Uncommitted 2014 Evan Sandmann Brings Versatility To Field
September 19, 2013
By Sean Duncan
Executive Director
Evan Sandmann (Lincoln-Way East HS, IL) very well may be the most versatile prospect in Illinois’ 2014 class. Bold statement, perhaps. Decide for yourself.
At the Illinois Top Prospect Showcase in June, the uncommitted 6-foot, 160-pounder fired consistent sub-2.0 pop times behind the plate, with a best blow of 1.94. He started at shortstop as a junior at Lincoln-Way East, which was ranked in the top 25 for most of the season. He also plays the outfield adeptly and pitches.
And anywhere he plays, the arm strength is certainly present. From shortstop he was clocked at 86 mph; 81 mph from the crouch; 86 mph from the outfield. What’s more, he ran a 6.99 60, has topped at 85 mph on the mound at a PBR event, and he hits from the left side.
As a junior, Sandmann was the catalyst for Lincoln-Way East, which was one of the spring’s biggest surprises. Sandmann batted .451 with a .513 on-base percentage. He tallied 25 RBI, 33 runs, 20 stolen bases, one home run, and tied the school’s record for hits in a season.
We recently caught up to Sandmann to see how his recruitment is going.
“I have been blessed to receive interest from a lot of schools across the country in all division levels,” he said.“However, the schools that I have talked closely with are Ball State, Evansville, Penn, Bradley, Notre Dame, Liberty, Dallas Baptist, Morehead State and Indiana Wesleyan. I have not narrowed the list down yet however.
“So far, I have taken visits to Bradley, Notre Dame, Evansville, Ball State, Liberty and Central Michigan. I am heading down to Dallas Baptist this weekend for a visit as well.”
Sandmann is also a standout in the classroom. He scored a 27 on the ACT and carries a 3.7 GPA.
“I'm looking for a school that will fit me in all sorts of ways,” he said.“I want a school that will turn me into a better man. A school with balance between academics, baseball, faith, and a good college environment would be ideal.
Sandmann said last year he gave up basketball in the winter to run indoor track to help “build speed for baseball.” He also said that he is not playing this fall to work on his strength and speed.
CLICK HERE to view Sandmann’s profile and video
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