Ben
Hampton

Cape Cod: A two-year stalwart in the WVU rotation, Hampton was a workhorse for Chatham this summer, leading the Cape with 42.2 innings while posting a sterling 49-11 K-BB mark and a 2.32 ERA. A sturdily built 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, Hampton has a drop and drive delivery with a true 3/4 slot, and he creates excellent angle on offerings (he's particularly tough on lefties. He has simple, repeatable mechanics and pounds the zone with three useful pitches. His fastball sat 86-88 (with above-average spin around 2450 rpm), and his 77-78 slider (tight spin at 2600-2700 rpm) has excellent depth and sharp bite/tough angle in on righties and away from lefties, with 1-to-7 shape. He also showed some feel for a changeup at 83 mph.

The West Virginia commit was dominant like his counterpart Frey, and struck out ten batters over 5 2/3 innings pitched. Hampton’s fastball touched 86 mph, ranged between 83-85 mph, with run and he hit his spots all game long. His best secondary offering was his curveball, which sat between 68-72 mph with a 1/7 shape, bite, and was thrown for strikes throughout his outing. Hampton also threw a changeup with fastball arm speed at 76-77 mph. He is also a high follow in the Wisconsin 2020 class. 

6-foot-150-pound two-way player, lanky frame. On the mound works from a tall and fall delivery, regular effort, lower half can get more involved. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, drops to sidearm in the stretch. Fastball showed feel, flashed heavy cut, 75-76 mph topped 78 from high ¾ slot, 72-73 mph from sidearm slot. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-64 mph, controlled the zone. Slider at 60-61 mph, sweeps at times. Changeup showed feel 60-66 mph. Left-handed hitter, open stance, arm bar load. Occasional hard contact, timing can improve. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 76 mph from the outfield. 7.66 runner in the 60.

11/12/18 - Verbally committed to West Virginia.