Commitment Spotlight: '20 Ben Clapp, C, Maple Lake
October 16, 2019
PBR Minnesota strives to be the most comprehensive source of player information across the state. The Prep Baseball Report is the No. 1 resource for high school baseball in each state we cover through our variety of events, boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, daily coverage, and multimedia platforms. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem, ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in each state. While other organizations take a national approach, our goal is to become the authoritative voice on the ground level of each state.
Interested in attending a PBR Minnesota event? Check out our schedule by Clicking Here.
Interested in subscribing to Prep Baseball Report? Click Here.
PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?
Clapp: I chose Century because it was very welcoming, and I really liked the campus and how it made me feel at home.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Clapp: I was considering some D2 schools some D3 schools and a couple Juco schools.
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?
Clapp: I knew both coaches through PBR but I had Coach Nesbitt as a coach when I filled in for Starters when they went down to Georgia, it was a really fun trip down. The coaching staff has seen me through the tournament in Georgia and also through PBR events
PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
Clapp: It is very relieving that the recruiting process is over, and you can just focus on baseball and do the best you can in that and not worry about colleges
PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
Clapp: I wouldn’t say there was one deciding factor just that Century felt like the right fit and feels at home
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
Clapp: My parents who have always gotten me what I need to play and all my equipment and that kind of stuff. I would say my parents have helped me and gotten me where I am today. I also want to thank my coaches who have helped me out tremendously
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
Clapp: I honestly didn’t know a whole lot about the recruiting process tell my junior year but I thought it was kind of difficult but it’s definitely something you need to do and work through if you want to play baseball at the next level
PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
Clapp: I think the coaches are going to help me out a lot and I also think that they will help me grow as a baseball player and give me an opportunity to earn what I work for
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
Clapp: My most memorable baseball moment would be winning the state championship my sophomore year
PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
Clapp: I would say the best player I have competed against would be Ben Pederson who played for the Duluth Marshall Hilltoppers and went to the University of Missouri
Scouting Report
5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitting catcher. #118 player in MN 2020 class. 7.39 runner. Leg kick trigger, present strength, occasional pop to pull side, line drive and fly ball hitter, 91 mph exit velocity. Strong frame, avg. flexibility, works from one knee to receive, brings ball back to zone, 73 mph arm strength with 2.06-2.21 pop times.
5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitting catcher. 7.75 runner. Strong build. Slightly closed stance. Leg lift to start and shoulder load. Keeps balance well. Mid/pull approach with mainly line drive contact. Flashed pop in bat with good barrel contact. 91 mph exit velocity. C- Strong lower half. Works ball to middle. Can be late with glove at times. Works well glove side. Feet work away from target on throws. Average exchange. 2.09-2.30 pop times. 74 mph arm strength with average carry and accuracy.
6/17/18- 5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Strong compact build. 7.32 runner. Low hand set, leg kick trigger, above avg. present strength, line drive contact, squares baseball with hard contact, 81 mph exit velocity. Needs improved footwork through plate, short exchange, solid accuracy, plays well in games, sure hands, keeps balls in front, has receiving ability, 74 mph arm strength with 2.08-2.16 pop times.