2019 Future Games Preview - Team Ohio
July 28, 2019
Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Senior Writer
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2019 Future Games Preview - Team Ohio
One of Prep Baseball Report’s premier events has a new home in 2019.
The eighth annual Future Games, held previously at Grand Park north of Indianapolis, will now be held at LakePoint in Cartersville, Ga. on July 31-Aug. 3. Top uncommitted prospects in the classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023 will participate in one of the most popular events each year.
There will be 28 teams, including Team Ohio, with players representing 38 states plus the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Each team will play three games the final three days of the event after all position players are put through a showcase workout on Wednesday, the first day of the Future Games.
Ohio will play Pennsylvania at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Canada at 10 a.m. Friday and Michigan at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday.
More than 200 colleges from across the country will be looking on as approximately 500 players participate in this year’s event. In 2018, a record 253 college and professional coaches and scouts were in attendance, six more than the previous season and around 100 more than the year prior.
“This will be my fourth Future Games experience and to see how much it has grown in just that short period of time is really cool to see,” Ohio Director of Scouting Jordan Chiero said. “It truly is a once in a lifetime experience for the players and something us coaches look forward to every year. These guys have the opportunity to represent their state and compete against the best players in the country in front of hundreds of college/pro scouts.”
Brayden Lybarger of Elida is the lone returnee on this year’s Team Ohio.
“The Future Games is really a one-stop shop for players and coaches,” Chiero continued. “Most of these players are higher profile guys that have gotten the opportunity to play in front of colleges from their home state all summer. Well at this event it gives out-of-state schools a chance to get eyes on our guys and also is big for Ohio schools to see the state’s top talent compete against other state’s best.”
While only one of the 30 players on last year’s Team Ohio is back, 22 of the 29 not returning have made a college commitment. Cincinnati (3), Miami (3), Ohio State (2), Kent State (2), Purdue (2), Ohio (2), North Carolina State, Wright State, Campbell, Indiana, Akron, Louisville, Western Kentucky and Tennessee all have commitments from 2018 Team Ohio players.
Aaron Downs of Pella High School in Iowa was last year’s MVP. Mac Horvath of Rochester Century High School in Minnesota was the 2017 most valuable player with Dillon Lifrieri of Wilton High School in Connecticut the 2016 award winner.
Sam Carlson of Burnsville, Minn. was the 2015 MVP, while Duncan Pence of Farragut High School in Tennessee won in 2014, Nolan Watson of Lawrence North in Indiana in 2013, Colby Fitch of Hickman, Mo. in 2012 and Ryne Roper of Harrisburg, Ill. in 2011.
The only Future Games player from Ohio to be drafted in the first round was Evan White of Gahanna Lincoln and the University of Kentucky. White played on Team Ohio in 2014 and is now playing with the Arkansas Travelers in the Class AA Texas League.
“Aside from the obvious exposure this event provides it is also very cool to see the relationships created,” Chiero said. “Typically at the workout day you see cliques based on location or summer team, however by the final game the guys haven broken out of their shell and you get a legitimate ‘team’ feel out there.
“To sum it all up, these guys get to represent their state, showcase their abilities in front of just about every college in the country and hopefully create friendships they can carry on for some time after this event.”
Following is a look at Team Ohio and the thoughts of each player heading into the Future Games.
Team Ohio
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Jake Armsey SS / RHP / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Armsey: As a sophomore I was the starting third baseman at Walsh Jesuit and batted third in the lineup. We finished the season 26-4 losing to Mentor in the Regional Finals. I was voted the North Coast League Offensive Player of the Year and was First-Team All-State PBR. This Summer I played second base and batted leadoff for Release Baseball 17U. We traveled to Westfield, Ind., Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio and played several local tournaments where we faced some of the best competition around and received exposure in front of numerous college scouts.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Armsey: It’s an honor to be part of the Future Games and represent Team Ohio. The Future Games is one of the biggest events of the summer and I am very excited to be part of it.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Armsey: My expectations for this event are to be able to play the top competition and being able to play in front of many college scouts.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Armsey: The first PBR event I attended was the Ohio Future 50. Since then I have attended the Top Prospect Games at Prasco Park, the Top Prospect Games at Wright State Class of 2020-2021, and Scout Day-Release Baseball.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Armsey: I have heard from Ohio State, Penn State, Kent State, Furman, Ohio University, Miami and Western Kentucky. As of right now I do not have any one school in mind. I am excited to see what the next couple of months may bring.
