Top Performances of 2020: Highest Average Bat Speed
January 19, 2021
The PBR Illinois staff hosted over 30 showcases in 2020 – from invite-only events for select prospects, events for incoming freshmen, unsigned seniors, the list goes on. As we flip the calendar to the new year, we’re going to count down the remainder of 2020 by highlighting the top showcase performances of this last year, continuing today with the top average bat speed marks measured, separated by class, provided with the help of our partners at Blast Motion.
To make your mark at a PBR showcase in 2021, check out the recently released PBR Illinois winter showcase schedule.
Continue on below for a look at the Illinois prospects who unleashed the highest average bat speed generated by Illinois prospects in 2020. A quick note: We first began implementing Blast devices into our showcases at the start of the summer circuit, so the list below spans from June through October events.
Looking to learn a little bit more about Blast Motion metrics? The Blast team has a helpful crash course on its website, the "Training Center." For the following leaderboards, we've compiled the highest average bat speeds. Blast defines bat speed as "... the observed speed of the sweet spot of the bat at impact. The sweet spot of the bat is measured six inches from the tip of the bat." Their findings indicate speeds measured in the 60-70 mph range are ideal at the high school varsity level, any higher is substantial.
Check out the Illinois leaderboards after utilizing this new tool for the first time this summer.
HIGHEST AVERAGE BAT SPEED
CLASS OF 2021
RANK | NAME | BAT SPEED (AVG) | SCHOOL | POS |
1 | Maxwell Thompson | 79.94 mph | Warren Township | 1B |
2 | Andrew Jimenez | 79.02 mph | St. Charles North | 3B |
3 | Benji Ries | 78.31 mph | Stevenson | C |
4 | Giacomo Fanizza | 77.48 mph | Lake Park | 3B |
5 | Ty Batusich | 75.97 mph | Joliet West | C |
6 | Marco Torres | 75.72 mph | St. Charles North | C |
7 | Max McCallum | 75.47 mph | St. Francis | OF |
8 | Kaydon Norkus | 75.14 mph | Neuqua Valley | RHP |
9 | Noah Zaccanti | 74.82 mph | Geneva Community | C |
10 | Mason Telford | 74.47 mph | Streator | INF/RHP |
CLASS OF 2022
RANK | NAME | BAT SPEED (AVG) | SCHOOL | POS |
1 | Evan Jones | 80.60 mph | Normal University | OF |
2 | Ryan Henschel | 79.29 mph | Glenbrook North | OF |
3 | Jermaine Young Jr | 77.46 mph | St. Patrick | OF |
4 | Mac Eccher | 77.25 mph | Marmion Academy | C |
5 | Ryan Bibb | 76.91 mph | Mascoutah | RHP/INF |
6 | Daniel Pacella | 76.83 mph | Mundelein | 1B/OF |
7 | Ethan Patera | 76.56 mph | Downers Grove South | RHP |
8 | Jorgie Vazquez | 76.35 mph | Mount Carmel | INF |
9 | Patrick Jewell | 76.14 mph | Carmel Catholic | 1B |
10 | Aiden Rowe | 75.42 mph | Hinsdale Central | C |
CLASS OF 2023
RANK | NAME | BAT SPEED (AVG) | SCHOOL | POS |
1 | Gavin Parkerson | 77.14 mph | Armstrong | RHP/INF |
2 | Logan Nelson | 76.10 mph | Marquette Academy | SS |
3 | Finn O'Meara | 75.46 mph | Nazareth Academy | 3B |
4 | Adison Worthman | 74.97 mph | Bloomington | OF |
5 | Josh Kirkwood | 74.54 mph | Marshall | C |
6 | Colin Barczi | 74.17 mph | Naperville Central | C |
7 | Luke Stulga | 73.99 mph | St. Laurence | OF |
8 | Ryan Bakes | 73.83 mph | Huntley | C |
9 | Cal Sefcik | 73.58 mph | Marist | SS/3B |
10 | Nick Mardis | 73.50 mph | Bloomington Central Catholic | C |
CLASS OF 2024
RANK | NAME | BAT SPEED (AVG) | SCHOOL | POS |
1 | Randall Nauden | 74.74 mph | Marian Catholic | C |
2 | Paul Svanascini | 73.32 mph | Northridge Prep | RHP |
3 | CJ Regillio | 72.86 mph | Crystal Lake South | 1B |
4 | David Cox | 71.89 mph | Nazareth Academy | SS |
5 | Charlie Vercruysse | 71.37 mph | Normal University | SS |
6 | Ambrose (AJ) Zweeres | 70.73 mph | Morris | SS |
7 | Zachary Pyles | 70.47 mph | Warren Township | C |
8 | Ryan Sloan | 69.45 mph | York | RHP |
9 | Cash Campbell | 69.11 mph | Montini Catholic | 3B |
10 | Jonathan Fleaka | 69.05 mph | Lake Zurich | INF |
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