Michael
Bainbridge

5/12/14 - Heartland commit.Ranked No. 108 in Illinois’ 2014 class. Primarily a shortstop, but impressed in complete game effort.  Four of five runs were unearned.  6-foot-1, 185-pound athletic frame.  Repeatable delivery with some effort, athleticism evident. Leg lift with toe pointed down, compact, lifts to foot to right glute, loads over rubber well. Straightens lead leg out and swings around, but gets back online towards home plate, rotational with lower half. Arm path is short and quick, effort at extension, recoils at finish on some pitches, especially when overthrowing fastball. Gets aggressive in strikeout situations. Fastball sat 83-86 all game, touched 87 once. Threw breaking ball in 71-75 mph range. When on top had 12-6 action, especially to left handed hitters. Being able to miss away to righty’s had more 11-5 action, sweepy at times.  Flashed 77-79 mph change with some bottom, thrown with fastball arm action, used sparingly.  Fielded position extremely well. Would not be surprised if velocity climbed focusing on only pitching, but handles the bat well. Hit from a balanced stance, used whole field. Athleticism evident on a rollover to second, 4.2 seconds down the line from left handed batter’s box.

2/17/13 - 6-foot-1, 185-pound left handed hitting two way player. On the mound fastball shows runs, 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 break, gradual action, some depth, lacked control, 69-70 mph. Changeup has feel, showed control at 72-73 mph. Left handed hitter, rhythm hitter, one piece swing, creates lift, hard contact, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.

6/14/12 Bainbridge is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound multi-positional player who impressed at the plate with his easy left-handed swing. Bainbridge showed a good approach at the plate, keeping his weight behind the ball and maintaining solid balance throughout contact. Defensively, Bainbridge moved well laterally and showed an accurate arm that was clocked at 79 mph from across the diamond. He also ran 7.07 60. On the mound, Bainbridge features three pitches; an 80-83 mph fastball, a 67-71 mph curveball, and a 72-75 mph changeup.

1/22/12 Bainbridge is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound athlete who impressed both as a position player and on the mound. Bainbridge especially impressed at the plate, where he showcased a loose, easy left-handed swing. Bainbridge has a relaxed plate approach, and takes a short path to the baseball. He exhibited excellent rhythm and balance throughout his swing, as the ball jumped off his bat with backspin carry. Bainbridge, who ran a 7.29 60, also showed well in the infield, demonstrating a solid arm strength (77 mph) and soft hands. On the mound, Bainbridge was also impressive. The right-hander demonstrated solid feel for three pitches and a smooth, clean delivery.  He had good mound presence and used his quick arm to deliver 81-82 mph fastballs.  Bainbridge also threw a 67-69 mph curveball that flashed sharp 12/6 break, and a 69-71 mph changeup.