By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Last year, Wisconsin’s Class of 2012 was headlined by Bradford OF/1B Nathan Mikolas and Chippewa Falls RHP Kyle Cody. Both Mikolas and Cody garnered heavy pro interest throughout their senior seasons.

Mikolas, who put on an offensive show at the Super 60 Pro Showcase last February, was ultimately selected in the third round by the New York Yankees. Mikolas signed, forgoing his scholarship to Louisville. Cody, a hard-throwing right-hander, committed to Kentucky and was drafted in the 33^rd round by the Phillies.

Although Wisconsin’s Class of 2013 likely doesn’t hold any top-round drafts like Mikolas, the state features an interesting crop of senior talent, led by hard-throwing Jacob Sparger (Eau Claire Memorial HS), a 6-foot-5 RHP who is committed to Louisville.

While Sparger is the top-ranked prospect in Wisconsin, he is not alone. SS Tony Butler (Sun Prairie HS; Virginia), RHP/INF Nick Kanavas (Brookfield East HS, Arizona recruit), OF Clark Eagan (Appleton North HS, Arkansas recruit), LHP Evan Kruczynski (Franklin HS, East Carolina recruit) and Dan Jansen (Appleton West HS, Jacksonville University recruit), among several others, are impressive looking prospects.

Exactly how will this Class of 2013 stack up against past years in Wisconsin? Only time will tell. In 2011, the state had a lot of talent, too, headlined by LHP Sam Mahar (Kenosha Tremper HS, Kentucky) and 3B/RHP Brendon Hayden (Wilmot Union HS, Virginia Tech).  

The 2009 class featured LHP Kevin James (Whitefish Bay HS, Boston College), a ninth-round draft; OF Charlie Markson (Whitefish Bay HS, Notre Dame, 44^th round draft), and RHP Joel Effertz (Ladysmith HS, Arizona), who was a two-time draft.

One thing is for certain: we look forward to covering all the prospects in Wisconsin and tracking their progress. Hopefully the Class of 2013 will shine like some previous classes.