Top 10 Profiles of 2021: No. 7 Ben Hess
December 23, 2021
Alabama RHP Ben Hess comes in at No. 7 for the most viewed profiles of 2021. On September 3, 2020, Hess took over the No. 1 spot in the Illinois '22 rankings and never looked back, remaining in the No. 1 position throughout the rest of his high school career.
Currently at the University of Alabama, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander has all the makings of a legit power arm. With a four-seamer living in the low- to mid-90s, Hess possesses one of the most electric fastballs in state prior to graduating. The separator in Hess' repertoire is his ability to spin the breaking ball, using both a curveball (T2495 rpm) and a slider (T2345 rpm) to pair off his fastball effectively. Hess also features a power changeup, thrown at 82-85 mph and flashing plus sink/fade at times. With his polished four-pitch mix, Hess offers the ability to fit into multiple roles at the next level.
The Charleston graduate has long been one of the most exciting players to watch in all of Illinois prep baseball. Now in the SEC, Hess will look to add depth to an already loaded Crimson Tide pitching staff.
Scouting Report
Verbally committed to Alabama.
Currently ranked No. 1 in Illinois and No. 133 overall. Is coming off a pars fracture in his back and looked to be 100% in a recent 40-pitch bullpen with live at-bats mixed in. His 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame continues to lengthen out and looks even more impressive since our last look. Showed a well above-average four-pitch mix throughout. Fluid tall and fall delivery, repeatable, on-line and lands front toe slightly closed. Free-flowing, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, ultra-quick out front. Fastball which sat mostly 93-95 mph throughout, plays with life, late arm-side-run and occasional sink. Control over command in this showing. Ability to get carry with his fastball at times at the top of the zone at times. Curveball, 75-77 mph (2480-2495 rpm) flashed swing-and-miss action; thrown aggressively, sharp, late action off an 11/5 plane; has a chance to be a swing-and-miss offering at the next level. Slider is thrown with same intent, feel, 10/4 shape and late, sharp action, 80-82 mph, 2200-2345 rpm. Changeup is thrown with fastball arm speed, intent to locate at the bottom of the zone and flashed plus sink and fade at times; 83-85 mph.