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2017 Preseason All-State Showcase: Day One Highlights

February 12, 2017

By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

A total of 56 prospects from three states took part on the first of two days of action yesterday in the 2017 Preseason All-State Showcase. Keystone State Baseball Academy in Manheim will once again play host today to and additional 45 players to conclude the event.

A number of impressive performances were turned in with five Division I commits standing out along with a host of uncommitted prospects greatly improving their stock. All players in attendance will be evaluated by position and by class in articles over the coming week. For now here are some quick highlights from the day.

  • Day One action began with a bang when outfielder Kyle Hess (Donegal), a Pittsburgh commit ranked No. 18 in the PA Class of 2018, broke an event record in the 60-yard dash turning in a pair of laser timed 6.44 times. The previous record was set in 2015 by current Pittsburgh outfielder Nico Popa at 6.56. Hess also impressed with the bat turning one of the top bat exit velocities of the day at 99 mph.
  • A dozen catchers took the field in the middle session of the day and did not disappoint. Cole Houser (Hempfield, 2020) and Mark Black (Serra Catholic, 2020) showed indications of things to come with solid performances. Houser turned in the top pop times of the day at 1.92-2.01 while Black displayed advanced barrel whip 89 mph and the ability to drive the baseball to all fields. Lower Dauphin teammates Connor Buggy and Tommy Bramley both showcased above average offensive skills with pop times under 2.10.
  • 2018 outfielder C.J. Conrad (Apex, NC) flashed the well-round skill set that currently has him ranked No. 23 in the North Carolina Class of 2018. The 6-foot, 175-pounder ran a 6.87 60-yard dash, showcased 90 mph arm strength from the outfield, registered and 88 mph bat exit velocity and topped at 84 mph from the mound.
  • 6-foot-2, 195-pound 2018 righty Aaron Feld impressed on the mound sitting 85-86 from a high 3/4 arm slot with a quick arm.
  • A trio of 2019 prospects stood out with their two-way abilities. LHP/1B Nick Breznak showcased a 90 mph bat exit velocity and an ability to back spin the baseball from both sides of the plate. The lefty also sat 81-83 on the mound with a feel for a four-pitch mix. RHP/OF Hunter Curley registered one of the top bat exit velocities of the day at 95 mph and flashed present power in his right-handed swing. The righty also sat 79-80 while topping at 83 mph on the mound. LHP/1B Nathan Beimel sat 81-83 on the hill with a deceptive high knee stack and a feel for his complimentary pitches. The left-handed hitter also took a solid round of batting practice while showing the ability to drive baseballs to all fields.
  • A quartet of 2018 prospects showcased advanced barrel whip and present power. Oxford Area 3B Hunter Hall and Cumberland Valley 3B Justin Williams, a Penn State commit, both registered an event best 99 mph bat exit velocity. Lakeland 1B Matt Hayes (97 mph) and Berks Catholic SS Sean Sean Guilbe, a St. John's commiit (96 mph),  also impressed with their power potential.

Take a look at all upcoming events on the PBR PA/WV summer schedule by clicking here.

SCHEDULE for Day TWO (2/12/17)

  •   9:00-  9:15  Position Players & Two-way Players Check-in
                         (SESSION ONE)
  •   9:30-10:15  Introductions / Stretching / 60-Yard Dash
  • 10:15-11:15  Defensive Evaluations
  • 11:15-12:15  Live Batting Practice
  • 12:30-12:45  Pitcher Onlys Check-in
                         (SESSION TWO)
  • 12:15-12:45  Two-way Players & Catchers (Lunch Break)
  •   12:45-1:15  Introductions / Stretching
  •     1:15-2:30  Bullpen Sessions
    + Two-way players will be first group to throw bullpens, followed by pitcher onlys.

ADDITIONAL PA NEWS: