Player Spotlight: 2017 LHP Max Van Boxel

November 28, 2014

By Alex Cheban
Wisconsin Baseball Central

Maxwell VanBoxel Max Van Boxel, a sophomore pitcher at Green Bay East High School, is a player to follow in the class of 2017. As a freshman, Van Boxel started on Green Bay East/West’s varsity squad. Playing in the tough Fox River Classic Conference, he posted a 2-4 record along with a 5.00 ERA. The Red Devils finished the season with a record of 6-16 after being knocked out of the playoffs by Green Bay Preble.

In the summer, Van Boxel plays for the Appleton Panthers, with whom he routinely faces talented competition, an experience he says has helped him grow throughout his career.

“The [Panthers’] coaches and teammates were all great. The facilities were extraordinary. I am happy playing for the Panthers and believe they are the right team for me,” he said.

As a freshman on varsity, Van Boxel had to adjust to the higher level of opposition. Taking the mound for the first time on the varsity level was very nerve-wracking, he said, but after his first few starts he settled in and played like he always did in his career.

One thing that he really learned was that “fastballs do not overpower 18 year old hitters like they do against 15 year olds.” The learning curve was big, but guidance from his coaches helped build his confidence, which helped his performance on the field.

Van Boxel's PBR Scouting Report: 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP, projets well on the mound. Hits from a balanced setup, with a short stride, and short, uphill bat path, collapsing on backside at times producing 83 mph exit velocity. Showed loose arm in the outfield throwing 78 mph from high ¾ slot with carry. Ran 4.63 from home to first. Impressed on the mound with 75-79 mph fastball with arm side run thrown for strikes. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾, from a tall-and-fall delivery. Upper half gets out ahead of lower half at times, toppling, but rhythm is smooth and repeats delivery with closed shoulders and slightly closed landing on front foot. 62-65 mph curveball backed up at times, while also showing 11/5 action when thrown for strikes. 66-70 mph changeup showed sink and was also thrown for strikes.

This coming spring, Max has high hopes for both himself and his team. At the plate, he hopes to hit over .400 and on the mound he wants to post a winning record and a sub 2.00 ERA.

Like every team, East/West wants to make it to the state tournament, but he realizes that a lot of players will have to really step up if that’s going to be possible.

“The depth of our pitching doesn’t compare as well to the powerhouses in Division 1,” he admitted.

However, Van Boxel hopes that the Red Devils can have a winning record in the regular season, which would improve their chances come playoff time.

The Red Devils are hoping to build on last year’s season after winning just 6 games last spring. They are looking to advance farther in the playoffs and make some noise along the way. Last year was the first year that Green Bay East and Green Bay West joined forces to make a co-op team, and they did relatively well. This year, they’re hoping to take the next step.

Player Spotlight: 2017 LHP Max Van Boxel

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