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College  | Story | 6/11/2015

2015 College World Series Preview

Patrick Ebert
Mike Rooney
Photo: Perfect Game

Congratulations to all eight teams for making the 2015 College World Series. There aren't any surprises in this year's field as all eight teams were initially ranked in Perfect Game's preseason Top 25 team rankings, including each of the top four teams and six of the top 10.

Preseason Rankings:

Vanderbilt (1)
Virginia (2)
Texas Christian (3)
Florida (4)
Louisiana State (7)
Miami (10)
Arkansas (16)
Cal State Fullerton (19)

Listed below are detailed synopsis' of each of the eight teams, including a brief comment from the preseason Top 25 team-by-team capsules, how they got to Omaha and what gives them the best chance to win it all.




Saturday Bracket

Arkansas vs. Virginia
Saturday, June 13, 2:00 p.m. CT

Florida vs. Miami
Saturday, June 13, 2:00 p.m. CT

The winners of each game and the losers of each game will play one another on Monday, June 15.



Arkansas Razorbacks – 40-23

Preseason Prognostication:
If recent history has taught us anything it’s that Arkansas is not a team to underestimate. They have a tendency to buck expectations, get contributions from unexpected places and make adjustments as the season moves along. In other words, they are as well coached and prepared under Head Coach Dave Van Horn as any team in the nation.
Zach Jackson (Photo: Walt Beazley - Arkansas Communications)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Stillwater Regional (3-0)
Won Fayetteville Super Regional (2-1)

Why they got to Omaha:
In Dave Van Horn we trust. Van Horn has now taken a team to the CWS for the sixth time since 2001 which leads all active SEC coaches. This team features an older position player group with sketchy pitching which is diametrically opposed to the Arkansas program formula of late. Ever since starting the season 11-12, the Razorbacks have been one of the country's hottest teams. This is a team that has won games in many different ways and its Super Regional offensive output ranged from 18 runs one day to merely one hit the next. This group simply finds a way to win and this may be Dave Van Horn's best coaching job to date.
Who's Hot:
Tyler Spoon may have saved his best for last. Spoon has nine hits in the NCAA tournament including two doubles and a home run. The redshirt junior outfielder also tallied six runs scored and eight RBI in those six games. Closer Zach Jackson is the unquestioned postseason MVP for Arkansas. Jackson has thrown 8 2/3 scoreless innings with a ridiculous 17 strikeouts. He earned two saves in the Stillwater Regional and then pitched the final 3 2/3 innings of game three of the Super Regional to clinch Omaha for the Razorbacks.

Concerns:
Starting pitching has been a concern for the Razorbacks the entire year and it remains as such. Trey Killian admirably takes the ball in every game one but his stuff is not nearly as dominant as it was in his freshman season two years ago. Freshman Keaton McKinney has seemingly run out of gas as he has averaged just 3 2/3 innings per start over his last five outings and James Teague is out for the rest of the year. Dominic Taccolini hasn't pitched since the SEC Tournament as he recovers from tendonitis. Arkansas will continue to depend on the contributions of unsung hero Jackson Lowery.

Marquee Matchup:
Arkansas facing Virginia in the first game will feature two of America's best closers, Zach Jackson and Josh Sborz, as it will be crucial for either team to secure a lead in the first six innings of the game as both closers can go six outs or more. While both throw hard their overall profiles are different, as Jackson comes more over-the-top in his delivery with a true downer curveball. On the season he is 5-0 with nine saves and a 1.91 ERA, working 56 2/3 innings in 25 appearances, all but three coming in relief. His 87 strikeouts and .185 opponent's batting average may speak best to his dominance.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Andrew Benintendi (1, Red Sox)
• Trey Killian (9, Rockies)
• Bobby Wernes (30, Astros)
• Tyler Spoon (35, Red Sox)



Florida Gators – 49-16

Preseason prognostication:
If there’s a team out there that had to be classified as having the roster with the most potential, Florida may very well be that team … While it’s true that some of Florida’s most relied upon talent may not have long track records, the pieces are clearly in place for them to be a dangerous national championship contender.

