Mitchell
Fairfield

8.6.14 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed hitting catcher currently ranked No. 59 in Illinois’ 2016 class.  Strong, athletic build, hits from a wide, balanced setup, short stride, high back elbow, hands load smoothly, producing level bat path with extension creating backspin line drives from gap-to-gap.  88 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Defensively, threw 80 mph from the crouch from short, high ¾ to over the top arm slot.  Raises throwing elbow above shoulder lengthening pop time, which ranged between 2.01-2.07.  Showed soft hands receiving during pitcher’s bullpens.  Ran a 7.48 60.  Fairfield already has a great frame, and has not fully matured yet which could be scary for opposing pitcher’s the next two seasons.  He’s a prospect to watch closely, and could potentially be Normal West’s next draft prospect.

8/7/13 - 6-foot-1 165-pound projectable catcher with a strong frame.  Uses a short, true catcher’s arm action and consistently clean, quick exchange producing pop times in the 2.03-2.15 range, at 77 mph, with solid accuracy.  Is a high quality receiver behind the dish.  Offensively, he has a balanced setup with some crouch and a minimal stride that maintains balance through the entire swing.  Showed a fluid swing that at times showed above average bat speed, registering an exit velocity of 82 mph off the tee.  He ran a 7.69 60.

1/20/13 - Average build, 6-foot, 160-pound catcher. Pop times range 2.33-2.47, arm shows carry, stays on line. Hits from balanced setup, slightly wide, smooth load, short stride, lower half works well, flat bat path, line drive hitter, creates some extension, moderate bat speed, 74 mph exit velocity.

8/8/12  Fairfield is a solid up and coming catcher. At 6-foot, 160 pounds, he threw it 72 from behind the plate. Mitchell showed the ability to drive the ball with some backspin carry. He hits from a wider balanced stance and showed flashes for power in his swing. He also topped at 77 mph from mound. His arm works clean and easily, and should continue to see his velocity climb in the future. Fairfield looks to be a promising prospect with considerable upside.