Western PA Top Prospect Games Spotlight: Nicholas Plank (Bellwood-Antis)
May 13, 2019
The Western PA Top Prospect Games annually showcases roughly 70 top uncommitted prospects across the state and from a few surrounding states. 2019 marks the 8th year for this event with hundreds of former participants having gone on to college commitments and to professional baseball.
As we draw closer to June we will be periodically highlighting some of the prospects scheduled to participate. Today we continue our preview with a look at 2021 catcher Nicholas Plank. The right-handed hitter is having a strong sophomore season carrying a .476 batting average with 17 RBI and seven doubles.
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| 2019 Western PA Top Prospect Games | PA | 06/11 | Seton Hill University |
| 2019 Eastern PA Top Prospect Games | PA | 06/18 | Millersville University |
| Play for Team PBR 16U (PBR Limited Series) | PA | 06/29 | Lebanon Valley College |
| 2019 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase | PA | 07/09 | Millersville University |
| Play for Team PBR 17U (PBR Limited Series) | PA | 07/20 | University of Scranton |
| 2019 Western PA College Prospect Showcase | PA | 07/23 | Historic Pullman Park (Butler, PA) |
| 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 |
RECENT NEWS
- PA The Journey: '25 SS/3B Andrew Cross (Moon Area) - Penn State Commit 11/04/24
- PA Fast Friday: '25 SS/2B Jack Lerch (Downingtown East) 11/01/24
- PA The Journey: '25 RHP Van Willner (Lower Merion) - East Carolina Commit 11/01/24
- PA Uncommitted Spotlight: '25 2B/SS Kaden Kemp (Manheim Township) 10/30/24
- PA Standout Defenders: '25 SS/2B Shawn Chludzinski (McDowell) 10/29/24
Scouting Report
2/16.19 - 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing. Stays behind the baseball well, but shows some front side leak that limits his power potential. Registered a bat exit velocity of 88 mph and ran a 7.01 60-yard dash. Showcased a top pop time of 2.18 on throws of 72 mph from the crouch.
7.24.18 - Defensively as catcher, glove hand is soft and quiet in framing. Flashes excellent flexibility, agility and lateral range. Present a soft, square wall with appropriate trunk angle in blocking. Feet are quick with transfer and arm stroke having length on throws of 72 mph out of the crouch. A POP time of 2.10 was registered.
Offensively, 5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitter, initiates swing from neutral set up with controlled stride staying neutral. Weight shift and hip turn are aggressive. There is balance and rhythm. Bat path is flat and solid leverage is achieved through backside release and rotation into a firm front side. There is length. A bat exit velocity of 80 mph was registered. Overall swing mechanics suggest development into solid contact rate with gap to gap power. Planks performance makes him a player to follow in the Class of 2021.