FOREST HILLS — The Forest Hills Youth Athletic Association (FHYAA) is celebrating this week after three baseball alums were selected in the Major League Baseball draft for the first time in decades.
Former FHYAA baseball players Aiden Ruiz, Dawson Montesa, and Bayram Hot were drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the New York Yankees, respectively, marking what FHYAA staff are calling the organization’s first MLB draft picks in nearly 40 years.
Ruiz, who played baseball at FHYAA before attending Stony Brook University, was drafted to the Pirates as the 44th pick in the 2nd round of the 2026 draft. Montesa, whom the Cardinals selected in the 2nd round as the 72nd overall pick, played baseball at FHYAA until age 12, then continued at Fleet Street Fields with the Forest Hills Bombers baseball league until age 17 before going on to play at Adelphi University and West Virginia University.
Hot, who was selected in the draft’s 10th round, played at FHYAA then went on to pursue his career at Marist College and the University of Louisville.
“We are incredibly proud of Aiden, Dawson, and Bayram and wish them continued success as they begin their professional baseball careers!” wrote FHYAA leadership in a statement.
FHYAA has also recognized former player and umpire Olivia Pichardo for her groundbreaking accomplishments in baseball. Olivia made history as the first woman to play on a Division I men’s baseball team at Brown University and the first woman to pitch in a Division I men’s baseball game. She has also been recognized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY for her historic achievements.
“We are proud to celebrate Olivia’s impact on the game and the inspiration she continues to provide to young athletes,” the organization said in a statement.
Operating as a 501c3 nonprofit, the FHYAA has provided sports programming to Queens youth since 1955. The organization currently offers soccer, baseball, softball, basketball and flag football programs, as well as summer baseball/softball programming at Fleet Street Fields for children ages 5-13. The FHYAA soccer program, which launched in 1995 serving 900 kids annually, kicks off in September and runs through November.
FHYAA is currently fundraising for an initiative to replace its dirt fields with turf to reduce maintenance costs and allow for year-round play. To donate or register for the soccer season, visit fhyaa.com.
