Future Games 2019: Statistical Analysis
August 1, 2019
On Wednesday, over 500 of the country’s top uncommitted 2021 and 2022 talent met in Cartersville, Ga., for PBR Future Games 2019 at the LakePoint Sporting Community. The day one participants performed in a showcase-style setting that put them through a 60-yard dash, defensive evaluations, an exit velocity station, as well as live on-field batting practice.
All of the position player stats measured yesterday have been inputted and formatted into our system, allowing us to take a deeper dive into the data today. We’ll go through each of the top performers, which might take us awhile, considering it was a record-setting day – literally. Our history books for this Future Games event goes back to 2011 and on Wednesday, four records were broken.
We had a records smashed in: the 60-yard dash, exit velocity, infield velocity, and outfield velocity. It was an exhilarating day in Georgia which made for an explosive first-ever PBR Future Games live from LakePoint.
Below, we’ll be breaking down each statistical category in greater detail. We’ll have more content to break down as the next few days roll by, now that gameplay is underway, so keep following your state-specific Twitter account, or our national one at @prepbaseball.
To view the PBR Future Games statsheet in full, click here.
60-YARD DASH
Illinois-based prospects had a strong showing statistically on Wednesday, and it all starts with Nicky Giamrusti (Notre Dame, IL, 2021), who shattered the 60 record, which previously stood at 6.43. He ignited the day with a 6.22 mark in the dash, truly a top-of-the-scale time which puts him in an elite territory. Giamrusti ran a 6.27 in his first try and was asked to give it another go where he one-upped himself at a 6.22. Archie Dean Herring (Westchester Country Day, NC, 2021) also broke the record that stood coming into the day, racing to a scorching quick 6.38 mark in the laser-timed dash.
EXIT VELOCITY
Last year, the Future Games exit velocity record was broken, and then it happened again on Wednesday, courtesy of Alex Stanwich (Lincoln-Way East, IL, 2022). You’ll hear a lot about Stanwich this week after electrifying each station he participated in yesterday, but his 106 mph exit velocity is what earned him an all-time Future Games record. In fact, the two top exit velos came from 2022 grads, the other being Jared Jones (Walton, GA) who recorded a 102 mph exit velocity from the tee.
INFIELD VELOCITY
The record-breaking trend continues on the infield where Aidan Stewart (Next Level Academy, AL, 2021) topped 94 mph across the diamond. Derek Cease (Nanticoke Area, PA, 2021) broke the previous record as well, recording a high of 93 mph and consistently recorded accurate throws over 90 mph. A trio of Luke Heefner (Home School, TX, 2021), Michael Sirota (The Gunnery, CT, 2021), and Justin Szestowicki (Kingsway, NJ, 2021) each posted throws of 91 mph.
OUTFIELD VELOCITY
Yet another record-breaking performance took place in the outfield, where Jaxson Davis (Lexington Christian Academy, KY, 2021) recorded two throws home at 96 mph. Lukas Schramm (Apex, NC), a 2022 grad, tied the record at 95 mph and Stanwich – again making his presence felt – recorded topped 93 mph. Tied for third at 94 mph to home were prospects Victor Quinn (Liberty, MO, 2021) and Jonathan Santucci (Phillips Academy, MA, 2021). Quinn is the No. 7 overall prospect in Missouri, while Santucci is ranked No. 8 in Massachusetts.
CATCHER VELOCITY
This year’s group of catchers, as a whole, impressed with their big arms as 18 different players recorded a velocity from the chute at 80 mph or above. Another homegrown Georgia product, Harry Ford (North Cobb, 2021), and Iowa’s Logan Runde (Dubuque Hempstead, IA, 2021) each posted throws to second of 83 mph, which topped the event leaderboard. Six prospects reached 82 mph on their throws, while five topped 81 mph.
POP TIMES
While this was one of the few categories without a new-standing record, the day’s group of catchers were still explosive on their throws down to second. It was Ford again who dazzled in his session from behind the plate. He averaged the quickest pop to second base of the day, ranging from 1.83 to 1.90. Not too far behind was Hogan Helligso (Elkhorn South, NE, 2021) and 2022 grad Adonys Guzman (Brunswick School, CT).