J.J. Schwarz (Photo: Tim Casey)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Gainesville Regional (3-0)
Won Gainesville Super Regional (2-0)

Why they got to Omaha:
At one point earlier in the season Florida was ranked the No. 1 team in the nation, and while they've slipped down a couple of times, they've managed to right the ship each time. It's hard to single out any of the other seven teams that are playing better, as a unit from top to bottom, than the Gators, who seemingly cruised through their postseason opponents, kicking things off with a 19-0 thumping over Florida A&M in Regional play. Any player in the lineup can hurt you, they have two of the more dangerous starters and a ridiculously deep bullpen full of arms that throw in the low- to mid-90s.
Who's Hot:
The way J.J. Schwarz is hitting the ball we may have to find a much more complimentary word than “hot.” He clubbed two home runs against Florida State to help push the Gators to Omaha, and overall is 12-for-20 (.600) with two doubles, four home runs, four walks, 10 runs scored and 11 RBI in five postseason games. The number of potent bats both ahead and behind him in the lineup makes it very difficult for teams to pitch around the dynamic young freshman.

Concerns:
Although sophomore starter A.J. Puk was very sharp down the stretch, he was fairly inconsistent leading up to the final weeks of the season, and wasn't as sharp last week giving up four runs (three earned) in only four innings of work. Getting Puk back on track will be crucial for the Gators to remain on the winning end of the bracket, although their offense is dangerous enough to stay in any game.

Marquee Matchup:
Miami has somewhat of a one-horse starting staff to go along with arguably the hottest bullpen of the teams in Omaha, so the quicker the Gators can jump on Hurricanes ace Andrew Suarez in their first game of the College World Series could create a ripple effect for the rest of bracket play.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Richie Martin (1, Athletics)
• Harrison Bader (3, Cardinals)
• Eric Hanhold (6, Brewers)
• Daniel Young (8, Blue Jays)
• Taylor Lewis (9, Braves)
• Josh Tobias (10, Phillies)
• Bobby Poyner (14, Red Sox)
• Michael Vinson (24, Tigers)
• Aaron Rhodes (28, Angels)



Miami Hurricanes – 49-15

Preseason prognostication:
The top of the Miami order may be as dangerous as any in the country with a couple different players that can change the outcome of a game with a single swing of the bat.

Willie Abreu (Photo: Richard Lewis / Miami Athletics)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Coral Gables Regional (3-1)
Won Coral Gables Super Regional (2-0)

Why they got to Omaha:
Miami had one of the more surprising losses in Regional play, as Columbia beat them 3-0, only to have the Hurricanes storm back in the next game with a 21-3 beat down to move onto the Super Regionals. Beat downs are something Miami made commonplace this year, thanks to an incredibly powerful lineup led by their middle-of-the-order thumpers in David Thompson and Zack Collins. They very well may be college baseball's version of the 'Bash Brothers,' as Thompson hit 19 home runs (tied for the national lead) and 87 RBI (leads the nation), and Collins wasn't far behind with 15 and 70 respectively.
Who's Hot:
Abreu has had three huge games in the postseason, two in Regional play against Columbia and another in the Supers against VCU. Although his overall numbers aren't as gaudy as Thompson's and Collins', he's just as dangerous of a hitter in the Miami lineup. More crucial however has been the success of Miami's bullpen, which has only allowed two runs in 24 1/3 postseason innings. Sidearmer Cooper Hammond, Michael Mediavilla and Sam Abrams have been particularly dominant leading up to sophomore closer Bryan Garcia.

Concerns:
Although Andrew Suarez, who has won both of his postseason starts to move to 9-1 on the year, has been quite good this season after a slow start, there's a lot of uncertainty after him among Miami's starters. Thomas Woodrey lasted only two innings in his last start, although Head Coach Jim Morris does have the luxury of turning to that talented bullpen earlier than most teams might be able to.