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Drew Bachman LHP / Lakota East, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Bachman: The high school season went fairly well for me as I posted at 2.63 ERA with a 1.64 strikeout rate per inning, helping our team accomplish a 21-6 record. I’ve been playing for CBC Elite Red 16U this summer and have had the privilege of pitching against some of the best teams in the area.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Bachman: I am extremely blessed to be able to participate in such a prestigious and premier event. I can’t wait to play with some of the best players in Ohio.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Bachman: I have heard great things about the event in terms of the competition and the exposure.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Bachman: I participated in the CBC Scout Day and Southern Ohio Prospect Games last year, along with the Ohio Top Prospect Games this summer.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Bachman: I have heard from and considering attending a wide range of schools that include Wright State, Xavier, Ohio University, UC, Miami OH, Ohio State, Indiana, UCF, Elon, Marshall, Purdue, Penn State and NC State.
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Dylan Bailey SS / 2B / Amherst Steele, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Bailey: During my spring baseball season, I primarily played second base and also played third base while batting at the top of the lineup for Amherst Steele. We fell short 1-0 against eventual state champion St. Ignatius in the Sweet 16. This summer I play on the Lake Erie Warhawks 15U Team Mizuno. I primarily have focused on improving my skill level at 3B and the outfield while batting third in the lineup.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Bailey: I am grateful for the opportunity on representing Team Ohio for the Future Games. I’m excited to play in such a premier event for my home state.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Bailey: I expect to face high-level competition, get hits and play solid defense to help Team Ohio.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Bailey: I have participated in the Future 50, the Top Prospect Games, and multiple other PBRs to track my progression.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Bailey: I haven’t spoke one on one to any colleges at this time. I have an open mind when it comes to selecting a college.
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Adam Beery OF / LHP / Rootstown, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Beery: I played for Rootstown and my team won the Portage County League, but lost in the district semifinals. I was selected first team All-County pitcher, first team All-District Division III pitcher and second team All-State PBR I currently play for Release Baseball 17U.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Beery: I am excited to represent Team Ohio. I know it is a great honor to be selected and look forward to helping Team Ohio compete.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Beery: I know the top players from around the country will be competing against one another. I look forward to meeting a lot of great players and pushing myself to play well.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Beery: I have attended numerous PBR events, with the most recent the Top Prospect Games in 2018 & 2019.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Beery: I am currently still open in regards to recruiting and a college selection. I have had feedback from schools such as Ohio University, Kent State, Penn State, Pitt University, Wright State.
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Owen Blackledge 1B / 3B / North Canton Hoover, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Blackledge: I was the starting first baseman for my varsity team and hit fifth in the lineup. We lost in the district championship and we played in a very competitive high-level league. This summer I am the starting first and third basemen for Brownlee Lookouts 16U. I hit secnd in the lineup and we competed in very good showcases in Nashville, Atlanta and Indianapolis. I’ve hit over .330 the entire year and lead the team in RBIs.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Blackledge: I am truly honored for the opportunity to represent Ohio in the Future Games and hope to make the most of my chance.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Blackledge: I expect to face great competition in front of a lot of college scouts.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Blackledge: I participated in the PBR Top Prospect Games.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Blackledge: TCU, Michigan, Penn State, Dayton, Miami (OH), Ohio University.
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Payton Ebbing C / 3B / Cincinnati Country Day, OH / 2022
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Ebbing: In the spring, I was the starting catcher on my Cincinnati Country Day who won the district championship. I was named first team all-conference, second team all-state and named Cincinnati’s Division III player of the year. I had a blast playing with all of my friends that I am normally in class with at CCD. In the summer, the Cincy Flames have had a great summer. We have won a number of tournaments and have had a blast playing with each other.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Ebbing: I am extremely excited to be a part of Team Ohio in the Future Games. As a freshman I want to learn as much as I can from the more experienced guys on the team.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Ebbing: The Future Games is an opportunity to play with the best players in Ohio against the best players in the country. It is a good opportunity to show college coaches what we are made of.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Ebbing: I participated in the Junior Future Games last year and this year I attended the Top Prospect Games in June.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Ebbing: Recently, I have been on the phone with Coach Vitello of the University of Tennessee. I have also talked to some other schools including Indiana and Ohio State in the last week.
