On the Hunt: FTB & Power Baseball Camp Standouts
August 31, 2017
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
@ShooterHunt
PBR Florida recently covered the tryout camps of both the Florida Travel Baseball program (FTB), and Power Baseball. They were kind enough to invite, On the Hunt, to take in some of the emerging stars of the Sunshine State. FTB has been an established force on the national stage for nearly ten years while producing numerous high-level Division 1 players, first-round draft picks, and MLB players. Their uniforms are unmistakeable as the bright blue and neon green really stand out, but it is the players that they continue to produce that make them one of the best in the travel baseball world. Power Baseball, on the other hand, has only recently completed its first year in existence. However, it has quickly garnered a reputation for putting together impressive talent on the field, and looks like it may continue to grow into even more national recognition in the near future. With both teams hosting their camp at the Seminole County Sports Complex, On the Hunt and PBR Florida were about to check out approximately 400 of Florida’s top players. Below are some who stood out.
FTB
Bryce McBride, RHP, Treasure Coast HS, FL (2020)
McBride opened eyes at the bullpen session for FTB on Friday night before showing even more promise in the game on Sunday as I watched. Listed at 5-foot-11, he looks an inch or two taller, and his young face tells me that he is not done growing yet. He has a lanky frame that allows his arm to work loose and quick before releasing with some whip. He showed some feel for the zone with his fastball during the game, and is going to throw much harder in the future. He sat in the low 80s, and was able to get up into the mid 80s when he needed it. However, it was the shape that his slider took that really stood out to me, and made him a player that college recruiters should continue following. He buckled multiple hitters with the pitch, and it took 10/4, almost slurve-like shape with tighter spin. I expect the pitch to continue developing, and end up being a swing and miss offering in the near future.