Prep Baseball Report

Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Mike Yacko



Mike Yacko, RHP, Oak Lawn HS
The 6-foot, 180-pound right-hander solidified his status as one of the premier unsigned arms in the state after he earned top prospect at the Prep Baseball Report Unsigned Senior Showcase on Oct. 16.

Yacko impressed with his ability to command three pitches, all with heavy downward action. His fastball sat in the 86-87 mph range, and it featured downward run and sink.  He also showed a slider that had sharp, late action, in the 74-75 mph range. Yacko’s slider can be a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch at the next level.  Yacko, who hides the ball well, also throws a firm changeup that exhibited sink down in the zone. In all, Yacko’s ability to command three pitches – all with movement – should make him one of the most coveted unsigned arms in the Class of 2012.

Last spring, he established himself as a frontline pitcher at Brother Rice facing the toughest competition in the state. Over the summer, he transferred to Oak Lawn HS, where he will assume ace responsibilities.