By John Nolan
Assistant Director of Scouting

Indian River lefthanded pitcher John Fuqua has committed to attend Virginia Military Institute in the fall of 2016. The Braves played one of the tougher schedules of any team in the Commonwealth this spring and were very competitive despite losing tough games to Nansemond River, Western Branch, Grassfield, and Hickory as well as beating First Colonial. The Braves bring back Fuqua and battery mate Andrew Kasiski (C, 2016) this spring as they look to build on the experience that they gained this year against that meat grinder of a schedule.

Fuqua stands an athletic 6-foot. He has a rushed drop and drive delivery and throws from an over the top slot. He has a long backside arm action and a quick armstroke that generates velocity with some effort. His shoulders are uphill and his direction is on line with a slightly open landing before finishing in an athletic position. In February, at the Pre-Season All State Showcase, Fuqua’s fastball was heavy, sitting 80-81 and commanded at the bottom of the zone. He threw a good, sharp 1/7 curveball with decent armspeed that sat 70-71. He also threw a fading, sinking change-up with decent armspeed that ran 75-76.

When he arrives at VMI, Fuqua should be able to help immediately as a lefthanded reliever for the Keydets, as his curveball will be very tough on left-handed batters. As his career progresses, Fuqua has the tools to develop into a weekend starter if he can add a few ticks to his fastball and if he continues to improve his feel of his secondary stuff to the point where he will be confident throwing them in any count. Fuqua has the stuff to become an effective pitcher who can change speeds and keep hitters off balance.

Congrats John!