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Stock Report: 2015 Jesse Forestell steadily making strides

November 25, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

Following the Midwest Future Games Jesse Forestell (Homewood Flossmoor, 2015) has been on a steady assent amongst catchers in the Class of 2015. One of the last participants to make Team Illinois for the Midwest Future Games, Forestell has continued to show an advanced approach at the plate with high level barrel awareness.

Forestell recently ranked second behind RHP Shane Ritter (Plainfield South) as the top overall prospect at the Class of 2015 Showcase in October and jumped up to No. 22 in the recent updated state rankings.

Forestell has a solid build for a catcher at 6-foot, 180-pounds. Hitting from the left side makes him more desirable than most backstops and the fact that he hits at a high level puts him in a class all by himself.Jesse Forestell

The Class of 2014 in Illinois boasts four left handed hitting catchers in the top 11 ranked players. In the Class of 2015 Forestell is one of only two left handed swinging catchers in the top 50. His offensive prowess is what might make Forestell most desirable but he’s no slouch behind the plate either. He’s posted pop times below the 2.0 mark and shows soft hands behind the dish. On top of that Forestell shows a knack for handling his pitchers and taking a leadership role on the diamond, almost a must have for a next level catcher.

Many have shown interest in Forestell, including UIC, Michigan State, Northwestern, Western Michigan, Wichita State, Illinois State, Southern Illinois and Valparaiso. So far Forestell has made visits to Michigan State, Northwestern and Western Michigan and plans to check out Wichita State this winter.

 “Going into college, I want to find a program where I can have a chance to play immediately and compete for a conference title. I want to improve as much as possible throughout the process too. I want to grow as a player and as a person,” said Forestell.

Homewood-Flossmoor is hoping Forestell can build off of his stellar sophomore season which included All-Conference and All-Area honors as well as being the team MVP. H-F should be an improved team in 2014 as Forestell will have a formidable staff to handle highlighted by Kentucky commit Jeremy Orbik (RHP, 2015).

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