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Player Spotlight: OF Ben Pautler (Rockhurst, 2016)

August 4, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Ben Pautler (Rockhurst, 2016) is a physical 6-foot-3 180-pound uncommitted right-handed hitting outfielder. He posted the top 60 time of the Class of 2016 Games in June at 6.62, and the top exit velo of the event at 96 mph.  During game action he doubled and ran a 4.21 home-to-first. During hitting evals, Paulter started in a an athletic stance, used a leg kick to load, showed power to pull side,  and had a gap-to-gap approach.  During defensive evals, he worked behind the ball in the outfield and played through the catch. He has momentum towards target, and an 81 mph positional velo.  Pautler has a high three-quarters release, and makes mostly accurate throws.

This summer he was a member of the Kansas City Barnstormers and is starting to schedule visits to schools.  Here is a look inside the recruitment of Pautler. 

PBR: What schools have expressed interest in you?

Columbia University, Missouri S&T, Lindenwood University and Central Missouri have expressed interest after seeing me play this summer with the Barnstormers. 

PBR: Have you taken any visits, or have any visits scheduled in the near future? If so, what schools, and how recently?

Pautler: I am in the process of scheduling a visit to Missouri S&T.  I also plan to visit Central Missouri, Lindenwood and William Jewell College, and I’m attending a University of Missouri camp later in the summer. I may also schedule a trip to some east coast schools.

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

Pautler: High-quality academics are a high priority, although I haven’t decided on a major.  I’m considering Business, although I’m also interested in Biology, Chemistry and Music. Athletically, I’m looking for a baseball program that will help me improve my game.  Good off-season strength and conditioning resources would be a major plus.

PBR: How did you do your junior year? What were your high school statistics? And how did your team do?

Pautler: The spring high school season was slightly disappointing.  Although baseball is my first sport, I love basketball as well and I was a forward on the Rockhurst varsity.  Fortunately, we made a deep run in the state playoffs (state quarter finals), but that meant I missed all of baseball tryouts and I didn't get to attend a single baseball practice until varsity had already played a handful of games, so I was placed on the JV.  Rockhurst had a lot of good players, several of whom will be returning, and I look forward to playing with them and contributing next year.

PBR: What are your goals for your senior season?

Pautler: I want to keep getting stronger, gain a little weight and improve my arm strength. My goal at the plate will be to hit the ball hard in at least ½ of my plate appearances.  If I do that, the things that are beyond my specific control (batting average and wins/losses) will take care of themselves.  If I can make myself into a high quality contributor for Rockhurst, then I think our team has the players to have a very successful season.

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

Pautler: I play with the Kansas City Barnstormers (Navy) in the summer and fall.

PBR: Do you play any other sports?

Pautler: I play basketball.  I’ve also really enjoyed track (high jump and sprints), although I haven’t pursued track in high school because of the baseball conflict.

PBR: What are your ACT and GPA?

ACT: 32

GPA: 3.95/4.0

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