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Gavin Jones RHP / OF / North Royalton, OH / 2022
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Jones: This spring season at North Royalton I played both JV and varsity. For JV, I was the shortstop and two-hole hitter and for varsity I was a starting pitcher. During this summer for the Lake Erie Warhawks 15U Mizuno team I have gotten to pitch a lot of innings with most of them being starts. We have played several tournaments playing up in older age groups which is good experience, and we recently were tourney champs in a 15U CABA tournament.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Jones: Being a part of Team Ohio for the PBR Future Games is insane. This experience should be amazing and I hope to have the opportunity to catch a few colleges’ eyes down there with a great outing.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Jones: Down in Georgia for Team Ohio I hope to get the opportunity to start a game pitching. If I do I would like to go deep into that game with a low pitch count. If I come in relief, I hope to throw strikes and keep people off base.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Jones: I have participated in the Lake Erie Warhawks PBR Day in February and the PBR Top Prospect Games in June.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Jones: The colleges that have scouted my games this season have been Cincinnati, Kent Stat, and Bowling Green. I am interested in any colleges in or around the area of Ohio.
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Garit Krupp RHP / SS / Findlay, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Krupp: My spring baseball season was pretty solid. I started at shortstop and pitched.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Krupp: I’m happy that I was chosen me to play for Team Ohio.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Krupp: I’m expecting a lot of college coaches there watching me pitch and a lot of good competition to pitch against.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Krupp: 2019 Southern Ohio Prospect Games ll and Ohio Underclass Games 1.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Krupp: I want to go down south and play D1 baseball, but any D1 school would be amazing.
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Peter Levin 1B / 3B / Shaker Heights, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Levin: My spring baseball season went very well. Our team struggled a little bit at the beginning of the year but pulled it together and ended up winning a couple of tournament games. I ended up making all-conference GCC. This summer I’ve been playing well and been in contact with a couple of schools who have been at some of our games.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Levin: I’m super excited to be a part of Team Ohio. It’s going to be a great experience to compete with the top talent around the country. I’ve been looking forward to this event for the last couple of years and I can’t wait for it.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Levin: My expectations for the event are that it’ll be an awesome week of baseball and that the competition will be great.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Levin: I have been to the Top Prospect Games and the Release Scout Day.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Levin: I have heard from Harvard, Miami of Ohio, George Washington and Xavier. With that being said, I’m very excited for the future and the recruiting process and I am keeping all of my options open.
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PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Lybarger: This spring season is when I had a big jump in my performance. In the winter I did a driveline circuit and it helped a lot with my shoulder strength.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Lybarger: Last year at the Future Games I was really nervous to go out and throw and at the time I was at the point of the year when my arm was just tired and ended up doing pretty bad. This year I’m looking to go out and be cool and calm and hopefully be able to redeem myself from last year.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Lybarger: I’m not really sure what to expect. I just hope I can play good enough to get more exposure.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Lybarger: This year I went to the Top Prospect Games but struggled a little there as well.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Lybarger: I have offers from Ohio State, Xavier, Wright State and Bowling Green.
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Logan Maxwell OF / Lima Shawnee, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Maxwell: I hit .370 with two strikeouts and one home run in the spring earning first team all-league and first team all-district. This summer I am hitting .500 with two strikeouts.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Maxwell: I’m very excited for the opportunity to go to the Future Games and represent Team Ohio.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Maxwell: I expect to go down there in front of lots of colleges and perform well and get some more college looks.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Maxwell: Top Prospect Games.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Maxwell: Ohio State, UNC Charlotte, Kent State, Ohio, Bowling Green.
