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Impressive Talent Highlights Michigan ProCase

YPSILANTI – It was a field loaded with impressive talent. That is what the Michigan ProCase has become every year.

The 2022 event was no different, with 89 participants, including four sets of brothers, at the showcase. Of those in attendance, only 20 are committed, with one quarter of them headed to the University of Michigan.

A little more than half of those there (46) took part in the pitching portion, with a dozen throwing 90 miles an hour or better.

“The ProCase proved why this is the premiere event of the winter in Michigan,” noted Aaron Wilson, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting. “More than 80-plus elite prospects did not disappoint. There were multiple arms over 90 miles-an-hour in early March. It was great to see several college commits challenging one another.

“The event is a load of fun and it’s amazing to see how far the game of baseball in Michigan has come. Michigan is truly a baseball state.”

It was a time to remember, pointed out participants that were asked about how the ProCase went.

“The event was awesome!” explained Ty Uchman, the third-rated 2023 first baseman in the state. “Being around so many high-level players is so cool, and pushes me to play even better. The event was very well run, and a lot of fun.”

Others also had high praise.

• Ryan Mooney: “The 2022 ProCase was awesome. It was great to be surrounded by so many like-minded people all trying to reach a common goal of playing baseball at the highest level. It was ran very well and was fun competing with everyone there.”
• Scott Leonard: “I have been to two showcases and this one by far exceeded my expectations. It was ran efficiently and smoothly.”
• Parker Picot: “My general assessment would be it’s a great event run by great people. A great place to get your numbers out there and make new friends along the way!”
• Carson Custer: “It was a great facility. I loved being around a really talented group of guys who are chasing the same dreams as me.”
• Andrew Abler: “The event was in a cool organized place and was a good place to showcase my skills. The talent there was extremely high.”
• Dante Nori: “The event was very organized. It was great to see almost all the top talent in Michigan under one roof. This event is great for promoting players and ultimately giving them an opportunity to be seen, so college coaches can offer scholarships and pro scouts can evaluate them.”
• Buster Debol: “The event had very elite talent, the tops in Michigan. Guys can hit there with a lot of strong barrels from everyone and the pitchers were elite. It was all college-type talent.”
• Dylan Larkins: “The ProCase was so fun to me. Just being there with a bunch of other guys that can play baseball was amazing.”

ON THE MOUND

If nothing else, high school teams in Michigan facing New Boston Huron this spring will know they better be ready for a fastball in the 90s after the numbers from the ProCase came in. The junior duo of Luke Coll and Gavin Moczydlowsky had the top speed at the event, with Coll at 94 and Moczydlowsky 92.

“The highlight of the ProCase for me was setting a PR for my fastball,” elated Coll, an uncommitted New Boston Huron junior rated 17th among 2023 right-handed pitchers.

The performance may not keep the 6-2 185-pounder uncommitted long.

“The way I performed really helped me in my recruiting process,” noted Coll, who had an impressive spin rate that averaged 2782 on his fastball and 2859 on his slider. “I think it helped get my name out there more. I had some college coaches contact me.”

While Moczydlowsky is committed to Michigan State, seven of the remaining 10 that touched 90 have yet to decide on a college home, including Forest Hills Central sophomore Carson Custer, who hit 91 on the radar.

“My favorite moment of the showcase was hitting a new fastball personal record on the mound,” related the top-ranked uncommitted RHP in the state. 

Abler, a 6-1 201-pound Novi High School junior, is another uncommitted arm that impressed.

“My highlight was probably touching 90 miles per hour and being able to stay in the zone,” the third-ranked uncommitted 2023 in Michigan said.

Uncommitted Brother Rice senior Robert Klann hit 91 as did Owosso junior Jay Tuttle, with juniors William DeMasse of Dakota and Gavin DeVooght of Walled Lake Central uncommitted arms at 90.

Wyatt Novara, a Dexter junior headed to Michigan, had the top speed among left-handed pitchers at 90.

BEHIND THE PLATE

Two players that touched 90 on the mound also produced big numbers behind the plate in Noah Miller of Monroe High School and Tuttle. 

A Cincinnati commit, Miller had the best pop time at 1.85 and the best catcher velocity of 85 while the junior standout also showed off his arm in the outfield with 95 velo. Tuttle was second in pop time at 1.93 and catcher velo at 84.

But there were a pair of sophomores that made as big of impressions as any behind the dish in Ryan Sommer and Debol. Sommer was third in velocity at 78 and fourth in pop time at 1.96, trailing just Miller, Tuttle and Detroit Central Catholic junior Trae Cassidy, while Debol was right behind Sommer with 77 velo and 1.97 pop.

“I liked the ProCase a lot,” noted Sommer, an Orchard Lake catcher ranked fourth at the position in the 2024 class in Michigan. “I had a lot of fun. I did very well and I thought it was ran well. I had a good time and good numbers and now I’m hoping to have a good spring and summer to lead to a goal.”

That goal of finding the right college fit is also something Debol is gunning for after making a nice showing at the PBR event.

