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Unsigned Senior Spotlight: RHP Bobby Pennington

October 16, 2013

By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

RHP Bobby Pennington (Maine South HS, IL) was a clear standout at the Prep Baseball Report Unsigned Senior Showcase last Sunday, Oct. 13. For starters, the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder features an athletic frame with extremely wide shoulders and long arms – a prototypical pitcher’s frame with plenty more room for physical development.

Aside from his physical attributes, Pennington profiled as the best arm at the event. His fastball sat 86-87 mph, touching 88 twice. He works from a high-3/4 slot with an athletic arm action. His curveball showed significant improvement since the last time we saw him at the Preseason All-State Showcase last February. His 71-72 mph curveball flashed tight, late 12/6 break at times, while his changeup consistently registered at 76-77 mph with above-average arm action.

Currently ranked No. 75 in Illinois’ 2014 class, Pennington is one of the top unsigned arms in the state. An injury late in the playoffs last spring prevented Pennington from pitching for the majority of the summer.

As a junior, Pennington helped lead Maine South to the Class 4A supersectionals, serving as the team’s closer – an unfamiliar role for the right-hander. Nevertheless, he notched seven saves and posted a 1-0 record with a 1.17 ERA.

“My junior year was a learning experience,” he said. “I've always been a starter, but because my high school coach decided to start his seniors and have me close for them, I had to change my whole mindset when I entered a game. Before, if I ever had trouble in an inning it would be the first. I would build my velocity throughout the game, throwing my fastest and best in the later innings. With being a closer I needed to do that on my first pitch. I learned to make the adjustment.”

Pennington said that his missed time over the summer delayed the recruiting process.

“Unfortunately because of a non-throwing related injury at the supersectionals last June, a lot of the schools I had been talking with went in other directions. I had to miss the PBR Top Prospect and Northwest Suburban Showcases and also limited how much I could throw this summer. I had a great outing during the last summer tournament in Ohio and I got my stamina back this fall to throw seven innings again.”

Pennington, who said he wants to stay in the Midwest, is looking forward to helping Maine South make another deep postseason run.

“I'm really looking forward to my senior year,” he said. “My goal is to dominate every time out and to just be the best pitcher I can be. My experience as a closer last year will make me an even better starter next year.

CLICK HERE to view Pennington’s profile

(NOTE: Videos from Sunday’s Unsigned Senior Showcase are not in players’ profiles yet)

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