Marquee Matchup:
Again, it's the bullpen, and they may be called upon early and often once again in Omaha facing a very tough opponent in their first game against in-state rivals Florida. Of course getting a quality start, or better, from ace Andrew Suarez could help save the staff for a day, as keeping this unit fresh will be key for a deep CWS run.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Andrew Suarez (2, Giants)
• David Thompson (4, Mets)
• George Iskenderian (7, Brewers)
• Garrett Kennedy (14, Dodgers)
• Rickky Eusebio (16, Mariners)



Virginia Cavaliers – 39-22

Preseason Prognostication:
After reaching the College World Series finals last year, Coach Brian O’Connor and his staff return their entire starting rotation, though a piece or two has been shuffled around … Nearly half of the roster is composed of freshman, but with several key pieces returning and a freshman class that could make an impact immediately, look for Virginia to go on another run this spring.

Josh Sborz (Photo: Virginia Athletics)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Lake Elsinore Regional (3-0)
Won Charlottesville Super Regional (2-0)

Why they got to Omaha:
Virginia has been on an incredible roller coaster ride in 2015. The Cavaliers were a preseason Top 10 team but they were soon decimated by injuries. Virginia bottomed out at 10-14 in the ACC with two weeks to play in the regular season. Their dramatic season found its apex in the Super Regional as the Cavs scored five runs in the eighth inning to win game one (overcame a 3-0 deficit) and then scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth (overcame a 4-2 deficit) to earn a bid to Omaha with the walkoff win.
Who's Hot:
Matt Thaiss is the best hitter in this lineup and he has enjoyed a very productive NCAA Tournament, hitting .421 in Virginia's five games. Josh Sborz has been dominant over the last two weekends and he has been a major factor for Virginia. Sborz has appeared in four of the Cavaliers' five games and he has yet to allow an earned run through six innings.

Concerns:
Virginia's lack of pitching depth is a major concern. This is basically a four-and-a-half man pitching staff. Connor Jones has been outstanding but typically struggles with pitch count management. Alex Bettinger is the wildcard; he has had an excellent year but could not get out of the first inning of his Regional start. Josh Sborz could be used as a starter or reliever and the extra days of rest in the CWS format should help Virginia to maximize him.

Marquee Matchup:
As noted above, both the Cavaliers and the Razorbacks have two of the best closers in the nation, which may create somewhat of a race to the seventh inning. Sborz, like Jackson, did make three starts this year, and there's a chance Virginia could turn to him to start one of their games in Omaha given their aforementioned lack of depth. However, he can go more than one inning at a time, and has recorded 14 saves this year while allowing only 34 hits in 60 innings of work.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Nathan Kirby (1s, Brewers)
• Josh Sborz (2s, Dodgers)
• Joe McCarthy (5, Rays)
• Brandon Waddell (5, Pirates)
• John La Prise (19, Blue Jays)
• Kenny Towns (20, Angels)
• Daniel Pinero (36, Tigers)




Sunday Bracket

Louisiana State vs. Texas Christian
Sunday, June 14, 2:00 p.m. CT

Cal State Fullerton vs. Vanderbilt
Sunday, June 14, 7:00 p.m. CT

The winners of each game and the losers of each game will play one another on Tuesday, June 16.



Cal State Fullerton Titans – 39-23

Preseason prognostication:
The Titans had a difficult 2014 by their standards but they recovered late in the year and advanced their streak of consecutive NCAA Regional appearances to 23 straight … If Head Coach Rick Vanderhook can work his usual magic with this unproven lineup then the Titans could be a force in the postseason riding the strength of their two big arms.