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PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
McCune: I played varsity baseball for Dover. We had a good record of 23-5. We made it past the first round of the tournament but we lost to Hoover. I was proud of how we played. This summer my team’s record is 36-1-1. I play for the Ohio Skyhawks and we are very good, playing against some very tough teams. We have won five tournaments and we leave it all on the field.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
McCune: I’m glad that I can be apart of Team Ohio for the Future Games. I’ve wanted to compete in the Future Games for two years now, and I’m glad I have the shot to do so.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
McCune: My expectations are to play and have fun and also to have college scouts look at me.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
McCune: Last year I did a PBR event in Columbus and did well. I was then invited to an event at Wright State and pitched well. This year I competed in the PBR Underclass Games.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
McCune: I have talked to Kent State and Wright State. Neither offered, but they both showed interest in me.
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Jordan Mick C / 3B / Canal Fulton Northwest, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Mick: My spring baseball season went well. My team finished 13-13 and we became a better all-around team as the season went on. Currently my summer team, IVL, is 36-8. Playing top tier programs all summer, this team is itching its way to be one of the top-notch programs in the state of Ohio.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Mick: It is a huge honor to represent Ohio, my family, and myself in the Future Games. I’m excited to get started and meet all the great players that were selected to play for Team Ohio.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Mick: I am excited to compete with the other players and represent the State of Ohio against great competition. I expect to learn from other teammates and most importantly go 3-0.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Mick: I have attended the Top Prospect Games in Cincinnati and also IVL Scout Day.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Mick: I have been in contact with Walsh University, Malone University and Kent State University. I was just recently offered a full-ride baseball scholarship from the University of Akron.
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Gabriel Nard SS / RHP / St. Ignatius - Cleveland, OH / 2022
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Nard: The highlight of my spring baseball season was being the starting pitcher for St. Ignatius in the D1 State Championship game. Ignations winning that game required a great team effort, and to be part of that was a real privilege. My summer team Release Baseball 16U has played in some very competitive tournaments such as the Midwest Prospects League in Grand Park, Ind., and we will be playing in the PBR National Championship in Lakepoint, Ga. It’s a great group of guys, and we have a lot of fun together.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Nard: It is an honor to be invited to play for Team Ohio as a 2022 graduate. There are a lot of great players in Ohio, so it’s humbling to be part of this team.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Nard: I look forward to playing excellent competition, meeting and learning from my peers on Team Ohio as well as players from other states.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Nard: Junior Future Games, Ohio Underclass Games and Northern Ohio Prospect Games.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Nard: At this point, I continue to keep an open mind. I have ongoing conversations with schools in the ACC, Big 10, SEC, MAC, Big East and AAC. I prefer a school that is great academically, competes in baseball at a high level and is a really good fit for me in terms of culture and coaching staff.
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PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Overbeek: This spring I played varsity baseball at Anderson High School in Cincinnati. As a sophomore, I started every game at shortstop and hit consistently for power and contact from both sides of the plate throughout the season. I earned the greater Cincinnati High School Showcase game MVP honor and led my team in every offensive category. Additionally, I led the greater Cincinnati area in home runs; earning the Offensive Player of the Year Award along with first team All-Conference, first team All-City, and All-State selections. I play summer ball for Midland Baseball in Cincinnati and have competed in the Junior National Showcase and the 16U National Championship where I hit .425 earning first team All-Tournament honors. I will be playing in the Mickey Mantle World Series July 24-28, the PBR Future Games July 30-Aug 3, and the 16U All-American Games Aug 7-8 in San Diego before I start my junior year.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Overbeek: When I received the invitation, I felt very honored to have the opportunity to play and represent Ohio in the Future Games and play with some of the top players from our state as we compete with some of the best in the country.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Overbeek: I expect to have fun playing ball and look forward to competing against some of the best ball players nationally in front of college coaches and scouts who are seeking top baseball talent for their programs.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Overbeek: The Showcase at the University of Cincinnati in June 2019.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Overbeek: Thus far I have heard from Michigan, Duke, Clemson, South Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Missouri, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, New Mexico, Air Force Academy, Army, University of Cincinnati, Wright State, Marshall, Purdue, Indiana, Miami, Ball State, Ohio, Xavier and Dayton. I currently have offers from seven of these schools and plan to commit soon.
