Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

PA/WV Summer Superlatives: Top Catching Performances at a PBR Event

September 4, 2016

By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania / West Virginia Director of Scouting

With the completion of the Pennsylvania Travel Baseball Championships the summer schedule of events in Pennsylvania and West Virginia have drawn to a close. In preparation for the start of the fall schedule of events that begin in September we now look back on some of the top performances of the summer.

Today we continue by taking a look at the top catching performances of the summer at a PBR event in Pennsylvania or West Virginia.


#1  Josh Spiegel, 2018, Penn-Trafford (PA)

6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed hitter missed the first day of the Western PA Top Prospect Games because he was on a recruiting visit but certainly impressed on day two. Spiegel began his day running an impressive 6.71 60-yard dash and followed that up by flashing advanced arm strength during defensive evaluations. The underclassman showcased pop times of 1.88-2.00 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch with solid footwork, a clean transition and very quick release. Spiegel also displayed big power potential in a 1-for-3 performance at the plate in game action. While he was tied up on a pop-up in his first at bat, Spiegel followed up with a deep fly ball for an out to center field in his next at bat and a ringing double to the left-center field fence in his final at bat. Committed to Oklahoma State later in the summer.


#2  Eric Grintz, 2019, Downingtown West (PA)

6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitter impressed with a well-rounded skill set as the only rising sophomore position player on Team PA at the PBR Future Games. Advanced strength for a player his age with strong forearms and a short swing path. Flashed 93 mph bat exit velocity and ran 6.99 60-yard dash on evaluation day. Laced a triple to the wall in game action and squared the baseball routinely against advanced velocity all weekend. Displayed solid defensive skills behind the plate (75 mph arm strength, 1.98-2.07 pop times) and the ability to play both corner infield positions as well.

#3  Cole Chesnet, 2018, Coatesville Area (PA)

5-foot-10, 175-pound backstop with advanced receiving skills was another PBR Future Games Team PA standout. Soft glove hand, quick feet and solid arm strength. Threw out two base runners in game play and registered pop times of 1.95-2.01 on workout day. Right-handed hitter has simple approach at the plate with gap-to-gap approach. High energy player with definite leadership qualities. Committed to Penn State one day after the completion of the event.

#4  Drew Hefner, 2017, Bridgeport (WV)

5-foot-9, 170-pound left-handed hitter took one of the top rounds of batting practice at the Western PA Top Prospect Games. Displayed loose hands and a solid feel for the barrel from an open stance with a lift-and replace stride. Registered a bat exit velocity of 82 mph and showed above average plate discipline in game action. College-ready defender flashed a soft glove hand and advanced blocking abilities. Turned in pop times of 1.97-2.03 on throws of 76 mph from the crouch during defensive evaluations.

#5  Matt Kephart, 2017, Lower Dauphin (PA)

At the Eastern PA Top Prospect Games, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound left-handed hitter started from a square stance and utilizes a short, controlled stride to initiate his swing. He displayed excellent tempo to his swing, with a short path to the hitting zone and an 84 mph bat exit velocity. Following the top round of BP at the event, Kephart went on to go 3-for-6 in game action over two days. Flashed a top pop time of 2.09 on throws of 78 mph from the crouch during defensive evaluations.

HEADLINES