Dominic
Catalano

A UIC commit, Catalano paced Sparks North Black offensively out of the leadoff spot on Monday. The lefty went 3-for-6 with two doubles, a run and a walk on the day. Displayed quick hands at the plate, with the ability to work deep into counts. 6-foot, 180-pound projectable frame with speed around the base paths.

Illinois-Chicago commit. Currently ranked No. 88 in the state. 6-foot, 175-pound frame with an athletic look, still has room for added strength in the future. The left-handed hitter worked out of the leadoff spot for the Broncos and recorded three singles on the day to finish 3-for-4. Hitterish look in the box, starts open with some pre-pitch rhythm in his hands. Stays short to the ball with athletic hands, takes pitches where they are thrown and is comfortable using the whole field, swing should be able to handle velocity at the next level as he continues to develop. Defensively is an athletic mover in the outfield with fluid footwork and accurate routes. His hands are steady and pair with a quality arm, playing from a high ¾ slot and putting strong throws on the bag consistently throughout IO. High-follow 2024. 

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Well-proportioned, athletic build.
Hit: LHH. Slightly open, balanced setup, short stride. Direct path, feel for the barrel, natural lift, controls the barrel and used the whole field.
Power: 93 max exit velocity, averaged 87.7 mph. 315’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 80 mph. Medium arm circle, plays from a high 3/4 release.
Defense: Plays through the ball with fluid footwork, one-hand gather, moves with rhythm into crow-hop.
Run: 7.26 runner in the 60. 

OF Dominic Catalano (Montini Catholic, 2024) flashed upside at the plate from the left side. A lanky 6-foot, 175-pound athlete, Catalano’s knack for elevated contact (281 ft. average) at above-average impact (87.8 mph) intrigued in batting practice on Tuesday. He stayed on plane and ripped a loud single up the middle against a mid-80s fastball during game one, making quality contact off the barrel throughout the event. A 6.96 runner, Catalano is an uncommitted follow heading into his junior year. 

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build.
Hits: LHH. Open setup, quiet loading action. Easy swing, lets the ball travel, simple and direct to the ball with lift to the pull-side.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 87.8 MPH. 348' max distance.
Arm: RH. OF-81 mph. Compact arm action, 3/4 slot, crow hops to throw, uses whole body, accurate
Defense: Deliberate routes, sure-hands, secures the baseball, clean transfer, fields through the baseball
Run: 6.96 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 80.93 Edge Score

Positional Profile: 3B/OF
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic build, strength in lower half.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, open setup. Hits off front foot. Handsy swing, controls the barrel. Stays short. Line-drive approach.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 84.8 mph. 287’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. OF - 77 mph. INF: Short, high 3/4 slot. OF: Short, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: INF: Natural infield actions. Plays through the baseball. OF: Natural outfield actions. Plays with confidence.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60.