Midwest Future Games once again loaded with talent
July 8, 2013
By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor
The Midwest Future Games, powered by Under Armour, has quickly become one of the most heavily scouted events for rising juniors, and the third edition will take place August 2-4 at Indiana University’s Bart Kaufman Field. More than 100 colleges were in attendance in 2012, and much of the same is expected to see the Midwest’s top Class of 2015 prospects.
The players will suit up to represent their home state and battle for bragging rights. Eight states from Prep Baseball Report’s coverage will be represented in the invitation-only event. Illinois has won the last two MWFG and is yet to lose a game.
Players at the Future Games will play three games and participate in batting practice as well as extended infield/outfield. They will also receive Under Armour uniforms and cleats. Games will kick off Friday, August 2, with Pennsylvania taking on Missouri.
RHP Jonah Patten (IN) and LHP Jake Latz (IL) both set the record for the event’s best velocity in 2012 by hitting 92 mph on the radar gun while Jack Benninghoff (MO) threw 92 mph from the outfield and Storm Rynard (MO) hit 91 in the infield. Tanner Murphy (MO) holds the best pop time at 1.86 seconds and was a fourth-round pick of the Braves this year, signing for $250,000.
Indiana University is the host for 2013 and provides first-class facilities. Bart Kaufman Field opened just in time for this past season, which turned out to be a historic one for the Hoosiers as they became the first Big Ten team to advance to the College World Series since Michigan in 1984. Indiana opened the College World Series by knocking off Louisville, but was eliminated with back-to-back losses to eventual champion Mississippi State and Oregon State. The Hoosier’s stadium can hold 2,500 fans and has a turf playing surface.
Team rosters, detailed itineraries, and other event information will be posted on the MWFG page shortly. The schedule for the event is as follows:
Friday
Game 1 9:30AM PA v MO
Game 2 12:15PM OH v PA
Game 3 3:00PM MO v IL
Game 4 5:30PM OH v IL
Saturday
Game 5 9:00AM MO v OH
Game 6 11:30AM PA v IL
Game 7 3:00PM WI v IN
Game 8 6:30PM MI v KY
Sunday
Game 9 9:00AM WI v MI
Game 10 11:30am WI v KY
Game 11 2:00PM IN v MI
Game 12 4:30PM IN v KY