Prep Baseball Report

NYS Games Player Preview: 2018 OF Lewis Clarke (Saratoga HS)



Dan Cevette
President, New York

Over 200 of the top players in the state will all travel to Binghamton, NY for the 2017 New York State Games on the evening of June 25th through June 27th. Over the next six weeks we will highlight some of the players attending this years event through our new feature.

NYS Games Player Preview


Lewis Clarke

Class of 2018 / OF

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2018
  • Primary Position: OF
  • High School: Saratoga Springs
    State: NY
  • Summer Team: Bron Bombers
  • Height: 5-11
    Weight: 175lbs
  • Bat/Throw: R/R

Statistics

Position
6.91
60-yard
81
OF Velo
87
Exit Velo

Scouting Report

Preseason All-State (February 20, 2017) Clarke stands in at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds with a lean and power frame. Ran a 6.97 – 60, improved from a previously recorded time of 7.02 in July of 2015. Offensively- Righty sets up in an open stance with his feet just inside shoulder width. His knees are bent slightly with an upright torso while his hands are just above the back shoulder with little pre-pitch bat movement. On pitch his trigger is a knee raise into the back leg to stride forward while his hands move down and slightly back into a good hitting position. Shows very quick hands to the hitting zone with good upward barrel action throughout the hitting zone into a high one handed finish. Good lower body rotation keeping front side closed while clearing his hips and getting his whole frame into the swing. Displayed line drives and gap to gap shots with a smooth and fluid swing up the middle to pull side. Recorded an exit velocity of 87 MPH, increasing 3 MPH from a previous recorded velocity of 84 MPH in July of 2015. Defensively- Athletic footwork getting to the baseball. Shows a fluid crow hop with good footwork gaining ground towards intended target. Arm action is good for an outfielder displaying a long and loose arm swing with a high release point. Was accurate and on target with throws. Recorded a positional arm velocity of 81 MPH, tying a previous best of 81 MPH from July 2015.

Capitol Region Open (July 29, 2015) Grown an inch (now 5-foot-11), and now appears stronger.  He's improved his arm strength as well, going from 78 to 80-81 MPH from the outfield.  He was a very aggressive outfielder last time we saw him, and looks even more comfortable now.  At the plate he showed a tremendous ability to get the bat quickly through the zone.  This time he also showed the ability to hit the ball to right field, as he hit 3 continuous line drives deep in the gap.  As an outfielder, Lewis is as good as it gets for a rising sophomore, and expect his numbers to jump even more as he grows and gains strength.

Futures Games (July 2015) Clarke will be 2018 graduate at Saratoga Springs HS. This was PBR-NY's second look at Clarke as he attended the Futures Showcase in February of 2015. Clarke improved his 60 time, getting it down to 6.91 from 7.02, improving his OF velocity from 76 to 79 MPH and his exit velocity from 77 to 84 MPH. Defensively- Lewis was even more impressive was his in game play where he demonstrated a tremendous first step in the outfield, tracking down balls in the gap. Arm is accurate with room for additional growth, Will project as a next level center fielder. Offensively Lewis showed some explosive bat speed at the plate. Clarke has a bit of high leg kick but when he gets his foot down he can get through the zone quickly. His elongated and elevated finish, coupled with his speed will make him a extra base threat for years to come. 

Futures Showcase (Feb. 28, 2015) Clark stands an athletic  5-foot-10, 160-pounds, with room for growth.  One of the best over players at our future stars showcase.  He shows next level speed (7.02  60 yd dash), bat speed (77 mph exit velocity), and arm strength (76mph) from the outfield.  At the plate Clark has an athletic closed stance and uses a soft but quick foot tap for timing.  His hands drop slightly before the swing, but hip explosion shortly after keeps his bat from dragging through the zone.  Stays inside the ball creating extension out over his front foot.  High finish.  Head stays calm and tracks the ball deep into the zone. Gap power to all fields.  In the outfield Clark attacks balls on the ground, has a smooth clean transfer to a crow hop.  High, long 3/4 arm slot. Throws downhill.  Goes back on the ball well, keeps the ball in front..  Someone to watch in the near future.




Upcoming New York Events

Campus Series - VIP All Access Pass NY Jul 4 Six College Campuses Across New York
Campus Series - Canisius College NY Jul 5 Canisius College - Demske Sports Complex
Campus Series - St. Bonaventure NY Jul 11 St. Bonaventure - Fred Handler Park
Campus Series - University at Albany NY Jul 18 University at Albany - Varsity Field
Campus Series - Marist NY Jul 25 Marist - McCann Field
Campus Series - SUNY Plattsburgh NY Aug 8 SUNY Plattsburgh - Chip Cummings Field
Campus Series - SUNY Oswego NY Aug 15 SUNY Oswego - Laker Field