Prep Baseball Report

2022 Maryland State Games: Spotlights


Jamie Naill Jr
MD/DE Coverage

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After a long and eventful 2022, the calendar has official turned over to the year 2023. Over the next few weeks, our staff will dive into top performers from events in 2022, highlighting both position players and pitchers, with data and video included. 

First on the docket is a look back at our illustrious Maryland State Games which had close to 60 of the top players across Maryland and Delaware participate. Among the participants, the 2022 State Games churned out 15 commitments. 

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Below is a look into 5 top pitchers from the event. 

 

Drew Simpson SS / RHP / Delaware Military Academy, MD / 2023

Simpson opened a ton of eyes at last year's State Games, leading to a commitment to West Chester University. The frame is athletic with strength present at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. Simpson showcases a strong three pitch mix, working the fastball into the upper 80's with feel to the glove side. The changeup is thrown with confidence, killing the spin with occasional dive action at 74-77 mph. The curveball is the "out" pitch, creating numerous swings and misses and keeping hitters off balance with tight 11/5 shape at 70-73 (2909 Max Spin). Easy, loose actions from a three-quarter slot fits the mold as a starter profile at the next level.

 

Dominic Erculiani C / RHP / Good Counsel, MD / 2025

Showcasing some of the top projection in the state, the uncommitted two-way stands at a strong 6-foot-2, 180 pound frame with still room to add strength and fill out. Plenty of intent down the bump, Erculiani works with pace, mixing a three pitch arsenal well with feel for all three in the zone. The fastball works in the mid 80's (Max 87 mph) with occasional arm side run and feel to both sided of the plate. The curveball showcases bigger 12/6 shape with gradual movement in the low 70's, playing extremely well off the fastball and tight 10/4 shaped slider (73-74). Working with quick arm speed and the ability to throw any pitch for strikes, the sky is the limit for this uncommitted two-way on the bump.

 

Aidan Brinsfield RHP / 1B / Parkside , MD / 2023

One of my favorite arms in the 2023 class had a huge summer in 2022, and showcased extremely well at the State Games, leading to a commitment to Salisbury University. Standing at a physical 6-foot-2, 205 pound frame, Brinsfield works downhill with shorter arm action from a high three-quarter slot, mixing the arsenal well with evident feel for the fastball to both sides of the plate (85-87 mph). The changeup is thrown with confidence, especially to left-handed hitters and showcases consistent late fade that plays extremely well off the fastball. Utilizing a bigger 12/6 breaker, Brisnfield showcases the ability to land it for strikes and consistently induce weak contact. The ability to work the fastball to all quadrants of the zone, and mix the secondary for strikes is impressive.

 

Jamon Dick RHP / OF / Frederick Douglass, MD / 2024

An impressive uncommitted arm in the 2024 class opened a ton of eyes at last year's State Games and certainly made a name for himself across the state. Standing at a long 6-foot-1, 165 pound frame, Dick works the fastball to both sides of the plate with solid feel for the zone at 82-85, topping out at 86.3. The curveball showcases tighter spin with 11/5 shape at 73-75 and works towards the bottom of the zone consistently. The changeup is thrown sparingly but shows promise with some late dive action in the low 70's.  

 

Angel Santiago-Cruz SS / RHP / Severna Park, MD / 2024

One of the top uncommitted players in the class of 2024, Santiago-Cruz had a breakout year in 2022. After showcasing extremely well at the State Games, the projectable two-way earned an invite to the Future Games and Mid-Atlantic ProCase, where he continued his upwards trend. On the bump, the fastball comes out of the hand well, working in the mid 80's and topping out at 86 with hard arm side run and occasional late sink at the bottom of the zone. The curveball works with 12/6 shape in the low 70's, mixing in a changeup in the upper 70's with some late downward action. The fastball is the best pitch and the ability to induce weak contact in the zone is eye-opening and should bode well for his recruitment in 2023. 

 

MD State Games Stat Release