By: Austin Alexander – January 28, 2023 -Velocity, Barrel Juice, Speed, Weather rule the day- Saturday was another banner day for high school baseball, prep players, pro scouts and Diamond Prospects! River Bluff High again played host to our most enjoyable event of the year, the 17th Annual Lon Joyce Pro Day! Heaven shined on us like no other January event that we could recall, all 30 Major League clubs were represented, a top-tier facility and talent on the roster commanded attention too… plus we serviced each player nine minutes ahead of schedule in 2 hours and 51 minutes. It was an immaculate day to be back at the ballpark! DP’s Pro Day has a very decorated list of players over its decade+ of history, 193 performers from this event have been drafted, many of which are still presently playing professional baseball, 22 Big Leaguer’s once wore this same jersey, likely with all of the same nerves and anticipation as this year’s crop. There is a good chance that 2023’s field will add to the growing total of success stories. With around 75+ scouts, we fired off the 60’s promptly at 10 AM and 15 players shot through the finish line under 7.0 seconds; Legion Collegiate 2023 Devin Parks (6.56), left, took top honors in this category edging out Brad Wohlers (Carolina Forest, 2023), right, who posted a 6.65. Another aspect we began four years ago is putting the radar gun on defensive player’s throws. The top outfield bolt came from Alfonsin Rosario (P27 Academy, 2023) at 96 MPH. The top velocity during the infield portion was turned in by Walker Mitchell (River Bluff, 2023), he registered 88 MPH across the diamond. The catchers were also a group that did not disappoint as four of them registering a time under 2.00 seconds. Junior Mitch Wilson (Dorman), left, won the popping contest, followed closely by Brice Estep (1.89, 2023, P27 Academy) and sophomore Peter Mershon (1.91, Eastside; & 6.87/60), right. Wilson also had the best arm strength chiming in at 82 MPH. Then the part we enjoy the most! High school hitters wielding wood in is not always the most endearing of acts to witness, but each year at Pro Day it’s a blast! Fortunately, this year’s weather permitted us to ‘bang away’ on the field as hitters took aim at the scoreboard, batter’s eye and the huge press box wall in right field and/or the 50-yard line on the other side. PJ Morlando (Summerville, 2024), conquered the brick monster again with three balls clearing the deck, another three clanging off the structure. Devin Parks barreled everything doing his usual thing, Junior Beau Hollins (River Bluff) showed off from each side of the plate and Spartanburg High senior Garrett Fulmer (left) was not to be outdone with his round, losing a few baseballs of his own! Kudos: To the BP machine Thane Maness for pumping ‘cookies’ as always. DP Disclaimer: The names in this category could be far longer. Please see video when available. DP Note I: No telling how many baseballs were lost due to the power display, but well-worth the laser show; the above named were three of many that continually found the barrel. DP Note II: Thanks to the handful of parents that helped retrieve some of the longer pokes during the day! The bullpens are what normally pull in quite a few cross-checkers, and even scouting directors this year too. With a minimal list of invited arms each year, we went one at a time on the live mound and a steady stream of 90+ fastballs blew in, actually more than usual. Our Trackman rang out pleasing numbers on our iPad and large display TV; all data will be published this week on the website. To lead us off, Pro Day alum and recent Free Agent Graham Lawson set the tone showing off a 92-95 MPH sink-piece and right behind him, Andrew Bowers (2023, Oceanside Collegiate), left, camped out at 93-94 with secondary stuff to match, arguably the best stuff on the day! Oh, by way, P27 senior Eddie Copper III punched 96 MPH, the top velo recorded. But it did not end there as we paraded one premium arm after another to the bump. For the second year in a row, 2024 Brady Jones (P27 Academy) impressed with a three-pitch arsenal and a fastball topping out at 94 MPH. Most improved stock award has to go to senior southpaw Aydin Palmer (South Florence), chiming in at 90-93 MPH. Shall we go on? In all, on Saturday 20 different guys eclipsed the 88 MPH barrier. Fourteen total moundsmen touched 90 MPH or better, 9 were 93+. Please digest what you just read…quite impressive for a January day on the eve of prep practice! The usual prospects showed up and served as the cornerstone to another successful event, but the new names to pro scouts pushed Pro Day into what we’d consider as another very productive day for high school baseball in South Carolina, again. Based on what the decision-makers saw Saturday, they will have to spend more time in the Palmetto State this spring – which is the goal! NEW! {60’s / MPH / POP & MPH / Defensive MPH } + Trackman Data – Pro Day Memories: Taylor Black – Video Footage: NEW! Pitchers / Catchers / Infielders / Outfielders / dp Twitter DP Fist Bump: A special thanks is in order to River Bluff skipper Mark Bonnette, his staff and the High School he represents for once again being wonderful hosts and providing us with their beautiful facility. Every request of ours and more was met by these folks, they even left us the keys to their doors for our DP staff on Saturday evening and Sunday morning as we rounded out our player/team rankings. Often times it’s difficult to find quality venues to play baseball, we are eternally grateful for the opportunity to return to our familiar digs!
