Brady Ward, RHP, Miami Trace HS, Class of 2013

Brady Ward, who is currently ranked as the 116^th rated prospect in Ohio’s class of 2013, was a standout performer at this winter’s Pre-Season Underclass Showcase.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed prospect shows that he uses his smarts as well as his athletic ability to get batters out.

When asked his best tool as a baseball player, Ward said, "My best tool as a baseball player would have to be my smarts.  When I'm on the mound, I'm always aware of an opposing hitter's strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies."

 His scouting report from the event notes:

6-foot-2, 195-pound right-handed pitcher with big, solid frame. Uses quick arm speed and short arm action through a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball sits 80-83 mph with some ASR. His curveball sits 71-72 mph and shows late, 12/6 break. His changeup shows potential as it sits 77-78 mph with some arm side fade.

Ward uses an over the top arm slot with long arm action. His 4-seam fastball sits at 79-81 mph. His 2-seam fastball sits at 79-80 mph and has some cut. he uses a 68-71 mph slider that lacks effective break. His changeup is thrown near fastball arm speed and sits at 77 mph. Additionally, he showed a 73-75 mph split finger fastball that showed occasional fade.

What has Ward done over the winter to prepare for the spring season? Ward said, "Over the winter, I have been working out on my own and do baseball training 4 or 5 nights a week.  I also worked out with my summer team every weekend over the course of the winter."

When asked about what factors would be important when deciding a school, Ward said, "I would like to go to a school that has strong academics and an engineering program.  It would be a huge benefit if it was close enough that my family would be able to come and watch me play.  I hope to find a school where I would be able to help out and make an impact early in my college baseball career."

This summer, Ward will be playing for the Dayton Classics, as well as numerous tournaments and showcases. Ward said, "I will be playing at the Top Prospect games in June.  My team will be playing in the Tri-State Elite Tournament, Western Kentucky Showcase Tournament, Pastime Louisville Showcase, Pastime Indy Freedom Classic, Buckeye Elite Showcase, and CABA 17u World Series."