Black Impresses at Mid-Atlantic Scout Game
October 2, 2019
The Mid-Atlantic MLB Scout Game, an event organized by long time scout Keeno Beezer, showcased nearly 30 prospects Tuesday afternoon at Peoples Natural Gas Field, home of the Altoona Curve.
On a day where hitters shined, it was 2020 catcher Mark Black (Serra Catholic), a St. John's commit, that stole the show. A member of the Team Pennsylvania roster at the 2017 PBR Future Games, Black has been tearing the cover off the ball since high school baseball began in March. Coming off a junior season that saw him launch 14 home runs, Black has continued his torrid pace over the summer and fall, often with wood bats. On Wednesday, Black wasted little time catching the eyes of the scouts in attendance launching the third pitch of the game into the left field bleachers for a two run home run. Circling the bases in front of him was 2022 OF Paxton Kling (Central - Martinsburg), a member of the Team Pennsylvania roster at this year's Future Games in August, who had laced a 91 mph fastball on the game's first pitch back up the middle for a single.
Mark Black
Class of 2020 / C
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2020
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Primary Position: CSecondary Position: OF
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High School: Serra CatholicState: PA
- Summer Team: Team All*American
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Height: 5-11Weight: 210lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Statistics
![Trackman](/images/stat_logos/trackman.png)
Videos
(1/26/19)
Player News
- Star Studded: Before They Were Prospects - Jan 27, 2020
- Super 60 Spotlight: Mark Black - Jan 15, 2020
- Most Viewed Player Profiles of 2019: #3 - Mark Black - Dec 20, 2019
- 2020s On The Rise - Oct 24, 2019
- Black Impresses at Mid-Atlantic Scout Game - Oct 2, 2019
- 2019 Central Ohio Limited Series 16U/17U - Pitching Velocities - Jul 26, 2019
- Diamond Notes (Week Six) - May 6, 2019
- Diamond Notes (Week Four) - Apr 22, 2019
- Top Measurable Performances of the Winter - Feb 28, 2019
- 2019 Preseason Preview: Catcher Analysis - Feb 1, 2019
- Most Viewed Player Profiles of 2018: #8 - Mark Black - Dec 14, 2018
- Most Viewed Player Profiles of 2017: #4 - Mark Black - Dec 20, 2017
- Fall 2017 Rankings Update: Class of 2020 - Nov 11, 2017
- Initial Class of 2020 Rankings Released - Aug 27, 2017
- 2017 PBR Future Games: Team PA vs. Team Michigan - Aug 6, 2017
- 2017 PBR Future Games: Previewing Team Pennsylvania Position Players - Aug 1, 2017
- Team Pennsylvania Roster Announced - May 3, 2017
- Early Look at Pennsylvania's Class of 2020 - Mar 18, 2017
- On the Hunt: Young Catchers and Athletic Outfielders Emerge - Feb 17, 2017
- 2017 Preseason All-State Showcase Analysis: Class of 2019/2020/2021 Catchers - Feb 16, 2017
- 2017 Preseason All-State Showcase: Complete Results - Feb 14, 2017
- 2017 Preseason All-State Showcase: Day One Highlights - Feb 12, 2017
- Preseason All-State Showcase Spotlight: 2020 C Mark Black - Jan 8, 2017
- Preseason All-State Showcase Spotlight: 2020 C/ OF Mark Black - Dec 3, 2016
- Underclass Preview: Class of 2020 / 2021 Analysis - Feb 5, 2016
- Underclass Preview Top Performers - Feb 1, 2016
- Winter Storm Iola No Match for Future Prospects - Jan 25, 2015
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
West Chester Dragons Scout Day | PA | 10/05 | Keystone State Baseball Academy |
RC Knights 16U Scout Day | PA | 10/12 | 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 |
RECENT NEWS
- PA Standout Defenders: '25 SS/3B Oscar Roig (Quaker Valley) 8/22/24
- PA PA All Star Game 2024: Quick Hits 8/20/24
- PA 2024 Steel City Select Scout Day: Stat Release & Leaderboards 8/05/24
- PA 2024 PA Invite: Stat Release & Leaderboards 8/01/24
- PA 2024 Jr PA State Games: Stat Release & Leaderboards 7/23/24
Scouting Report
2017 PBR Future Games - Team Pennsylvania
1.26.19 - St. John's commit has added 25 pounds of good weight to his frame in the past 18 months and stood out as the top prospect in attendance. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a quiet, lift-and-replace stride. Showcased an explosive lower half and present power with an event best 94 mph bat exit velocity. Flashed an event best pop time of 1.93 on throws of 78 mph from the crouch with an efficient transfer and straight line carry to the bag. Also showed an event best 94 mph arm strength from the outfield. While he has added significant strength to his frame his foot speed continues to improve, running a 7.01 60-yard dash on this date.
9.10.17 - 5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance initiating his swing with a heel raise stride. An aggressive hip turn leads to significant barrel whip with a bat exit velocity of 94 mph. Ran a 7.47 60-yard dash and flashed pop times of 1.95-2.03 on throws of 79 mph from the crouch. Advanced defender committed to St. John's in August.
2.12.17 - 5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a heel-raise stride. Balanced swing with short load. Fires hands through the hitting zone with intent and showed ability to create back spin. Registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity and has run a 7.44 60-yard dash. Showcased pop times of 2.05-2.14 with 73 mph arm strength out of the crouch. Incremental improvements continue behind the plate. Still shows some stiffness, some of which can be attributed to work in the weight room and addition of 50 pounds to his frame over the past two years.
9.11.16 - 5-foot-9, 165-pounder has put on two inches and twenty pounds in the past month. Advanced defender showcased quick feet and a clean transition with pop times of 2.14-2.22 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch. The right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a heel-raise stride. Stays behind and through contact well while using the middle of the field. Displayed an above average feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 86 mph. Ran a 7.44 60-yard dash and displayed solid carry on throws of 85 mph from the outfield.
1.31.16 - 5-foot-7, 145-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a square stance and utilizes a short heel-raise stride to initiate his swing. Black displayed the ability to barrel the baseball to all fields with a bat exit velocity of 78 mph. The 8th grader ran a 7.58 60-yard dash and demonstrated 85 mph arm strength from the outfield with solid straight line carry. The primary catcher showed advanced defensive skills for a player his age with pop times of 2.14 to 2.26 on throws of 68 mph from the crouch. Black flashed quick feet and a clean transfer.
1.24.15 - Black showed athletic actions and projectability as a catcher and as a hitter. The 5-foot-3, 125-pound 7th grader ran an 8.00 60-yard dash and showed solid 73 mph arm strength from the outfield. Behind the plate, Black has an athletic set up and quick transition with pop times of 2.42-2.50. Black is a right-handed hitter that starts from a square stance. He utilizes a heel raise stride and a short swing path to generate a 70 mph bat exit velocity. Black barreled the baseball routinely in batting practice with a direct swing path and showed the ability to use all fields. The talented future prospect is young by middle school standards and will play this summer at the 12U age level.