Academics Important For Tall And Projectable Bailey

Connor Bailey RHP / OF / Walsh Jesuit, OH / 2020

It has peaked an interest in the Walsh Jesuit junior pitcher from a large number of colleges.

Add in strong academics, and it is no wonder that the 37th-rated player in Ohio’s 2020 class is talking to the likes of Columbia, Penn and Fordham in addition to Xavier, Toledo, Central Michigan, Youngstown State and Akron. An offer from Dayton came a year ago.

“I’m looking for a high academic school with a good business program,” explained Bailey, a 3.67 student who scored a 31 on his ACT.

There is a lot to like in the hard-throwing right-hander, who at the Ohio Elite North Showcase in February was listed among those with the Most Projectable Arm, Best Fastball, Best Fastball Movement, Best Breaking Ball and Best Changeup.

“They like that I’m tall and projectable,” the 6-4 Bailey noted about colleges he has been in contact with thus far. “They like that I’m a high academic kid and they like that I’m working on my mechanics. They’ve gotten a lot better and I’ve added some velo.”

Personal pitching coach Mike Grady, his uncle, has helped with the mechanical part of his game.

“I had weird mechanics,” Bailey explained. “My lead leg used to collapse, but I’ve cleaned up my mechanics. I also had elbow debridement surgery, which was minor, to remove loose cartilage in the elbow.”

Fully recovered and at 100 percent, the fifth-rated uncommitted junior in Ohio is a big part of the success his high school team has had this season. Walsh Jesuit is currently ranked first in the state in Division I under the direction of head coach Chris Kaczmar.