By: Austin Alexander – June 11-12, 2024 -Clear skies, evaluators, young talent pour into River Bluff HS- As we do each year early during summer break, DP becomes guests of River Bluff HS as we executed our 19th Annual DP Summer Showcase for a couple of days. For the second straight year, one thing we were fortunate with was not being concerned about the weather. Though a little warm, sunny skies prevailed and that caused the radar to stay at the back of our minds as our team was able to execute our plan and focus solely on the players gracing the diamond. Once again, this event was full in the days leading up to the event, 30+ college and professional scouts were present to lock on in players from all over the Palmetto State. As explained to the players, this ‘open’ event allows them to get viewed by college coaches but also serves as a huge tool for the DP evaluation process. It allows players to be evaluated for summer rankings, gives us a better understanding for the program they represent and also serves as an opportunity to punch a ticket to DP’s “Grand Daddy of Them All”, The Palmetto Games – and quite a few participants took advantage of the opportunity! Though we took in well over 150 games this spring, we are bound to miss a player or two and this event ensures the players have their “moment in the sun”. The event encompasses 60’s, defensive workouts, BP, bullpens and a game setting that allows players to display all that is in their toolbox. Some of the keynote performances in the workout portions came from all uncommitted players. A top 60 time of 6.83 was turned in by Landrum 2026 Ty Foster… Two arms eclipsed the 88 MPH mark: Alex Abreu (Cardinal Newman, 2026, pictured at top), Aiden Suggs (Loris, 2025, pictured left) and Larson Montgomery (York 2025)… From the infield, Alex Abreu fired 88 MPH across the dirt, Aiden Suggs did the same in the grass… Lincoln Hill (Lexington, 2025) and Lucy Beckham’s Robert Breckenridge (2026) pop time of 2.01 edged out a host of others who chimed in at 2.10 or better. Aiden Suggs rounded out his fantastic showing on Tuesday with the top exit velocity – a 96 MPH! Hilton Head Prep 2028 Sam Middleton (pictured right) may have been the youngest lad there but will be a force to be reckoned with sooner than later. Enjoy the info below as we unwrap a full 28 hours of action!! Event Data / Top Prospects: Classes of 2025-2028 / Player Accolades Trackman Data: Pitching & Hitting -Extra Innings- Mark Bonnette & Paul Free: Fresh off another successful spring, hosts of the North-South game and a recent summer tournament, River Bluff HS provided us with a top-notch facility to run the event…again! We thank the RB coaching staff for their support of DP and allowing us to use this field to run our events. Colt Welch: This 6th-grader was placing buckets where needed, moving screens, timing 60’s and ‘neeeever’ stopped asking what else he could do next. Winner! Buzzy Myers: Once again, Buzzy comes through by delivering Chic-Fil-A for our staff and the college coaches on hand. On days like this, nothing is better than a pick me up like the “Original” Chicken Sandwich! Taylor Purrus & Diamond Elite: Moving forward, Trackman data will be available to our staff from Taylor and the guys at Diamond Elite. Adding this tool is huge for our players in the state and the data is key for college coaches, Taylor did a great job jumping right into the fire and the event didn’t miss a beat! JJ Joye: When you come to a DP event, the music never misses a beat either and this is because of USC Salkehatchie’s head man and athletic director! The tunes never disappoint and are always right on cue. You know you have arrived when you have your own logo! Thanks coach! College Coaches: Right after a long season, quite a few schools were present to evaluate players going into the summer season. We cannot thank these guys enough for trusting DP to be a resource in identifying prep talent in our state! DP Staff: As always, these guys never disappoint. Though down a few due to prior commitments, day one went as always planned and even finished 15 minutes early. Day two had no hiccups either, other than an accident on I-26 that created some late arrivals and adjustments on our end. Even with a couple guys down, our team stepped up per usual. Without a doubt, would put this team of winners against anyone in the biz!
