Super 60 Participant: Derek Smith
January 17, 2022
This is the 20th Annual Super 60 Pro Showcase.
This prestigious, invitation-only event features only the top draft prospects in the Prep Baseball Report’s expansive coverage area. Over the last 19 years, the Super 60 has become the most heavily scouted preseason event for potential draft picks. The primary purpose of the Super 60 is to give professional area scouts, cross-checkers and scouting directors a head start to the high school season. The event is for draft-eligible Class of 2022 prospects.
The Super 60 Pro Showcase has hosted some of baseball's top prep talent while serving as the first stop along the year's MLB Draft circuit. Last year’s draft was a banner year for former Super 60 participants, as C Henry Davis (Fox Lane, NY) was selected No. 1 overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Davis attended the 2018 Super 60 showcase, alongside RHP Ryan Cusick (Avon Old Farms, CT), who also heard his name called in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Additionally, four Super 60 alumni were drafted within the first three rounds of this year's draft: SS Noah Miller (Ozaukee, WI), RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (Saginaw Heritage, MI), C Carter Jensen (Park Hill, MO), and 3B Alex Binelas (Oak Creek, WI).
In total, the Super 60 hosted 29 players who were ultimately selected in the 2021 MLB Draft. The '21 draftees soon joined the likes of Gavin Lux (Kenosha Indian Trail, WI), Evan White (Gahanna Lincoln, OH), Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West, WI), and Alek Thomas (Mount Carmel, IL) as former, recent Super 60 participants who have since begun to thrive in the pro ball setting.
The Super 60 will be held on Sunday, February 6.
Today, we highlight one of Arizona's Super 60 participants: #6 overall ranked and OK State commit, 2022 C/3B Derek Smith (Horizon).
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Derek Smith C / 3B / Horizon, AZ / 20226-foot-2 200 pounds, Derek Smith has made a name for himself as one of the biggest offensive presences in the State of Arizona. Smith's frame is no doubt the build of a professional prospect, as he has put on significant size in the last two years. His strength is above average and proportionate through the body, while still possessing some athleticism. Offensively, Smith has a balanced and simple set up at the plate, along with simple swing mechanics. With his size and strength, he uses a short and direct bat path that produces loud contact on a consistent basis. Expect Smith to put up great offensive numbers at the Super 60, and in game action this spring. Defensively, we could see Smith at a couple different spots this spring, his main position being behind the plate. Smith keeps the trend of simplicity to his game going behind the plate as well. His receiving technique is simple and direct, blocking is sound, and throws the ball well with carry down to second base. This spring, there is a chance we see Smith getting some time at 3B, where he will be serviceable. Smith has a large leadership role for his team over at Horizon. Coach Polvorosa has a strong 2022 class this year, with some key underclassmen that will help make a championship run this year. Smith is a class act on and off the field, and we're happy to have him representing Arizona at the Super 60. |
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Upcoming Events
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Phoenix Preseason ID | AZ | 01/23 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Preseason All-State Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 01/29 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Preseason All-State Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 01/30 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/06 | The MAX - McCook, Ill. |