By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

Dominic Hillesheim is an unsigned senior catcher from Menasha HS who has showed steady growth in his game behind the plate. Hillesheim showed improved tools across the board at the Wisconsin Unsigned Senior Showcase last month. He lowered his pop time by more than a tenth of a second as well as lowering his 60-yard dash time by almost two tenths to 6.93 seconds.

Hillesheim has a strong, athletic build at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds. Defensively, he showed improved pop times at 2.19-2.28 using a short over-the-top arm action. He possesses quick feet behind the plate with a long stride out of the crouch. He showed solid arm strength from the outfield with accuracy. He hits from the right side with a wide stance and slight bat wrap in his load. His lower half works well and he maintains solid balance through contact. He showed bat speed and made hard contact with a 77 mph exit velocity off the tee. Hillesheim has a gap-to-gap approach and flashed hard contact to the pull side.

Since the Unsigned Senior Showcase Hillesheim said has been in contact with numerous schools.

“I have been in consistent contact with Wisconsin Lutheran College, Ripon College, University of Dubuque, Beloit College, UW-Oshkosh, Upper Iowa University, and Quincy University. I have also just started talking again to Ohio University and Coach Wright.”

Hillesheim has interest in studying sports marketing in college and is looking for a program that will fit both academically and athletically.

“I am looking for a school that can offer me a high level of academics. I am looking into studying sports marketing so it is necessary that the school has a business and marketing program. I am looking for a program where I can play at a very competitive level and have the opportunity to compete for playing time as a freshman.”

So far his visits have included Wisconsin Lutheran, Upper Iowa, Northern Illinois and Quincy University. He is also planning to visit UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, Dubuque, Ripon, and Ohio University.

Hillesheim said.

“This process is very important to me and I want to make a choice that best suits me not only athletically but academically as well. I do not want to rush through the process but I would like to make a commitment before the spring baseball season and if at all possible I would like to commit before the first of the year.”

Last year Menasha went 10-10 overall and 9-9 in conference, losing to Kimberly in the Regional Finals of the playoffs. Hillesheim received All-Conference Honorable Mention and is looking to take his team further in 2014. Hillesheim’s expectations are high for 2014, returning four pitchers and four position players with varsity experience, Menasha looks to be in the hunt in the FVA Conference.

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