“The highlight for me was catching bullpens for some top arms,” explained the Romeo High School sophomore who is ranked second among 2024 catchers in the state. “I caught 10 guys that threw 87 to 93.”

YOUTH SHINES

While the sophomore catchers excelled, there were even younger participants that also turned some heads, nobody more than Blake Ilitch.

The University Liggett freshman not only touched 91 on the mound, but also had 96 exit velocity and was second in infield velo at 92 and outfield velo at 94

“I had an outstanding time at this PBR event and really enjoyed it,” the second-rated 2025 in the state said. “I really liked the competitiveness of it because I play the game with a lot of passion. My highlight was my pitching, my BP round and also my outfield evaluation.”

Although the 10th-ranked 2024 right-handed pitcher in the nation stood out, a trio of Leonard's - Scott, Brett and Jake - also stirred up some excitement with some solid numbers for such a young age. Brett and Jake, freshmen at Stevenson High School ranked 17th and 10th in Michigan’s 2025 class, respectively, showed their stuff with Brett at 88 exit velo and 82 infield velo while Jake was one less mph in each event.

Meanwhile, Scott Leonard, the brother of Brett and cousin of Jake and also a ninth grader at Stevenson, recorded a 90 exit velo to go along with 82 infield velocity.

“I felt as if I performed very well on both sides,” noted the fourth-rated freshman in the state, who just turned 15 on Dec. 21. “My lateral movement and speed will be my focus. I feel as if I can hit and play with every dude in every class but I want to increase my bat speed.”

Additional ninth-graders showed promise as well, with Joey Turner (St. Clair) and Bobby Crane (University of Detroit Jesuit) throwing 83 mile-an-hour fastballs and Travis Acker (Lake Orion) with 89 exit velocity, 82 infield velo and an 80 mph fastball. Turner’s older brother Jacob, a senior committed to Bowling Green, tied for second overall with a 92 mph fastball.

STANDOUTS

With players like Jaryn Purify, the top-rated 2023 in the state, and Reggie Sharpe, the second-ranked 2024 in Michigan, among those participating, seeing standouts in action was a given.

On this day, based on numbers and performance, two of the best were Picot and Nori.

“The sound is just different off his bat,” a scout with the Texas Rangers said of Picot, a Rochester Adams junior committed to Alabama.

The fourth-ranked 2023 in the state not only was the only player to top 100 in exit velocity - with a 101 using wood bats - but also had the fastest time in the 30-yard dash while finishing near the top in outfield velocity (91) and infield velo (88).

“My highlight of the event was the experience and being able to compete with some of the best players in the state,” the 46th-ranked 2023 shortstop in the country said. “It’s always a great time getting to perform in front of all types of scouts. You are able to get your skills out to fresh eyes.”

Picot also impressed other players at the event, as did additional highly-regarded participants like Purify.

“I enjoyed watching all the talent and especially hitting after Picot,” pointed out Scott Leonard. “He’s a tough act to follow. I take a lot of pride in working my feet and hands, and with that said, going side by side with Purify I know where I’m at.”

Nori sparkled as well, with the Northville sophomore showing why he is a commit to defending national champion Mississippi State. The number one 2024 in Michigan recorded 94 exit velocity and 91 outfield velo.

“I was very pleased with my performance overall, but I really enjoyed reconnecting with teammates from the past and friends overall,” pointed out Nori, who was also third in the 30-yard dash behind Picot and Mooney. “It is always exciting when you're in a situation to perform at your best with a bunch of eyes on you.”

It has the fifth-ranked 2024 outfielder in the nation excited about what is in the future.

“A few scouts asked some personal questions, others asked me about my commitment to Mississippi State and others approached me and said they’ve enjoyed following me,” Nori said. “It made me feel good when people care enough to find out about me and follow my baseball journey.”

POSITION PROSPECTS

There were a large number of others that made a statement about their ability including the likes of Mooney, Uchman and Larkins.

Mooney, an Orchard Lake St. Mary’s junior, displayed his all-around game with 92 exit velocity and 89 outfield velo to go along with recording the second fastest time in the 30.

“The highlight for me was seeing improvements in all my categories,” noted the Notre Dame commit, ranked ninth in the state’s 2023 class. “Seeing the results of me getting bigger, faster and stronger was my favorite part.”

Uchman, in addition to the second best exit velocity of 99, had velos of 87 in the outfield and 83 in the infield 

“The highlight for me was just being back at a showcase,” said the left-handed hitting southpaw from Grand Rapids Christian, who had a new PR on exit velo at 99.2. “It has been about a year-and-a-half since I have been out with Tommy John. Being back out there after all the hard work felt amazing. I knew that I was prepared for the event, so I just played my game.”

Larkins, the smooth-looking Michigan commit rated fifth in Michigan’s 2024 class, had 95 exit velocity while throwing 89 from the outfield and also finishing eighth in the 30.

