PBR Illinois Pitcher of the Week: Ethan Eberle
April 19, 2023
Southpaw Ethan Eberle (Normal Community, 2024) stormed onto the scene last summer with numerous strong showings in front of our scouting staff, eventually going on to earn an invite to represent Team Illinois at the Future Games. He then followed up with an upside look at our inaugural Illinois State Games in Rantoul. It is no surprise to see that his success has carried over into the spring season, as he notches our Pitcher of the Week award after firing a perfect game against Peoria Richwoods.
Eberle needed just 52 pitches to record a five-inning perfect game, striking out 11 and only reaching one three-ball count on the day as Normal Community took down Richwoods by the score of 14-0.
On the season, Eberle now has 20.2 innings under his belt to pair with only three hits allowed, 41 strikeouts, six walks and a sparkling 0.00 ERA.
The uncommitted junior is currently ranked No. 26 in the state, making him the second highest-ranked uncommitted player in the state. A recent standout at the Preseason All-State: Upperclass, Eberle hides the ball well throughout his fluid delivery and delivers a fastball up to 88 mph from a low ¾ slot. He has feel for a sharp downer curveball, tight slider and fading changeup to complete his arsenal, making his fastball play up even more. At 6-foot-5, 215-pounds, it is safe to say that Eberle has more in the tank as he has already added roughly two mph from the summer.
We're thankful for the POTW submissions we received from the coaches across the state. The players who garnered POTW consideration will earn a place within Friday's Diamond Notes story, so be on the lookout for that by the end of this week.
Scouting Report
From the left hand side, three southpaws showed above average fastballs at the Preseason All-State. Frankie Bilecki (Marist, 2024), Ethan Eberle (Normal Community, 2024) and Jacob Gimbel (Joliet, Catholic, 2024) all worked in the mid to upper 80’s. Bilecki sat 84-86 mph with good depth to his curveball. Eberle was up to 87-88 mph with natural arm side run and flashing a sharp breaking ball. Gimbel sat 86-87 mph and showed a four pitch mix highlighted by a sinking changeup with arm speed.