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Player Spotlight: 3B/RHP John Brinkman (SLUH, 2016)

September 25, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

John Brinkman (SLUH, 2016) is a strong, projectable 5-foot-11, 205-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman. He represented Missouri at the 2014 Future Games and was  the MCC Player of the Year 2014.

Last season, Brinkman hit .410 with seven doubles, one home run and 18 RBI.  He was 2-2 on the mound with a 3.10 ERA with 13 strike outs in 20.2 innings of work. 

On the mound, he has a high ¾ delivery with quick arm speed. Brinkman has good rhythm throws with some effort. John keeps his shoulders level and finishes in an athletic position. He had a fastball velocity range of 84-86 MPH with run. His curveball was at 68-70 MPH with 11/5 tilt and sharp break. Brinkman’s change-up ranged from 70-73 with fastball arm speed and sink.

At the plate, Brinkman has a closed setup with a smooth load and a long stride. He has good balance and an advanced approach. John produces gap-to-gap line drives and has plus power to all fields. He had an exit velo of 86 MPH.

On the infield, he throws from a high ¾ arm slot and has long arm action. His throws are accurate with life, and has athletic actions with a clean exchange and quick release.

Here is a closer look inside the recruitment of John Brinkman.

PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)

Brinkman: I am looking to play baseball for medium to large university anywhere in the country with relatively high academics.  I am interested in studying areas in STEM or potentially Finance/economics.

PBR: How did you do your junior year? What were your high school statistics? And how did your team do? Name some players that will play a key role for SLUH in 2016.

Brinkman: My sophomore year received co-conference player of the year as well as Post-dispatch all metro (3rd) team.  Batted 4th in the line-up with a final AVG of .441 (.461 in MCC). Also had a 6-0 pitching record with at least 2 saves.  Pitched a shut-out in the District Championship game.

Junior Year:  Battled a minor injury (Shoulder Impingement) for about 5 weeks, which prevented playing primary positions of 3rd base and pitcher.  During that time, I played first base and DH.  I had a batting average of over .600 in the playoffs and pitched a full game for the win in District semi-final game.  Final batting average was .410 with a .615 SLG %.  Highlight of the year was a walk-off two run homerun against Belleville West High School. I also received first team all-conference

SLUH won districts in 2015 and have many starters returning.  Senior leadership will be important with Truman Stephens (pitcher & 1B) and Joe Warnicke (Catcher & Pitcher) playing key roles as well as our senior pitchers, Ty Frederking, Anthony Delia, and Sean Kelso.

PBR: What are you goals for your senior season?

Brinkman: My goal in my senior year is the same as my goal is for every game (WIN).  I want to win state for the school that has never won state, and also for coach Niccolerat who has been the coach at SLUH for 35 years. 

PBR: What travel team do you play for? Are you playing fall ball with a team?

Brinkman: I am currently playing fall ball for the St. Louis Pirates.

PBR: Do you play any other sports?

Brinkman: I enjoy playing basketball.  I played basketball through 9th grade.

PBR: What are your ACT and GPA?       

Brinkman: My ACT is 32, and my GPA is 4.2.

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