David Olmedo-Barrera (Photo: Tim Porco)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Fullerton Regional (3-0)
Won Louisville Super Regional (2-1)

Why they got to Omaha:
For a team that was expected to have difficulty finding ways to score runs this season the red-hot Titans scored 38 runs in their six postseason games. Not surprisingly they have held their opponents to only 14 runs during that time. At midseason it looked as though the Titans may miss the postseason entirely for the first time since 1991, but they quickly regrouped and were dominant through Big West play, going 19-5 in conference games on their way to knocking off a very talented Louisville team in Kentucky.
Who's Hot:
Although he hasn't factored into the decision in either of his two postseason starts, Thomas Eshelman has continued his dominance at the college level, striking out 14 batters in nine innings in an extra-innings win over Arizona State in Regional play and delivering another seven strong innings opposite Louisville's Kyle Funkhouser in yet another extra-innings win, although he did record the save and secure the victory on Monday to advance to Omaha. Closer Tyler Peitzmeier picked up the win in all three of those contests, allowing just two runs in 13 innings of quality relief. At the plate designated hitter Davi Olmedo-Barrera has gone 9-for-13 in his last four games, which includes the two home runs he hit in their CWS-clinching win.

Concerns:
Although it hasn't affected them yet, losing three-year weekend starter Justin Garza could prove to be a big blow to the Titans. Freshman lefthander John Gavin has performed admirably all season, although he has only lasted 2 1/3 and 3 2/3 innings in his two postseason starts. Connor Seabold has picked up the slack, with six shutout innings to advance past Pepperdine in Regional play and another solid five innings of work in their final game against Louisville to advance, but uncertainty remains past ace Thomas Eshelman, especially if they're forced into the losers' bracket early in Omaha.

Marquee Matchup:
Fullerton's first game in the College World Series will be a fun one to watch as Eshelman will undoubtedly be handed the ball facing Vanderbilt ace Carson Fulmer. Eshelman has been particularly dominant down the stretch. His 8-5 record may not truly indicate that dominance, as he has gone the distance five times this year while allowing just seven walks, striking out 131 in 131 1/3 innings of work with a 1.58 ERA.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Thomas Eshelman (2, Astros)
• Justin Garza (8, Indians)
• Tyler Peitzmeier (9, Cubs)
• David Olmedo-Barrera (12, Rays)
• A.J. Kennedy (30, Padres)
• Jake Jefferies (39, Nationals)



Louisiana State Tigers – 53-10

Preseason prognostication:
No team can lose a pitcher of the caliber of Aaron Nola and enter the next season without feeling at least a slight sting. But LSU is as well built as any team in the country to withstand such a hit. Armed with an outstanding crop of freshman pitching, LSU may not be able to immediately replace Nola but can certainly go a long way to rebuilding his production in the aggregate … While a pitching staff populated with so many freshman may be a wildcard, there is no questioning LSU’s lineup, which should be among the most potent in the nation.

Jake Fraley (Photo: LSU Athletics)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Baton Rouge Regional (3-0)
Won Baton Rouge Super Regional (2-0)

Why they got to Omaha:
LSU has made quick work of their opponents in postseason play as the No. 1 team in the nation continues to roll. They shut out UNC Wilmington twice to advance to the Supers, and although the scores may not reflect it, they handled Louisiana fairly easily with a 4-3 win in their first game and a 6-3 win in their second. Eight of the nine hitters in their regular starting lineup are hitting above .300, and four of those have more than 20 stolen bases, allowing them to score early and often. Freshman Alex Lange and sophomore Jared Poche have stabilized the starting staff by collectively going 20-1 this season with ERAs of 1.89 and 2.91 respectively.
Who's Hot:
Poche has only allowed one run to score in his two postseason starts spanning 16 1/3 innings, while Lange has double-digit strikeouts (12 and 11) in his two starts, one of which being a complete game shutout over UNC Wilmington in Regional play. And although left fielder Jake Fraley went 0-for-4 in his last game, he had multi-hit games in each of his four other postseason games, going 9-for-20 (.450) overall, which included a big two-run home run in LSU's 4-3 win over Louisiana.

