Prep Baseball Report

RHP Fred Manke talks recruiting



By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

Fred Manke (Lodi, 2014) is the No. 8 ranked prospect in Wisconsin’s 2014 class, and coming off of a State Championship season. Manke was one of the top pitchers for the Blue Devils this year posting a 7-0 record in seven starts. Manke got the win in the state semifinal matchup against Waupun where he pitched seven innings of one run baseball.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound RHP is getting widespread attention in the recruiting world.

We saw Manke earlier this summer at the Area Code Tryouts in Chicago. Manke sat at 85-87 mph with his fastball featuring arm side action. He complimented that with a 76-78 mph slider which he throws with conviction.

Manke has been receiving attention from multiple Division 1 programs. 

"Minnesota, Eastern Kentucky, UW-Milwaukee, Minnesota State-Mankato and Kansas have all expressed interest," said Manke.

He has only made visits to Eastern Kentucky and Heartland Community College but has an upcoming visit set up for Minnesota on September 28. 

Manke intends on majoring in the business realm and mentioned he would like a school with a very good business major.

"I have a 2.8 out of 4.0 GPA with a 23 on my ACT. I'm planning on retaking my ACT this winter," he said.

On top of a Division 2 State Championship, Manke had a highly successful junior campaign. He hit leadoff for the Blue Devils and lead the team in triples and doubles. Manke hit an impressive .620 on the year and also lead the pitching staff with an ERA of 0.30. As a team, Lodi won conference for the third straight time and appeared at the state tournament for the first time since 1982, taking home the title. On top of that he was conference player of the year in the Capitol North Conference.

For his senior season Manke said, 

"I hope to be the main pitcher again this year. I want to repeat appearances at the state tournament again this year, and I would like to go for a fourth straight conference title as a team."

In the summers Manke plays for Team Pro Player and is currently playing with the Cincinnati Reds Scout Team in the fall.

He is also playing a crucial role on the Lodi football team this fall, taking snaps on both sides of the ball at running back, outside linebacker and safety.

 

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