Brian Downing: 3B/SS, (2023) Lawrence Academy, MA. Merrimack College Commit, 6-foot, 195-pound projectable athletic build. Above average and athletic in the box, the right-handed hitter's best exit velocity was 98 mph. (69.7 mph bat speed average). (20.8 mph hand speed average). Begins in a balanced athletic stance with a small load, then uses a small stride. Bat speed is above average, shows a flat loose swing plane and good extension on his finish. Barreled up lots of balls with loud contact. Aggressive gap to gap approach. Above average in the infield, had a live arm with throws that topped out at 87 mph; has a clean natural exchange, athletic consistent feet, and soft sure hands. Laterally, movements were athletic and fielded the ball out front. Used a high ¾ slot and a loose arm action while showing consistent accuracy to the base. Established speed as one of his strengths with an efficient 60 time of 6.9.  (Max spin ; Avg ). 

Brian Downing

Player Spotlight 

Brian Downing: 3B/SS, (2023) Lawrence Academy, MA. 6-foot, 185-pound lean athletic build. Above average and confident at the plate, the right-handed hitter's 101 mph exit velocity ranks him 2nd at the event. (67.7 mph bat speed average). (23.7 mph hand speed average). Started in a balanced athletic stance with a small load, then used a small stride. Bat speed is explosive above average, displays a flat simple swing plane and good extension on his finish. He produced loud contact and found multiple barrels. Gap to gap aggressive approach. Above average and projectable while in the infield, recorded position velocities up to 81 mph; shows soft developing hands, developing athletic feet, and a clean natural exchange. Fields the ball out front, movements laterally were developing. Had a loose arm action and a high ¾ slot with consistent accuracy to the base. The athletic recruit showcased his speed with a sub-seven 60 time of 6.9.  (Max spin ; Avg ). 

Scout Evaluation 

Brian Downing, Lawrence Academy, 2023, MA

Position: 3B/SS

Body: 6-foot, 185-pound lean athletic build.

Hit: (RHH) Above average and confident. Started in a balanced athletic stance with a small load, then used a small stride. Explosive above average bat speed. Good extension on his finish, flat simple swing. Gap to gap aggressive approach. 

Power: 101 mph exit velocity, average 95.5 mph. 67.7 mph bat speed average. 23.7 mph hand speed average. Ranks #2 with ev at the event. 

Defense:  (IF) Soft developing hands, developing athletic footwork, clean natural exchange. Above average and projectable.  Fields the ball out front, movements laterally were developing. 

Arm: 81 mph infield velocity. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, consistent accuracy. 

Speed: 6.90 (60-yard).

Downing is a solid 6-foot, 170 pound right-handed hitting infield prospect. He hits out of an athletic set up. The hands are relaxed just off the back shoulder. The load is controlled and utilizes a knee slide to get the weight stacked over the back leg. The swing is direct through the hitting zone, showcasing Downing’s quick hands. During the batting practice Downing showed gap to gap juice and maxed out with an exit velocity of 97 MPH. He also showed some foot-speed with a 6.97 sixty.

Defensively, Downing showed athletic actions and a max velocity of 72 MPH at third base. He moves well laterally and gets into a balanced fielding position. The hands are soft as he transitions to throw. The hips get in line with the target and he finishes through the play keeping a straight line with the target.

Downing is a talented young infield prospect. He’s an athletic defender at third base, who can run. At the plate, Downing can really hit! The hand-speed is noticeable and shows gap to gap carry.

6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting corner infielder. He ran a 7.19 sixty at the event. The approach in the infield is athletic and the feet remain active during the fielding process. The glove is soft and he moved well side to side. He threw 76 mph across the diamond during the infield portion of the workout. The bat has an exit velocity of 92 mph. The setup is even in base and he gets to the front foot. He hits off the front foot as the hands are clean and flat to the ball. He showed good hand speed and displayed a 1-handed finish after contact with the ball. He is a very good prospect at a young age. 

Exit Velocity- 92 mph

INF Velocity- 76 mph 

5-foot-9, 130-pound corner infielder and right-handed pitcher. Ran a 4.63 down the line on his dig to first base. The glove is soft and the hands are active through the process. Threw 71 mph across the diamond as an off-season long tong program is in order. The approach to the ball needs to continue to improve with active foot work. The bat has a tee exit velocity of 72 mph as physical strength gains are in order. The setup is even in base, and the front foot gains a great deal of distance to the ball. The hands work free and the path is clean. Getting stronger will aid the development of the bat. 

Tee Exit Velocity- 72 mph
INF Velocity - 71 mph