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Elite Prospect Showcase Flashback: Top Performances From 2014

October 24, 2017
Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

Keystone State Baseball Academy


The Elite Prospect Showcase annually brings together top prospects from across the state as well as from neighboring states. With just over a week until the 2017 edition of this event, October 28th at Keystone State Baseball Academy, we look back on highlights from previous years.

The 2014 version of this event brought together 54 prospects from four states. The day included players participating in three waves with a number of impressive performances. Following is a look back at the top performers in each of the measurable categories evaluated. CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.

CLICK HERE to view the finalized roster for the 2017 Elite Prospect showcase along with pitching rotations.

Top Bat Exit Velocity

97 mph - Lou Testa, 1B, Neumann-Goretti HS (PA), 2016

11/1/14 All chit-chat among coaches ceased when Neumann-Goretti junior 1B Lou Testa began slamming balls off the back net of the facility with a top exit velocity of 97-mph. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound right-handed hitter has a high back elbow and rocks back to load, while the ball screams off his bat due to his physical strength and bat speed. Defensively, he fielded the ball a bit deep and would benefit from improved agility around the bag, but showed solid hands and an 80-mph arm. Testa committed to Rowan College of Gloucester County.


 

Top Fastball Velocity

88 mph - Eric Ford, RHP, Cambria Heights (PA), 2015

11/1/14 Ford was the top velocity guy on the day, running his fastball to the plate at 85-88. There should be more in the tank with him, as his front side collapses, causing him to body the ball to the plate with some effort. If he learns to maintain his posture, he could see addition velocity gains, as well as be more consistent with his 70-71 curveball that flashed tight spin on occasion. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder also showed a firm change-up with slight tail at 78-80. Ford is now a junior at Pitt-Johnstown.


 

TOP 60-YARD DASH TIMES

6.79 - Langston Livingston, OF, La Salle HS (PA), 2016

11/1/14 Livingston is an impressive looking athlete at 6-foot-3, 185-pounds. The left-handed hitter topped all runners with a 6.79 60-yard dash. Livingston hits from an open stance with some glide to his approach and loose hands. He generates solid barrel whip with a strong lower half and quick hands. Livingston drove baseballs with authority to the pull side and displayed a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. The right-handed thrower will need to continue to develop his defensive skills. He displayed some stiffness to his actions with 77 mph arm strength from the outfield. Livingston is now a sophomore at St. Joseph's University.


 

TOP IF/OF ARM VELOCITY 
 
91 mph - Nate Fassnacht, SS, Ephrata HS (PA), 2016

11/1/14 Fassnacht continues his upward trajectory. He logged the top arm strength of the day, throwing 91-mph across the diamond, while also showing good feet, very good hands, and an ability to make plays on the move. The switch-hitter starts slightly open and takes a short stride to square from the right side. He holds his hands at a good launch point and repeats his swing, which has a bit of length, but with bat speed (85-mph exit velocity). His left-handed stroke also features a bit of length, but his hands work, he stays inside the ball well, and posted an 81-mph exit velocity. Fassnacht is now a sophomore at George Washington University after being named to the Altantic-10 All-Rookie team as a freshman. He spent the summer of 2017 playing for the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod League.

 

 

TOP CATCHER POP TIMES & ARM VELOCITY

1.96/ 77 mph - Connor Hood, Susquehannock HS (PA), 2016

11/1/14 Hood is an above average defender at the hot corner with very good hands, easy arm strength across the diamond (80-mph today; has been 85 in the past), and an ability to make plays on the move. Showcasing behind the plate for the first time, he posted 1.96-2.10 pop times with a 77-mph arm out of the crouch. The right-handed hitter's swing is a bit uphill, but he gets the barrel to the ball and has the ability to drive a gap (86-mph exit velocity). The 6-foot, 170-pounder also ran a 6.93 60-yard dash. Hood is currently a sophomore at Seton Hall University.

 

 

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