Hugh
Pinkney

After hearing his name called in July’s draft by the Padres, Hugh Pinkney (Rutgers, Freshman) was a big addition to the Canadian squad with his ability to hit and defend. Pinkney batted just .250 but reached base all in but one game, although he had a sac fly in that one.

He didn’t pick up a walk but he struck out just three times and was tied for the second for most runs produced on the team. The Scarlet Knights catcher picked up big hits in big moments and could make himself some money in a few years if he continues to do so in the Big 10. 

Stat Line: .250/.273/.400 | 5-for-20 | 2B | 3B | 3 R | 6 RBI | 0 BB | 3 K

Pinkney was one of the biggest standouts on Team Canada’s first trip of the year and the left-handed bat showed well again. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound catcher went 10-for-41 (.244) with three doubles with 10 walks (.415 OBP) and struck out just 8 times. Our staff got a look at Pinkney back in February and the body was looking lean and athletic, while the left-handed bat had taken strides and that’s showing here in the spring. The game has been sharp on both sides of the ball and he’s a 2022 who’s propelled his draft stock early on in 2022.
Stat line: .244 AVG | .415 OBP | 10-for-41 | 3 2B | 6 R | 9 RBI | 10 BB | 8 K | SB | 2 HBP

2022 catcher and Rutgers commit, Hugh Pinkney, stood out among his peers on Thursday with a lean, athletic frame at 6-foot-2, 180-pounds. It's a controlled, balanced swing from the left-side with quick, loose hands through the zone. The bat path and hands allow his swing to work to all fields. His exit velo's were consistently in the 90-95 mph range with a best of 95.8. One of the best all-around catchers in Canada. 

Pinkney is one of the players from Canada who's come a very long way. A good-looking catcher, he looks right in the box, stands upright, good feel and has a backside approach. He notched two hits to his name today, and defensively you could argue that he's the best defensive option for the national team right now. The arm works, he's a dog behind the plate, plus makeup, and he has a body that looks the part right now

2019 Future Games
Pinkney, a 6-foot, 155-pound catcher for the Ontario Terriers was a standout in Game 1 of the week. A left-handed hitter, Pinkney roped a ball into the right-centre gap in his first at-bat; it’s a smooth, short swing through the hitting zone. Behind the plate, Pinkney received well, while showing off a strong arm. He threw out a runner easily to end the third inning in a 0-0 game at the time. The bat plays, with lots of ability behind the dish; he’s a definite watch in the class of 2022.

6-foot, 155-pound catcher Hugh Pinkney of the Ontario Terriers was a pleasant surprise at Play Ball Academy. Behind the dish, Pinkney displayed impressive arm speed, standing out automatically in the group. His throws were up 76 mph, and with added strength to his slender frame, he will make increases in his throwing velocity. From the left side of the plate, Pinkney uses a toe-tap as a timing mechanism and starts his swing with his hands low, showing comfort hitting pitches down and inside. With his starting point, Pinkney naturally comes upward to the baseball, showing the ability to get a hold of a pitch and drive it in his hot spots. He could benefit from some adjustments mechanically at the plate, but there’s currently bat whip with a steady plane which should allow him to have success on the offensive side. Pinkney has the chance to develop into a strong catcher in the class of 2022.