PBR Future Games Player Spotlight: 1B/OF Jake Books
July 25, 2019
2019 marks the 8th year that Pennsylvania will be represented in the PBR Future Games. This one-of-a-kind event will feature the best uncommitted Class of 2021 & select 2022 prospects from our 40-plus state coverage area. The Future Games will take place July 31st - August 4th (Wednesday-Saturday) at the LakePoint Sporting Community in Cartersville, GA.
The Prep Baseball Report Future Games is the premier summer scouting event for Class of 2021/2022 prospects. Last year, more than 250 college coaches from all over the country were in attendance, making it arguably the most heavily recruited event of the summer.
We will be highlighting each player on the Team Pennsylvania roster in the week leading up to the event. Links to those players that have already been highlighted follows at the end of this article.
Team Pennsylvania Roster
NAME | HIGH SCHOOL | CLASS | POS. |
Josh Beck | Lancaster Catholic | 2021 | LHP |
Colton Book | Manheim Central | 2021 | LHP |
Jake Books | Malvern Prep | 2022 | 1B/OF |
Justin Butler | Quakertown Community | 2021 | C |
Derek Cease | Nanticoke Area | 2021 | SS/RHP |
Maddix Dalena | Montoursville | 2022 | 1B |
Dylan DuCharme | Spring-Ford | 2021 | OF |
Alex Gabauer | Norwin | 2021 | SS |
Luke Holman | Wilson West Lawn | 2021 | RHP |
Cullen Horowicz | Jefferson | 2021 | 3B |
Michael Kilker | Hazleton Area | 2021 | RHP |
Paxton Kling | Central (Martinsburg) | 2022 | OF |
Chase Kriebel | Clarion Area | 2022 | LHP |
Colin Lewandowski | William Penn Charter | 2021 | RHP |
Andrew Muraco | Franklin Regional | 2021 | SS |
Rafe Perich | Northwestern Lehigh | 2021 | SS/3B |
Erik Ritchie | Souderton Area | 2021 | LHP |
Caleb Sturtevant | Cocalico | 2022 | OF |
Evin Sullivan | North Penn | 2021 | C/OF |
Carter Welch | Northwestern Lehigh | 2021 | LHP |
Trey Yesavage | Boyertown | 2021 | RHP |
Previous Player Previews
- LHP Josh Beck (Lancaster Catholic HS - Class of 2021)
- LHP Colton Book (Manheim Central HS - Class of 2021)
- 1B/OF Jake Books (Malvern Prep - Class of 2022)
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Junior Future Games | NATIONAL | 07/30 | LakePoint |
2019 PBR Future Games (Pennsylvania Invite Only) | PA | 07/31 | LakePoint |
2019 Fall Kickoff Showcase | PA | 08/15 | Millersville University |
Play for Team PBR 17U (Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament) | PA | 08/17 | Millersville University |
2019 Fall Scout Day (Various Travel Organizations) | PA | 09/07 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
West Chester Dragons Scout Day | PA | 10/05 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Future Prospects Showcase | PA | 10/19 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Elite Prospect Showcase | PA | 10/26 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase | PA | 11/02 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
2019 Holiday Showcase | PA | 12/28 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
Scouting Report
6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitter showcased arguably the most balanced, consistent offensive approach of any hitter at the event. Went 3-for-8 with a walk and an a pair of RBI over the course of three games. Also made several loud outs and was a tough out all weekend. Polished defender at first base, Books also has above average feel for three pitches on the mound and a solid knowledge of how to attack hitters. Books was added to the Team Pennsylvania roster for the PBR Future Games following his performance.
6-foot-2, 200-pound two-way prospect sat 78-80 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a balanced, repeatable delivery. Displayed feel for spin with a curveball at 63-64 that had 1/7 rotation. Also commanded a slider with shorter break out of the same window at 68-70 and a changeup at 69-72. Left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiate his swing with a heel-raise stride. Clears his hips well and works through the baseball regularly with a feel for the barrel. Registered a bat exit velocity of 92 mph and ran a 7.33 60-yard dash. Showcased a soft glove hand and active feet around the bag at first base.
6-foot-1, 195-pound two-way prospect with an athletic, projectable frame. The primary pitcher sat 78-80 from an over-the-top arm slot with slight arm-side run to his fastball. Also showcased a curveball at 61-65 with 1/7 rotation and a changeup that sat 65-66 at near fastball arm-speed. The left-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Showed the ability to create backspin with present gap power and an above average feel for the barrel. Registered an 83 mph bat exit velocity and showcased athletic actions defensively with 80 mph arm strength from the outfield.