“My outfield velocity and hitting were both definitely my favorite highlights of this event because I got to showcase my best talents,” the U of D Jesuit junior said.

Sommer also showed versatility with 81 infield velocity to go along with his strong performance at catcher, in addition to 93 exit velo.

“I liked the hitting section of the showcase,” Sommer said. “Hitting into the open area was cool and I’ve always liked swinging wood bats.

“Even though my exit velo was good, I need to work on hand and bat speed a little more to improve my hitting game even more.” 

Other top performances came from the likes of Parker Brzustewicz of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (98 exit, 89 infield), Jonah St. Antoine of Forest Hills Northern (98 exit, 87 infield), Layne Holmes of Mattawan (97 exit, 88 outfield) and Ryan Campbell of Plymouth (97 exit, 92 infield).

TWO-WAY POTENTIAL

Campbell, a left-hander senior committed to Adrian College, also touched 89 with his fastball to join players like Miller, Abler, Tuttle and Illitch as two-way standouts.

In addition to 90 on the mound, Abler had 94 exit and 84 infield velocity.

“I think the scouts being there gave me more adrenaline while I was pitching and hitting,” pointed out the eighth-rated uncommitted 2023 in Michigan. “It helped to get used to the pressure of everyone there with cameras and stuff.”

Miller not only had impressive numbers catching and in the outfield, the Cincinnati commit had an exit velocity of 98, tied for third among those in attendance, while Tuttle had 92 with his exit velo to go along with his strong performance on the hill and behind the plate.

Ilitch was the only participant to hit 90 in three position categories - exit, outfield and infield velo.

“Performing in front of the scouts was fun,” the number two 2025 in the state said. “I continued to do my thing like nobody was there and enjoyed the chance to play some baseball. Aaron Wilson is definitely a funny guy and makes the game fun.”

LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Exposure and fun are not the only things the ProCase brought to those taking part in the PBR event. There was also a matter of learning from the experience.

“I can take from my performance to keep on working and striving for success,” Ilitch said. “This means that I need to be continuing to do stuff to get me one percent better everyday. I need to remember that I am far away from where I want to be and need to continue to work.”

Hard work was also the theme from Uchman.

“Something I can take from the showcase is that if you aren’t happy with your numbers, work harder, and even if you are happy with your numbers work harder,” Uchman pointed out. “Never stop.”

Others liked seeing how they stacked up against the strong field of performers

“It definitely gave me a sense of where I’m at compared to the best players in the state of Michigan,” explained Custer. “These events help motivate me to train and perform at the highest level possible.  I enjoyed seeing some guys I have met at previous PBR events and liked meeting new ones as well.” 

Despite putting up as good of numbers as anyone, Picot understands you can never stop learning.

“Something I can take from my performance that will help me in the future is to embrace the ability to relax a little bit more so that I can perform my best and enjoy and take it all in,” admitted the 6-2 205-pound junior.

Staying calm is important in situations like the ProCase.

“I wasn't too nervous at the event, I knew I just had to go out and play my game, not try to impress,” Debol said. “Something I can take from my performance is that I am going to have to keep up my work ethic to outwork some of these guys that were there,”

Gaining exposure while being with older players was educational according to Scott Leonard.

“I was excited to perform in front of the scouts,” Scott Leonard said. “No nerves at all, just a great opportunity to show that I’m the best player in the state in the 2025 class. I was coming for that and I feel I showed out, with all due respect.”

Getting seen was enjoyable, pointed out Mooney.

“It was really cool performing in front of scouts knowing they are watching everything you do,” the 76th-ranked 2023 outfielder in the nation noted. “Whether it’s how you field a ground ball, or how you interact with your peers, they are always watching. Now I want to gain a little bit more weight to get stronger so my velos can improve even more.”

There was even more that stood out to the 6-4 165-pounder.

“I also really liked the vision test,” Mooney pointed out. “It was very intriguing and cool to see how I scored compared to everyone else.”

Nori looked at the event with the understanding that more showcases would be in his future.

“Familiarity with how the events are run and how they evaluate each of the baseball skills,” Nori said about what he can take from the event to help in the future. “The goal is to improve every year in those categories.”

FINAL THOUGHTS

The chance to showcase brought appreciation from those taking part in the prestigious event.

“I would like to thank Aaron Wilson and the PBR staff for doing such a phenomenal job of putting on these events and promoting amateur baseball in Michigan,” Nori said.

Scott Leonard felt the same way.

“Aaron Wilson had talked with me after and said I’m a high prospect in the 2025 class and with his background I am humbled,” Scott Leonard related. “There are so many guys at the event I feel privileged and I’m appreciative he took time with me.”

Picot also  had high praise about the opportunity to be part of the ProCase.

“Overall it was an amazing event run by great people,” Picot concluded. “It is an awesome experience to put your skills on the table and get recognized at the next level, whatever it might be for you. I would recommend this and other PBR events for anyone who is trying to get out there and compete.”

Debol summed it up well.

“I recommend going to this event to see how you stack up against the top talent in the state of Michigan.”

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