Speed Helping McCants Get Noticed

Solomon McCants SS / 2B / University/Southfield A&T, MI / 2020

SOUTHFIELD - The importance of speed in the sport of baseball can not be denied. That is a good thing for Solomon McCants.

The Southfield A&T junior has an abundance of it, with a recent clocking of 6.57 in the 60. It is a big selling point for the 5-11 165-pound shortstop, who has been transitioning to the outfield to take advantage of his quickness.

“I can do just about anything,” McCants said in regard to the game of baseball. “If you need a position player that can play anywhere, throw me in. I know how to react.”

Until six months ago, McCants had not done a showcase or really been on the recruiting radar. But that is starting to change.

“When I first came to a showcase they noticed my feet,” the 92nd-rated 2020 in the state said about what he has found out from scouts at showcases, including the PBR Eastern Michigan Upperclass (Invite Only) event. “They think outfield will be my main position (at the next level). My footwork is getting better and as I’ve done more showcases it’s getting even better.”

But there is more to his game than just speed.

“I’m reliable with the bat, I can get base hits or hit with power,” McCants noted. “I’m a solid defensive player and solid offensive player. If you need pitching, I believe I can be exceptional there, too.”

Interest from colleges is in the early stages at the moment.

“I’m now receiving emails but I haven’t started contacting coaches as of yet,” McCants said.

What McCants has been focusing on is making improvements to his game.

“There was a time I didn’t think fundamentals were necessary, but I found out when the game was on the line,” McCants admitted. “I had to learn the hard way.

“I was never bad defensively, but in the past six months I’ve gotten my footwork right and improved my offensive game,” McCants continued. “I’ve been going to numerous coaches working on my swing so I can hit line drives up the middle and to right field.”

Getting better does not end there.