Concerns:
After Poche and Lange the Tigers use a committee approach in games one of those two don't start. While they have plenty of depth in their bullpen to effectively handle this, there is some uncertainty should LSU lose one of their first two games and be forced to survive out of the losers' bracket.

Marquee Matchup:
The Tigers will be facing a tough matchup in their first College World Series game, facing TCU and their deep and talented pitching staff. Advancing to the winners' bracket will be key for the Tigers, who could cruise if they can avoid a game early in which they have to use a Johnny Wholestaff approach.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Alex Bregman (1, Astros)
• Andrew Stevenson (2, Nationals)
• Kade Scivicque (4, Tigers)
• Jared Foster (5, Angels)
• Zac Person (9, Astros)
• Conner Hale (9, Mariners)
• Chris Chinea (17, Cardinals)



Texas Christian Horned Frogs – 49-13

Preseason prognostication:
Even with the departure of CWS and MLB World Series standout Brandon Finnegan, TCU has incredible pitching depth, and are the one team in the nation that could match up with Vanderbilt and Virginia arm-for-arm. Senior ace and the reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Preston Morrison is back to lead the staff, and while he may not throw hard, he regularly carves up opposing hitters with impeccable command and one of college baseball's best changeups.

Cody Jones (Photo: TCU Athletics)
How they got to Omaha:
Won Fort Worth Regional (4-1)
Won Fort Worth Super Regional (2-1)

Why they got to Omaha:
The Frogs had their backs up against the wall twice in the NCAA Tournament, losing to N.C. State in Regional play early only to bounce back and win their final three games, the last of which occurred in dramatic fashion after they were down by seven runs heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. They advanced to Omaha in walkoff fashion in 16 innings on an error by Texas A&M third baseman Ronnie Gideon. So while their wins haven't been pretty, they have proven to have the mental fortitude and overall discipline to stay in games and capitalize on the opportunities presented to them.
Who's Hot:
Leadoff hitting center fielder Cody Jones has gone 12-for-35 (.343) in Regional and Super Regional play and has set the tone for the rest of the offense, getting on base an additional eight times via base on balls with nine runs scored and five stolen bases. The offense overall has scored 60 runs in those eight postseason games, holding their opponents to just 26. Mitchell Traver has yet to be scored upon, with seven shutout innings over Sacred Heart to open Regional play and four scoreless innings in relief against Texas A&M to close out Super Regional play.

Concerns:
Although both Preston Morrison and Alex Young finished the Super Regionals strong, despite Morrison being the hard-luck loser in TCU's loss to A&M, both haven't been quite as sharp down the stretch as they were for most of the season. And while the team has made the most of their opportunities, they nearly were elminated in Regional play by N.C. State and it took 16 innings to knock off the Aggies to advance to Omaha.

Marquee Matchup:
TCU's stellar pitching staff (cumulative 2.38 ERA) is going to be put to the test in their first CWS game on Sunday when they face one of the nation's most lethal lineups one through nine as they square off against LSU. The Tigers are hitting .316 as a team, with all but one regular hitting over .300 this season. LSU hits for power (50 home runs) and are aggressive on the basepaths once they reach (126 stolen bases) which will also force TCU's steady team defense to remain focused. The Horned Frogs did limit a similarly powerful Texas A&M offense to just 10 runs in three games in Super Regional play.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Alex Young (2, Diamondbacks)
• Tyler Alexander (2, Tigers)
• Riley Ferrell (3, Astros)
• Cody Jones (6, Royals)
• Preston Morrison (8, Cubs)
• Trey Teakell, (9, Tigers)
• Keaton Jones (15, Tigers)
• Mitchell Traver (28, Cardinals)



Vanderbilt Commodores – 47-19

Preseason prognostication:
As scary as it may sound for Vanderbilt’s opposition, their College World Series title run may have only been the first stage of what looks like a potentially blossoming dynasty under Head Coach Tim Corbin. Very few teams could lose a pitcher of the caliber of Tyler Beede, 2014 starting shortstop Vince Conde as well as Omaha hero, John Norwood, and still enter the 2015 season looking like an even stronger team than they were before.

