By Greg Williams

The Prep Baseball Report Western PA Top Prospect Showcase on August 15 included five catchers who showcased their abilities for college coaches at Pullman Park in Butler, PA. The top two catchers in the group were Brian Bohman (McDowell), ranked No. 54 in the Class of 2013, and Jake Kleindl (Shady Side Academy), ranked No. 38 in the Class of 2014. 

Bohman is a 5-foot-8, 170-pounder with an athletic frame and excellent receiving and blocking skills. Bohman had the top pop time of the day at 2.05, a number that will be improved significantly with some minor adjustments to his ball transfer. Bohman also exhibited the top catcher velocity of the day at 80mph out of the crouch.

Kleindl is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound catcher with projectable size and athleticism. He showcased a top pop time of 2.06 and a velocity of 77mph to second base. With his ability to affect the game offensively and the athleticism to move from behind the plate to a corner infield position, Kleindl projects as a multi-position player at the next level.

Kevin Begley (Deer Lakes), Class of 2013, showed good receiving and blocking skills. At 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, Begley moved well and demonstrated athleticism. His 2.12 pop time and 75mph velocity on throws to second base place him near the top of the group of catchers at the event.

Nathan Weckerly (Karns City), Class of 2014, is a 5-foot-8, 145-pound receiver with promise. His pop time of 2.2 and velocity of 72mph should continue to improve with time and physical growth.

Wesley Lang (Oil City), Class of 2014, is a 5-foot-9, 155-pound left handed hitting receiver who impressed with his bat. Lang showcased a top pop time of 2.5 and velocity of 64mph out of the crouch.