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Connar Penrod RHP / SS / Wauseon, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Penrod: Spring baseball didn’t go exactly as I had hoped it would. We didn’t win a ton of games but then in the postseason we came around. We won sectionals while I tossed a complete game as well as the district semis when I threw a shutout. This summer has been amazing. I’ve traveled a lot of miles and played baseball with and against some of the best there are. I have attended showcases in order to try and get recruited to play at the next level and have had a blast in doing so.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Penrod: Being a part of Team Ohio is truly a blessing and is just a start of the amount of hours I have put in and it is paying off.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Penrod: My expectations for the event are to have an amazing time playing the sport I love the most as well as win while doing it. I don’t play to lose or for fun, I’m there to win.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Penrod: I have attended TPG at Prasco and the Top Prospect Games at Wright State.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Penrod: I have heard from Ohio University, Akron and Xavier. They are all of interest, however, I am going to wait a little bit and see if any other opportunities come my way.
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Bobby Perebzak LHP / OF / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Perebzak: This spring season has been huge for me. For Walsh, I was the closer/first reliever in any of the big games. With coach Kaczmar trusting me, it has made me a more confident pitcher. This summer has been fun so far because of all the memories I’m making with my teammates.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Perebzak: I am extremely excited and honored to be playing for Team Ohio in this year’s Future Games. I know some of the kids on the team and it will be fun to play with them.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Perebzak: I’m not exactly sure what to expect. One thing that I hope for is to get an offer from a school that I am interested in. I do expect there to be a lot of colleges there watching all of the games.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Perebzak: Some of the PBR events that I have done in the past were some Scout Days for IVL, but the one that I did really well at was the Top Prospect Games. I was extremely happy when I received the email from Mr. Chiero to be on this team.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Perebzak: I have talked to Akron, Kent State and Purdue the past couple of weeks and all of them are going to be watching the games. This makes me want to work harder and succeed because I want to impress them and show them why they should give me a spot on their team.
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Ty Roder RHP / OF / Anthony Wayne, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Roder: For my spring I started on JVs and worked my way up to being our #1 guy on varsity pitching in our win in the district finals. This summer I have made a big jump from 76-78 to 84-88. I have only one loss under my belt for summer with Bo Jackson Elite.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Roder: It’s an amazing opportunity to pitch in front of so many great colleges and I’m so excited to compete with the top players in the country.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Roder: My expectations are to go all out and compete against the best.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Roder: The events I participated in were Top Prospect Games and Worthington Wood Bat Showcase.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Roder: I have been offered from Ohio University and Akron, and Bowling Green State University has been in contact with me.
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Samuel Slodic SS / RHP / Notre Dame Cathedral Latin, OH / 2022
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Slodic: I had a lot of fun during my spring season playing for NDCL’s varsity team. It was a great opportunity for me to play up with the older guys, I have learned a lot from them, not just on the field but as a person as well. Despite being the only freshman on the team, there was mutual respect between me and the upperclassmen. My summer season, playing in many showcase tournaments in front of recruiters, has been very exciting. This season we have played a lot of good competition from various states which has helped us all learn to work together as a team.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Slodic: Being apart of Team Ohio for Future Games is a very big honor along with a very big opportunity. It is a chance to meet new people and make friends from all over the state. It is also a very big chance to display my skill set in front of many college coaches and get my name out there.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Slodic: I look forward to playing with the best players and against the best players from each state. Representing Team Ohio could not be a bigger honor for me.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Slodic: I have participated in Northern Ohio Prospect Games, Ohio Underclass Games, Buckeye Elite Showcase Tournament and Midwest Prospect League.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Slodic: I have heard from Miami University, Wright State University, Kent State University, Ohio State University and Pittsburgh.
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Boston Smith C / SS / Arcanum, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Smith: I had a great year in the spring Individually and as a team. I batted .400 and we made a big run in the tournament. We played solid fundamental baseball.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Smith: It’s an honor being able to be part of Team Ohio and being able to play in the Future Games event. I’m really excited to play with this team.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Smith: I expect to play my hardest and to hustle every play. I also expect to get myself in front of a lot of scouts and coaches and potentially get interest in them.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Smith: I have participated in the Top Prospect Games.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Smith: I have heard from Wright State, Ohio University, Miami University (Oxford), Ball State, Air Force and UNC Charlotte. I plan on possibly attending UNC Charlotte, Ohio University or Wright State.
