Each year the North Carolina Top Underclass Games is a must see for college coaches and pro scouts.  The 2020 event featured close to 50 of the top uncommitted underclass players in the state.  Hosted at the Burlington Royals Stadium in Burlington, NC, players were treated to a 1st class playing surface to compliment the talent on hand.

The day featured a full pro-style workout for position players with a laser timed 60, full offensive and defensive workout, plus an 8 inning controlled scrimmage.  Pitchers threw live to hitters, allowing scouts to gauge stuff and pitch-ability. 

Today we take our 1st look at the event with an analysis of some of the stats produced, as well as leaders from several traditional statistics.  As PBR Scouts continue to pour over the efforts from the day, there will be more information released and more player analysis coming.

CLICK HERE to see the full roster and stats from the Top Underclass Games.

 

By the Numbers:

• 44 players participated in the full pro-style workout
• 2 players ran sub-7.00 sixties
• 9 players ran sub-7.20 sixties
• 12 hitters posted exit velocities of 90mph or higher off the tee
• 23 hitters were at 85mph or better off the tee
• 5 hitters flashed an exit velocity of 85mph or higher in live BP
• 9 INF or OF showed arm strength of at least 83mph from their position
• 3 catchers threw pop times of under 2.00 in the workout
• 6 catchers flashed at least one pop time under 2.20 in the workout
• 20 pitchers threw live in the game setting
• 8 pitchers worked at 83 or higher
• 87mph was the top bolt of the day

 

Statistical Analysis

 

THE 60 YARD DASH

Players ran a laser timed 60 yard dash at the outset of their workouts.  At each workout, the 60 was run on the warning track surface.

 

EXIT VELOCITY (OFF A TEE)

Hitters worked through offensive testing, including a static exit velocity test, working off a tee.  The exit velocity from live BP, gathered by TrackMan will be release soon.

 

POSITIONAL VELOCITY – INFIELDERS

Infielders were able to workout at shorstop, throwing across the infield, or from 1B throwing to 2B and 3B in the pro-style workout.  Coaches are working to evaluate rhythm, footwork, hands, exchanges, arm action, accuracy, and carry.  To measure arm strength PBR Scouts utilize a radar gun.  Below are the top posted positional velocities from each day.

 

POSITIONAL VELOCITY – OUTFIELDERS

Outfielders worked out from right field, making throws to the plate.  Scouts are able to watch exchanges, arm action, arm strength, carry, and accuracy in this type of workout.  PBR adds a radar reading to assist with adding a number to the arm strength grade.  Below are the top radar readings from the outfielder workouts.

 

CATCHER POP TIMES & POSITIONAL VELOCITY

In the pro-style workout, catchers workout from behind home plate, making multiple throws to 2B, simulating a stolen base attempt.  Scouts again are looking for a quick, clean transition to the release as well as carry and accuracy on the throw.  For catchers, evaluators will put a stopwatch on the “pop time” or the time the ball hits their glove to the time the ball hits the MIF’s glove at 2B.  Coaches can also time the transition from when the ball hits the catchers glove to when he is able to release his throw.  PBR scouts add the radar gun to put a number on the arm strength out of the crouched position.

 

MAX FASTBALL

Pitchers threw a controlled bullpen for scouts at each Uncommitted Showcase.  TrackMan was used to track and verify all velocity readings. A Stalker Pro SII was also used to flash velocities to an LED board for the player videos, and so the pitcher had some feel for his performance.