Benjamin
Oosterbaan

Michigan commit, currently ranked No. 21 in the Illinois’ 2023 class. 6-foot-5, 180-pound, long-limbed, high-waisted, projectable right-handed pitcher. Started on the mound for Hinsdale Central and got the win. Went 4.2 innings, scattering four hits, two runs, no earned runs, walking three and striking out seven. Poised, confident demeanor on the mound. Clean, easy, repeatable delivery and long arm action, plays out of a ¾ slot. Worked with a steady fastball/slider mix throughout. Has advanced feel for his breaking ball with the ability to manipulate depending on count. Slider played anywhere from 75-81 mph flashing swing-and-miss action, 10/4 plane with late horizontal action and sweep at times; 2207-2320 rpm. Fastball sat 87-89 mph early on. Easy out of the hand, controls the zone, plays with late arm-side-action at times, sneaky hop through the zone at times. Multi-sport, multi-positional prospect with upside.

Verbally committed to Michigan.

Uncommitted, 6-foot-2, 145-pound, long-limbed, high-waisted, right-handed pitcher with plenty of room for continued physical development. Started on the mound and impressed in his four innings of work. Did not allow a hit or a run while striking out eight and walking one. Even-keeled, low-pulse demeanor on the mound, seems to be in total control on the mound and attacks with a plan. Methodical, controlled delivery, high-front side, hides the baseball on the back-side, highly-repeatable. Clean, uninterrupted arm action, high ¾ slot. Utilized a fastball/breaking ball throughout. Fastball comes out of the hand clean and easy, late arm-side-run, located down in the zone and repeated quality strikes to the glove side; sat anywhere from 82-86 mph throughout. Pitches with low effort at 82-84 and had 86 in his back pocket whenever he wanted. Looked to be manipulating his breaking ball early on in the outing but as the start went on, it was evident he was mixing in a curveball and a slider. Both breaking balls tunnel well off the fastball. Curveball has 11/5 shape, feel for the zone, occasional bite, 70-73 mph. Slider, 74-75 mph, has a shorter, more horizontal 10/4 shape; ability to show in the zone and end up out of the zone with two strikes; quality go-to two strikeout/swing-and-miss offering. High-follow polished 2023 arm on the rise.

Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 145-pounds. Lean, lanky, highly projectable frame.
Delivery: Smooth, repeatable tall/fall type delivery, showed a slide-step out of the stretch, level shoulders, throws online, lands closed from target. Clean mechanics, confident tempo, feel for himself on the mound.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Primarily plays straight, flashed arm-side run with late action.
CB: 72-75 mph. Thrown with intent, 11/5 shape, sharp bite, feel to spin.
CH: 69-75 mph. Near fastball arm speed, fading action. 

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot-2, 145-pounds. Lean, lanky, highly projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride.  Long and level path, steady line drive contact, favored his pull-side.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws with carry across the diamond.
Defense: Athletic actions, fields in rhythm, long strides cover ground. Plays out in front, soft hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot-1, 145-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic set-up, smooth hand load, short stride, balance through swing. Level bat path, extension through the baseball, bat speed present, gap to gap approach. Took a solid round.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 release point, accurate across the diamond.
Defense: Smooth and easy actions, soft hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball with tempo.
Run: 7.96 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, lands with closed shoulders.
Arm Action: RH. Over the top to high 3/4 release point, quick and loose arm action, regular effort.
FB: T80, 76-80 mph. Heavy action, in the zone.
CB: 67-70 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual break.
SL: 71-74 mph. 10/4 shape, sharp action, thrown with fastball arm speed, in the zone. Best offspeed pitch.

The 14U Top Tier Americans started off the day with an excellent pitching performance, turned in by Benjamin Oosterbaan. The long and lanky right-hander was dominant on the day, tossing a complete game shutout while only allowing three hits and striking out eight batters. Oosterbaan had control of all three of his pitches, throwing 53 of his 80 pitches on the day for strikes. His fastball generated consistent soft contact while topping out at 78 mph and sitting between, 75-77 mph. Oosterbaan’s curveball sat between 68-70 mph with a 10/4 shape, while his changeup was thrown near fastball arm speed and ranged between 67-70 mph. His ability to locate his fastball, and throw his offspeed for strikes, kept opposing hitters off balance, leading to Oosterbaan’s dominant performance on the mound.

Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 135-pounds.
Defense: Active, fluid footwork, steady hands, plays through the ball.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph.  Long arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate with carry.
Hit: RHH. Wide stance, short stride. Short bat path, line drive and gap to gap approach.
Power: 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.40 runner in the 60.

8.5.18 (Junior Future Games) - 5-foot-6, 100-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, wiry, athletic frame. Verbally active defender in the middle of the field, athletic actions, plays hard in-game. Hands work, ranges well to glove side, throws topped 66 mph across the diamond. Works middle of the field offensively, inside out path, flashed line drive pop, high finish, exit velocity topped 72 mph from a tee. Right-handed pitcher, fastball sat 69-70 with arm side run. Curveball, 60 mph, 11/5 shape with depth.