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AJ Solomon 2B / OF / Chaminade Julienne, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Soloman: I had a great high school season and we won our second state championship in consecutive years. This summer I enjoyed playing with Bo Jackson Elite.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Soloman: I am honored to be selected to Team Ohio for the Future Games. I’m thankful for the opportunity. It was my goal to be selected for the team last August.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Soloman: My expectations for the event are to represent Team Ohio in a first-class manner and play against quality competition from other states/country. Winning is always my main goal whenever I compete and I also want to play consistently well individually alongside other great players which can contribute to our team’s success.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Soloman: Top Prospect Games at Wright State.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Soloman: I’m open to various colleges but I have been in contact with Ohio University, Wright State, University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati and Tulane University.
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Erik Stern LHP / 1B / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2021
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Stern: During my spring baseball season for Walsh Jesuit I started every game at either left field or first base. Coach Kaczmar had faith in me to succeed which made me more confident. This summer I play first when I don’t pitch. I have had a very successful summer both on the mound, but also hitting.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Stern: I am very excited to play for Team Ohio during the Future Games. It will be a fun experience to play with the top players in our state.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Stern: My expectations for the event are to get a ton of exposure from different colleges and to have a ton of fun. I expect the games to be very competitive.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Stern: I have only participated in one scout day for PBR that my summer team put on.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Stern: The colleges that I have heard from the most are Purdue and Akron. I am excited to go out and compete with my team and also to impress all of the college coaches that attend.
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Devin Taylor OF / SS / LaSalle, OH / 2022
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Taylor: I had a pretty good first year of high school baseball. I feel like I saw the ball pretty well this spring. I had a batting average of .443 with three home runs, three triples, two doubles and 30 RBIs and was incredibly fortunate to be named GCL-South player of the year.
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Taylor: To me it’s an honor to participate on Team Ohio in the Future Games. I really like representing the state that I live in while getting a chance to play with and get to know some very talented players from Ohio that I’ve only read about. I’m also looking forward to getting a chance to play against many great players from all over the country.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Taylor: I expect to see good pitching much like I saw in high school ball. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and being in a very competitive and exciting atmosphere. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Taylor: Last August I participated in the Junior Future Games, this year I participated in my summer team organization’s Flames PBR camp, and I also participated in the Top Prospect Games in June at Prasco Park.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Taylor: So far I’ve spoken to schools from the following conferences - the AAC, Big East, ACC, Big Ten, MAC and SEC. I am currently discussing with my family where the best fit for me will be to pursue my baseball dreams and college education.
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Landon Price LHP / 1B / Lincolnview, OH / 2022
PBR: Give a short report on your spring baseball season and what you have done this summer.
Price: My high school baseball team (Lincolnview), went 21-4 on the season. I was selected to 2nd Team PBR All – Ohio and 2nd Team Northwest Conference. This Summer has been a huge experience for me in regards to being able to pitch at some big venues with college coaches in attendance. The exposure has been great, and I have been lucky enough to have been supported by a great team, and was able to have some very solid outings. I appreciate my teammates and my coaches more than they know!
PBR: What are your thoughts about being part of Team Ohio for the Future Games?
Price: It is an honor to be competing alongside some of the best talents in the State of Ohio for the 2019 Future Games. To represent my State against others across the nation is truly a high reward. I cannot wait to step on that mound at LakePoint and compete my butt off.
PBR: What are your expectations for the event?
Price: My expectations for the event is to gain further exposure from some of the top Division 1 universities in the country. My ultimate goal is to play baseball at the D1 level and I feel as though Future Games and PBR can help me get to that point.
PBR: What PBR events have you participated in prior to the Future Games?
Price: I went to the Junior Future Games for Team Ohio last year and had a blast there. I also went to a College Prospect Camp held at the Bo Dome over the winter. This year I participated at the Top Prospect Games and played with my team, Bo Jackson Elite, in several showcase tournaments.
PBR: What colleges have you heard from and considering attending?
Price: I have been in contact with The Ohio State University, Missouri & Ohio University, so far. I am hoping to continue discussions and garner some attention from other schools moving forward in hopes to begin receiving some offers for consideration. I am enjoying the process and look forward to continue building relationships with different collegiate staffs.
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