By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

On Saturday, October 18th over 50 players participated in the 2016 Preview Showcase at Grand Park in Westfield, IN.  Despite the cold, rainy weather, the players toughed it out showcasing their talents and abilities to the PBR Indiana staff. Below we analyze the seven catchers from the event.  

Top Ranked Catcher

Tyson Scheumann, C, McCutcheon HS, 2017:  5-foot-10, 180 pound sophomore catcher possesses arm strength and overall good projectability.  Defensive actions are well above average for a 2017.  Possesses a solid build with flexibility behind the dish and the ability to block well.   Will continue to get better as he matures.  On throws down to 2B showcased quick feet with a strong, accurate arm at 78 mph.  Registered pop times between 2.04-2.11.  At the plate starts in an athletic, balanced setup.  Load is smooth and uses a short stride.  Approach is good.  Gets to extension producing line drives.  At times can get a little long.  Overall rhythm is fluid.  Registered an exit velo of 84 mph.  

Best of the Rest (In alphabetical order)

Dakota Bowman, C, Boonville HS, 2016: 6-foot, 155 pound catcher showcased some mobility behind the dish.  Average blocking ability with overall average defensive actions, just needs more experience.  On his throws down to 2B showcased average arm strength (71 mph).  Registered pop times between 2.19-2.31.  Offensively, hits from a crouch setup.  Loads back and uses a slight leg kick for timing.  Bat drags through the zone on a level plane.  Overall good balance throughout the swing.  Recorded an exit velo of 71 mph.  

Ethan Collier, C, Center Grove HS, 2016: 5-foot-11, 245 pound Junior was 66 mph from the crouch and registered pop times between 2.15-2.25.  Defensively needs to improve his receiving ability as well as his mobility and flexibility.  On throws down to 2B showcased good feet and some arm strength.  Needs to quicken up his exchange.  At the plate starts in a crouch setup.  Hands tend to drop during the load.  Stride is short with a long path to the baseball.  Shows some stiffness throughout.  Registered an exit velo of 78 mph.  

Kevin Howlett, C, New Castle HS, 2017: 5-foot-8, 155 pound catcher possesses an athletic frame.  Behind the plate has the ability to catch and to get in good position, just needs to continue to gain experience and cut down unnecessary movements when receiving the ball.  On throws down to 2B will need to work on getting in better position and shortening/quickening things up.  Pop times ranged from 2.29-2.43.  Offensively, starts a little closed and loads back.  Very little stride with average use of the lower half.  Bat speed is average.  Uses a long path to the baseball.  Registered an exit velo of 80 mph.

Cameron Prisby, C, Lake Central HS, 2016: 5-foot-10, 150 pound catcher shows good size with the ability to move and receive well.  Overall solid defender.  On throws down to 2B needs to speed up feet and actions during the exchange.  From the crouch was 70 mph and registered pop times between 2.36-2.55.  Offensively, is a switch hitter, but is naturally better from the right side where he starts open with a slight leg kick for timing.  Hands drop during the load. Swing path is level.  Registered an exit velo of 76 mph.    

Josh Uhles, C, Hobart HS, 2016: 6-foot-1, 155 pound Junior catcher possesses a good frame with some flexibility.  He moves well and showed the ability to block.  Glove is a little stiff, just needs to continue to practice.  On his throws down to 2B skates on the exchange.  Needs to shorten up his footwork and actions.  From the crouch was 68 mph and registered pop times between 2.15-2.29.  At the plate showcased average bat speed with an overall good approach.  Swing path is short and level.  Hands are quick.  Line drive type hitter with good rhythm. 

Spenser Wilson, C, Rushville HS, 2016: 5-foot-10, 175 pound Junior catcher possesses a solid frame with good poise behind the plate.  Needs to quicken up his movements and sharpen his receiving ability.  From the crouch was 68 mph.  The exchange is long with his hands and skates with his feet.  Needs to cover more ground on the transfer.  Has the ability just needs more reps.  Pop times were 2.14-2.25.  Offensively, starts balanced and loads back. Uses little to no stride.  Overall rhythm is a little stiff.  Bat path is short and level producing line drives.  Gets average use of the lower half.  Registered an exit velo of 80 mph.  

Related News

• IN 2016 Preview Showcase Results10.20.14