Top 10 Player Profiles of 2015: No. 1 Charlie Donovan
December 31, 2015
By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director
Over the last couple weeks we have counted down the 2015 calendar year with a look at the top ten viewed profiles of 2015. After drilling down into our google analytics we have compiled a list of the ten most visited profiles by you the reader in 2015.
No. 1 Charlie Donovan
SS Charlie Donovan (Westmont, 2015) was the No. 1 most viewed profile of the 2015 calendar year. Donovan passed away on Nov. 5 which sent shockwaves throughout the amateur baseball world, most especially in Illinois, where the extraordinarily gifted left-handed hitting shortstop established himself as one of the state’s all-time great players throughout his decorated four-year career at Westmont HS. Donovan was the No. 1-ranked player in Illinois’ 2015 class, the 2015 Gatorade Player of the Year and a two-time PBR Illinois first-team All-State selection, to name a few of his accolades. He was drafted by the Brewers in the 30th round of last June’s draft, but opted to attend Michigan instead.
Scouting Report on Donovan
5.23.15 - 5-foot-11, 180-pound, left-handed hitting shortstop, lower half looks stronger, more physical than he gets credit for at times. Currently ranked No. 1 in the state of Illinois 2015 class, No. 16 overall, committed to Michigan. A likely early round pick in next month’s MLB Draft, signability put aside. Top three-round talent had banner day at the plate and in the field. Lined out to left field in first at bat. Hands around the letters, quiet approach, very little movement in hands, just tips barrel slightly forward to load, premium bat speed, gap-to-gap approach. Line drive single to right in second at bat, 4.16 rounding the bag, plus runner. Stole second and third then scored on the overthrow to third. Homered in third at bat on a 2-0 fastball, no doubt bomb to deep right-center field, ran hard out of the box and was 4.01 rounding first, plays game hard. Walked in fourth at bat, impressing laying off two-strike breaking balls down in the zone. Stole second base again. Defensively, showed off plus arm on a backhand play third inning. Moves side to side extremely well. Made great play up the middle in the seventh, quick reaction off the bat on hard hit ball, most high school shortstops don’t make the play, let alone in stride without diving. Obviously a banner day all-around, but showed off first-round type tools in this contest.
Top Ten Most Viewed Profiles
10. Brenden Heiss
9. Alek Thomas
8. Ethan Skender
7. Brad Czerniejewski
6. Drake Fellows
5. Cal Coughlin
4. Bryan Hudson
3. Nick Dalesandro
2. Cooper Johnson
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