HATTIESBURG, MS - The Hattiesburg Open was held on Tuesday, June 6th at the The University of Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, MS. This event was an open event that consisted of some of the top prospects from the 2024-2027 classes across all parts of Mississippi. These players went through extended pro-style workout that included batting practice using Trackman, ran the 60 yard dash using Swift Performance, and much more. Pitchers were able to throw in simulated bullpens during the workout and were able to get numbers and metrics. There were some players who showed up and continued to build off of prior performances, but there were also some new names who jumped onto our radar with a strong showing on Tuesday.

Kicking off our post-event coverage for this event, we take a look back at some of the top performers and standouts from Tuesday. Continuing over the course of the next week or so, we will release different statistical leaderboards for the event along with other pieces of content.

View all positional stats HERE.

 

QUICK HITS

+ RHP/INF Gavin Parrow (Madison Central, 2025) is an uncommitted rising junior to follow. The right hander was solid during his bullpen with an event high 86 mph and tight spin while pounding the zone with 3 pitches. The athletic Parrow also showed well in other areas including his 6.95 60 and next level ability both on the infield and in the outfield. At the plate, Parrow used a line drive, middle of the field approach with exit velocities up to 94 mph. 

Solid look at Gavin Parrow (2025) of Madison Central as he sits into the backside and drives down the mound. Up to 87 mph on the day with tight action on his breaking ball. @GavinParrow @Jaguar_Baseball pic.twitter.com/dbaTl1FYT0

— PBR Mississippi (@PBR_Mississippi) June 7, 2023

+ RHP/INF Aaron Alston (Presbyterian Christian, 2026) was another young player that showed upside both offensively, defensively, and on the mound. The rising sophomore used a running fastball that sat 82-84 (T85) with developing feel for a tight slider with 2300 spin. He was equally impressive on the dirt with what looks to be a sure glove and range with a strong arm from across the diamond. At the plate Alston rattled off several line drives with a middle to opposite field approach. 

Aaron Alston (2026) of PCS using a quick arm and athleticism on the bump. The rising sophomore ran his fastball up to 85 mph with solid feel for a developing slider. @aaron_alston28 @Baseball_PCS pic.twitter.com/PS7FF4HZfz

— PBR Mississippi (@PBR_Mississippi) June 7, 2023

+ OF James Blackwood (Oxford, 2026) first caught our attention with his arm as he fired a bullet from right field that registered 93 mph. At the plate, the right handed hitting Blackwood had a solid round using a swing path with slight launch and aggression with an average exit velocity of 88 with a high of 95 mph. Very exciting young player to follow! 

+ LHP/OF Tyner Flynt (Presbyterian Christian, 2026) continues to impress as a lefty to follow hard. The rising sophomore has advanced feel for multiple pitches and stays in the strike zone with each of them. Flynt worked in the low 80s with his running fastball while showing a change up that mimicked the FB well. His breaking ball has depth and 11/5 action that will be effective versus both lefties and righties. 

Tyner Flynt of PCS continues to show next level feel for the bump. The 2026 shows off his solid three pitch mix (FB, BB, CH). Fastball in the low 80s and pounded the zone with all three. @tyner_flynt23 @Baseball_PCS pic.twitter.com/B7SMlyxYrn

— PBR Mississippi (@PBR_Mississippi) June 7, 2023

+ 3B Tyler Johnson (Tupelo, 2025) is a young player showing how development works. We first saw Johnson at our Summer ID in 2020 and could tell in time he would generate prospect status. At the time he ran a 9 plus 60, his exit velo was 73 mph with arm velocity at 66. On Tuesday, Johnson ran a 7.55 60, was up to 82 mph on the infield with near event high exit velocities (T96), and STILL developing. Look forward to seeing him down the road. 

Tyler Johnson (2025) of Tupelo putting together a loud round yesterday at our Hattiesburg Open. The rising sophomore showing a synced up aggressive swing with exit velocities into the mid 90s. @TylerJo79495920 @goldenwavebsb pic.twitter.com/kr5NZa1Dvb

— PBR Mississippi (@PBR_Mississippi) June 7, 2023

+ CINF Christian McKinney (Cleveland Central, 2026) is yet another young body with huge upside. The 6-3, 225 pound McKinney is an imposing figure that does not look like your typical 2026. He still has some development ahead of him in all areas though his impressive batting practice round should be reason enough to start following. McKinney uses a fairly level bat path and likes to go right back up the middle which is scary as he rattled off multiple 90 plus mph exit velocities, including the event high of 97. 

 

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Upcoming Events

SHOWCASE	DATE	LOCATION
Magnolia State Games	6/13	University of Southern Miss - (Hattiesburg, MS)
Gulf Coast Open	7/11	Mississippi Gulf Coast CC - (Perkinston, MS)
Gulf Coast Rising Stars ID	7/11	Mississippi Gulf Coast CC - (Perkinston, MS)
PBR Junior Future Games	7/25	LakePoint Sports - Emerson, GA
PBR Future Games	7/26	LakePoint Sports - Emerson, GA

 

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