed it's a great feeling, just because of how much failure is in the game."

Recently, Brett enjoyed a life-enriching experience involving baseball. On June 9 in Philadelphia, the emerging Blue Streak was afforded an opportunity to compete in the Phillies-sponsored Carpenter Cup Series.

Brett, an outfielder, was part of a Berks/Lancaster team made up of members of the classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027 that played in the annual 16-team, single-elimination tournament contested at Dick Allen Field and Richie Ashburn field adjacent to Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. The event is designed to display the talents of student-age players from Philadelphia, its surrounding areas, New Jersey and Delaware for college scouts.

"It was an overall cool experience, just getting there," said Brett. "The level of play was as good as any high school varsity pitching and hitting. The guys I played with were really solid. There were just a lot of big boys."

"It's a way for kids to showcase their talents," said Brett's dad, Matt Kirchoff. "It was high-level baseball. Not too many kids were throwing under 88 mph. But it's more about the opportunity. It was a really cool experience. You're putting kids from different areas and schools together."

Brett qualified for the Lancaster/Berks club through a series of tryouts in May. He was the only player from Lancaster County to make the team.

Brett and the Lancaster/Berks squad were knocked out of the tournament by a 5-0 opening-round loss to Delaware County.

"I was a little nervous," said Brett. "I introduced myself to all the guys. Those guys were all nice, we got along great, and we cheered for each other."

"I got to be a dad," said Matt, who's been the head baseball coach at MTHS for nine seasons. "It was fun to sit in the bleachers and watch a baseball game. The best thing about this tournament as a parent is it doesn't cost you anything. I'm glad Brett was a part of it. Just to be a part of something that has the Phillies' name with it is very cool."

During the spring high school season as a sophomore, Brett split time between the Blue Streaks' varsity and JV squads. He also got his initial taste of playing for his dad, at least on the scholastic level.

"Growing up around the varsity team, I had more opportunities than others had," said Brett. "I got to go to varsity practices when I was younger, and I saw how they ran things. I think it shaped me because I took it in. Playing under him, it's crazy, just how fast time has gone. With the way he treats me (like the other players), you'd never know he was my dad."

"(Coaching my son) is unique in that we appreciate the time we have together," said Matt. "I'm thankful for it. I've coached the 2027 group since they were 10 years old. I feel like I have a responsibility to all of them. That's the fun of it. Brett knows we take baseball very seriously in our family. You've got to keep working at it. He's playing the game, he likes it, and time is moving a little too quickly."

Brett also plays linebacker and fullback on the MTHS football squad. His work ethic in the weight room has allowed him to improve as a player in both sports.

"The goal is to play baseball somewhere after high school," said Brett. "I'm a two-sport athlete, so if I could have that opportunity in college, that would be the first thing I'd try. You've got to stay on the grind. You can't let up. You've got to be better than everyone on that day, and you've got to keep your academics up."