Headed North: 2021 C/OF Nick Plank (Bellwood-Antis)

Currently ranked 137th in the PBR Pennsylvania Class of 2021 and 20th positionally, Plank displays a physical 5-foot-11, 192-pound frame with pop to all fields. The right-handed hitter continues to showcase the ability to consistently square the baseball with present gap power. Stays behind the baseball well with advanced extension through the zone evidenced by driving a ball to the wall in right-center field in his first game for a stand up triple. Solid defender behind the dish has shown consistent pop times in the 2.10-2.20 range. 7.00 runner has the athleticism and arm strength to also play the outfield at the next level.

Following a standout performance at the 2019 Western PA Top Prospect Games on 6/11, Plank put himself on the map as a solid bat to follow in the 2021 class. With an advanced approach at the plate he notched multiple extra-base hits in game action. Situationally he shined with understanding of what pitches he was looking for and executing his plan consistently with runners on base. Mix in an 89 mph bat-exit velocity with some barrel whip through the zone and you can start to see the potential to be a middle of the order bat at the next level. He has shown repeatable athleticism behind the dish with likeable qualities. In game action on the weekend, we saw consistently quick feet on blocks and solid straight line footwork towards second base on pop times.  An increase of arm-strength (currently 72 mph) can be expected in the future which will dwindle down a 2.10-2.21 pop time.