It is not often that one experiences a position overhaul in his junior year. Coach Pete Savage, Reno High School, saw something in a young man that has proven worthy of recognition.  “Isaac Schuck came to us as a knuckleball pitcher, granted he had a nice knuckleball but in all my years of coaching, I have never had a knuckleballer,” said Savage. “Schuck had a ton of arm strength and a serviceable bat, it seemed like a waste to continue as a knuckleballer.” Schuck has taken to the catching position with pride, working tirelessly to improve his skills behind the plate.  “If you watch him today, you would not even know that he just started catching, he displays a good arm with accuracy and has shown solid blocking and receiving skills with relatively little competitive game experience,” states Savage. For PBR Nevada, the Silver State Spotlight, shines on Isaac Schuck. 

Isaac Schuck, C, Reno, (2019)

Projectable, 6-foot, 170. Schuck has slightly sloped shoulders with room in his frame to add weight and strength.  He maintains a noticeable desire for the position with the work ethic to back it up. He shows first-step quickness in his block and recovery skills with present arm strength.  His footwork, transfer and release are developing.  He sets up in the box with hands below his shoulder moving in a circular, rhythmic motion.  The setup provides some natural loft to his swing. He works with a middle of the field approach which bodes well for his bat handling and ability to execute. A probable bottom of the order type bat at the next level, he will flash some sneaky power.

 The Future

With increased time behind the plate, Schuck will continue to develop instincts for the position.  His catch to release time will improve and he possesses the arm strength to drive his pop time consistently below 2.0.    His progression might come quickly and make him a solid spring follow for a four year institution. Certainly, a program willing to make a long term investment might see big dividends.  Schuck is an excellent acquisition for a two year college looking for immediate help behind the plate.