‘Undiscovered’ 6-4 230-Pound Junior RHP Has ‘Come A Long Way’

Jim Liebel RHP / 1B / Indian Hill High School, OH / 2026

CINCINNATI - Jim Liebel calls himself “someone undiscovered” but the hope is that will soon change after the decision to focus strictly on pitching.

“It all started when I decided to be a PO,” the 45th-rated uncommitted junior in Ohio explained about his recruiting process. “I began focusing on my development as a pitcher in the fall and went to the Prep Baseball State Games where I got some interest. I’ve been talking to some high academic D-I and D-III schools.”

That is a change from Aug. 1 when interest was not there on the initial day college coaches could make contact with players in the 2026 class.

“It was quiet, but I wasn’t surprised,” the Indian Hill High School junior admitted. “I’m a late bloomer. I’ve gained 50 pounds and 10 miles an hour since my freshman year. I’m someone undiscovered, but it’s picking up more now.”

Credit to that goes to the decision to make pitching his center of attention.

“Most of my coaches said I could make the largest impact on the mound,” Liebel noted. “Plus, being a PO is just more fun.”

The routine has changed since that crucial decision.

“The priority is my lifting and mechanics,” Liebel related. “I brought my arm slot down and I’m working on arm timing and my foot plant. I saw the results at the State Games where I had the number one velo.

“I’ve also had some help with my pitch mix. I think I have enough velocity so I’m focused more now on command and breaking balls. I’m still lifting three to four times a week as well.”

Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, believes the future is bright for the 6-4 230-pounder.

“He has a mature frame with an over the top, downhill delivery,” Weldon said. “It’s a simple, repeatable operation. He has a ride profile on the fastball with up to 20-plus inches of vertical at times and he generates some swing and miss in the zone with his 77 mile an hour slider. He’s a multi-sport athlete who has an aggressive demeanor on the mound.”

Computer science and data science are potential majors for Liebel, who carries a 4.0 unweighted and 4.57 weighted GPA taking 11 AP classes. His SAT score is 1440, which he is “looking to improve.”

There is also a matter of looking for the right college.

“I want to play at the highest level of baseball I can, along with having the highest level of academics,” the 23rd-ranked 2026 right-handed pitcher in the state said. “I want a knowledgeable coach who can take me to the next level with a team that wants to win.”

Admittedly, there was some uncertainty upon entering the recruiting process.

“I didn’t have much idea where I’d be,” Liebel explained. “I knew I’d be behind focusing on development and mechanics in the fall and not going to camps, but I knew I’d come out a lot better.

“The State Games really helped me pick up interest from local schools. I hit 89 and more schools started following me. Two weeks later I hit 90 but then I shut it down. Travis Clark, my summer ball coach, helped with analyzing video while lifting, putting on weight and working on mechanics also helped. Doing all three of those things put me in a good spot.”

Additional assistance has come from his high school coach Cary Daniel.

“He believes in me and has helped my mentality with always wanting to win,” Liebel noted. “Every time I step on the mound I think positively. He’s also talked to some colleges on my behalf.”

Sending emails with updates on progress along with going to camps are on the upcoming agenda for Liebel, who also plays basketball at Indian Hill.

“I haven’t had any offers, but I have an idea of what I’m looking for in a program,” the 65th-rated junior in Ohio explained. “I’m excited about how it’s going and looking for something to happen in the spring and summer.”

It has been an interesting journey to date for the 17-year-old.

“I’ve always loved baseball, it’s a lot of fun,” Liebel concluded. “Being a late bloomer, I’ve just been working the best I can. I think I’ve come a long way. It’s about getting one step better every day. That’s helped me get where I am now.”