Biloxi, MS - The Gulf Coast Open was held on Saturday, September 24th at MGM Park, home of the Biloxi Shuckers. This event consisted of prospects in the 2023-2026 classes from a variety of Deep South states including Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida. These players went through a pro-style workout and took batting practice using Trackman to record hitting metrics. Pitchers were able to throw in a bullpen setting and were able to get numbers and metrics off of our Trackman unit, such as pitch velocity, spin rate, horizontal & vertical movement & much more. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing this weekend.

Kicking off our post-event coverage for these events, we take a look back at some of the top performers and standouts from the weekend. Continuing over the course of the next week or so, we will release Statistical Leaderboards for the event.

View all event stats HERE.

View event roster HERE.

 

quick hits

+ Tolar Raybourn (MS)
The long, lean 2025 from Gulfport (MS) is very projectable with smooth actions on defense and plenty of visible upside. Raybourn used solid footwork, range, and a good arm with carry at shortstop. At the plate, the switch hitter was similar on both sides with some quickness to his bat, and a line drive approach. More power could come as his frame would allow for more mass. On the mound, the righty worked up to 81 mph with a solid off speed arsenal and good feel for the strike zone.

+ Chesley Rhodes (MS)
Rhodes showed off his impressive bat speed and whip on Saturday while clearing the wall at MGM Park a couple of times with an exit velocity reaching the 100 mph mark. The 2024 from Saint Stanislaus (MS) has tons of pull side power though shows the ability to use the middle of the field as well. Rhodes has other tools that are continuing to develop. With a solid arm, decent speed, and athleticism he should provide the Rock-A-Chaws with solid defense as well from the outfield. 

+ Jake Landgrave (MS)
Landgrave should provide the Fighting Irish of St. Patrick (MS) with quality innings this coming spring. The senior right hander was up to 83 mph with his fastball this past weekend with a changeup that mimicked well. Landgrave also threw both a curveball with solid depth and a slider with some late bite and decent feel for the strike zone with all pitches. 

+ Connor Fadalla (AL)
The sturdy framed Fadalla was impressive on Saturday with some ability both offensively and defensively. At the plate the 2023 from Baker (AL) showed some aggression at contact with multiple mid 90 exit velocities and an all fields line drive approach. At first base, Fadalla made plays look easy with solid glove work, fluid movements, and very accurate throws. 

+ Ben Wade (LA)
Wade was a solid behind the plate this weekend showing definite next level ability. The 2024 from Holy Savior Menard (LA) used good footwork and a strong, quick arm to record multiple 2.00 pop times. Wade was textbook on blocks and made seamless body transitions on bunt coverages. At the plate, he showed present bat speed and a line drive pull side approach with exit velocities reaching 90 mph. 

 

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