Walter
Ford

Fastball had late life and high spin up to 2700 rpm.

Slider showed sharp action with tight break, above average to plus at 2851-2933 rpm.

FB/SL guy, gets swing/miss on both.

FB: 91-93 T94 SL: 79-83 CH: 84-85

Is regarded as one of the top two-way players in the country for the sophomore class, but the right-handed arm was on display in a short stint to close out Game 2 on the mound for the Bucs. Called upon with the bases loaded with one out and the tying run at the plate and after a walk on some close pitches to the first batter, Ford overpowered the next two hitters with a fastball/slider combo that showed high spin metrics on both pitches. Fastball was a consistent 92-93 mph (2400 rpm) with run & some occasional cut to the arm side at times. Mixed in a 79-80 mph (2650 rpm) slider with hard bite for swing and miss in his last two hitters. Big time arm in that Hoover bullpen with strikeout stuff on the mound.

'23 3B/RHP Walter Ford (Alabama) played a huge role, both at the plate and on the mound, for the Bucs versus Sparkman. In the fifth inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, the hitter before Ford was intentionally put on to bring the Alabama recruit to the plate in a huge situation in the game. Ford answered the bell, driving a fastball deep into right field and over the right fielder’s head to bring home two runners and record a RBI double to give Hoover the lead. He showed significant strength in the hands, as it seemed like he just flicked the bat out and drove it for such a long distance. He then hopped on the mound in the 7th & 8th frames in a tie ballgame and was dominant, striking out four hitters while only walking one. He worked 90-92 mph (2649 rpm’s) and pounded the zone with the fastball. Flipped in numerous quality breaking balls (2561 rpm’s) and showed the new pitch he’s added to the repertoire, a sinker at 85-87 mph that generated numerous swings and misses. Elite two-way threat. 

Alabama commit, 6-foot-2, 190-pound physical frame. Clocked a 60 time of 7.11 at the event. Advanced during batting practice, the right-handed hitter recorded an exit velocity of 100 mph. Starts in a balanced wide stance with a controlled load, then uses a leg kick. Had explosive bat speed and upward swing plane. During his round he produced tons of loud contact and found lots of barrels. Gap to gap approach. Smooth in the infield, had a live arm with throws that topped out at 90 mph; showed athletic feet, and twitchy hands. Consistent accuracy to the bases, used a ¾ slot with a very quick arm action. Advanced on the mound, showing electric arm speed he used a high ¾ arm angle and a quick arm action. Uses some effort in his delivery. Athletic balance point. Produced a fastball that came in at 92-93 mph and topped out at 94 mph; shows running action and consistent control. His 11/5 curveball (76-79) had command low in the zone and tight action. Had sinking action and arm side command on his changeup (80-81).

On the mound, Ford showed premium stuff and arm strength. Really pounded the zone with all three pitches from an athletic delivery. The fastball obviously came out of the hand easily and showed some late life. The fastball sat 89-91 mph with spin rates in the mid 2100’s- low 2300’s. The breaking ball showed sharp downward tilt at 75-78 mph. The change up showed plus deception in the lower 80’s and can be a plus pitch. Explosive arm. Ford was also impressive during the infield portion and he showed nice range laterally and the arm strength once again jumped out as he was 88 to 1B. The feet are even in the stance at the plate and he shows a simple, yet powerful approach at the plate. There is slight tilt in the swing plane and the barrel shows some violence in the hitting zone. Showed a middle to pull side approach and was 89 mpg off the tee. A definite two way ‘23 big time guy.