Prep Baseball Report

Underclass All-State Games Preview: Austin Charles


Paul Panaccione
Arizona Scouting Director

On January 29th and 30th, PBR Arizona will be hosting it's annual All-State Games for all high school grad classes. This is an invite-only event held before the 2022 Spring Season gets underway. At the All-State Games, players will participate in a pro-style workout (running, hitting, fielding, throwing), while PBR staff is collecting data with Trackman, Blast Motion Sensors, and other state-of-the-art technologies. Player's profiles will be updated with their current metrics and video, as well as up to date scouting notes. 

Not only does this event allow players the opportunity to update their profiles and expand their recruiting options, but it also gives us an idea of what to expect from individuals and teams across the state as we approach the 2022 High School Season. With the top players in the state in attendance, the All-State Games allow players to compete against their peers in a fun environment, and see where they stack up with one another. 

December and January are months that players spend preparing for their upcoming season, and at the All-State Games, they have a chance to showcase their abilities one last time before focusing on winning a championship. 

Today, we highlight a participant we're very excited about being in attendance, SS/P Austin "Max" Charles (Liberty, 2024)

 

Austin Charles SS / OF / Liberty, AZ / 2024

6-foot-3 195 pounds, Austin Charles will headline the Underclass All-State Games, coming in as the #2 overall ranked player in the 2024 class. Charles is a player with extreme versatility to his game, with the ability to throw with both arms, and hit from both sides of the plate. His athleticism allows him to play all over the diamond at a high level, as he will hold down the SS position for the defending state champions Liberty High School. As a tough out with power in his bat, we expect big things from Charles at the top of Liberty's lineup this spring and at the All-State Games.

(Notes from 12/13/21)

At 6-foot-3 195 pounds, Austin Charles is a five tool player. The San Diego State commit has been on everyone's radar for some time now. With the ability to hit from both sides of the plate, and throw with both arms, Charles has a special skillset. In the batter's box, Charles has proven to be a top of the order bat. He produces high rates of hard contact, with more power numbers coming from the left side. Charles has experience defensively all over the diamond, but has recently made the move to shortstop for Liberty High School. At shortstop, Charles' athleticism shows. He's got above average range and a nose for the baseball. The glove work has shown steady improvements and he has a sure arm from the left side. On the mound, Charles features a mid 80's FB from the right and left side, and is still working to find real offspeed options. With the ability to pitch with both arms, Charles is creating constant tough matchups for hitters, and it's a different look that can make hitters uncomfortable in the box.  With high upside as a hitter, pitcher, infielder, and outfielder, we're not quite sure where his development will take him, but wherever Austin Charles is on the field, expect good things to happen. 

 

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Phoenix Preseason ID AZ 01/23 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Preseason All-State Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) AZ 01/29 Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ
Preseason All-State Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) AZ 01/30 Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/06 The MAX - McCook, Ill.
Phoenix Rising Stars ID AZ 02/21 Desert Ridge High School - Phoenix, AZ