Rhett Wiseman (Photo: Vanderbilt Athletics
How they got to Omaha:
Won Nashville Regional (3-0)
Won Champaign Super Regional (2-0)

Why they got to Omaha:
The offense has come alive for the Commodores during the postseason, including two huges wins in both Regional and Super Regional play; a 21-0 thrasing of Radford in their Regional to advance and a 13-0 win over Illinois in the first Super Regional game. Their wins included knocking off electric lefthander Tyler Jay, the sixth overall pick (Twins) on the first day of the draft, to punch their ticket to the College World Series for the second consecutive year. The starting trio of Carson Fulmer, Phlip Pfeifer and Walker Buehler have been steady, and they have a bevy of power arms to turn to out of the bullpen.
Who's Hot:
The team's Nos. 2 and 3 hitters, Rhett Wiseman and Dansby Swanson, are seeing the ball incredibly well during the NCAA postseason, going 11-for-20 (.550) and 7-for-20 (.350) respectively. Swanson, who was selected first overall by the Diamondbacks in Monday's draft, hit both a double and a home run off of Jay in their CWS clinching win over Illinois and is the heart and soul for the team's offense. Their 4-7 hitters – Zander Wiel, Will Toffey, Bryan Reynolds and Jeren Kendall – are also performing at a high level late in the season.

Concerns:
It's hard to identify a flaw on this team as the defending National Champions appear to be clicking on all cylinders at the perfect time of the year. Several of the team's pitchers, including Buehler, John Kilichowski and Jordan Sheffield, haven't seen much time in the past few weeks, so while their arms may be fresh, there also could be some concern with how crisp they may be if turned upon in a high-pressure situation.

Marquee Matchup:
As noted above, Carson Fulmer facing Cal State Fullerton ace Thomas Eshelman in Vanderbilt's first CWS game will pit two of the most accomplished college hurlers against one another. At 13-2 with a 1.82 ERA, Fulmer has struck out 152 batters in 114 innings this season. His postseason experience from a year ago, to go along with his competitive fire will lend themselves well in Suinday's highly anticipated matchup.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2015 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Dansby Swanson (1, Diamondbacks)
• Carson Fulmer (1, White Sox)
• Walker Buehler (1, Dodgers)
• Philip Pfeifer (3, Dodgers)
• Rhett Wiseman (3, Nationals)
• Tyler Ferguson (6, Rangers)
• Zander Wiel (12, Twins)
• Xavier Turner (19, Rangers)
• John Kilichowski (39, Cubs)




College World Series Prediction

As noted above, Vanderbilt really is clicking on all cylinders right now and it's just hard to see them slowing down. From top to bottom they are as well-balanced as any of the other seven teams in Omaha, with a potent offense that can hang a crooked number on any given day, as well as a pitching staff that can just as easily shut down any opponent.

Florida can say pretty much the same thing, with no easy out 1-9 in their lineup and a dominant 1-2 punch in their starting staff between Logan Shore and A.J. Puk. Their bullpen is even deeper than Vanderbilt's with an enviable wealth of options that can all come into a came and pump low- to mid-90s heat.

In the end it will be Florida beating Vanderbilt in a closely contested best-of-three series, two games to one, to win the 2015 College World Series.

 
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Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   THE PERFECT GAME BELIEVE IN BASEBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR FIRST ANNUAL “IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME” AWARDS DINNER AND AUCTION   Los Angeles, California (Thursday, December 11, 2025) – The Perfect Game Believe in Baseball Foundation, together with Perfect Game leadership of Chairman Rick Thurman and CEO Rob Ponger, has announced the inaugural “In the Spirit of the Game” event, an evening of baseball and laughter, taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the iconic Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Calif. The evening supports the Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance and resources that allow deserving young athletes to play, learn and grow through the...
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Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2027

AJ Denny
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Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 Elite defenders from coast to coast certainly seems to be a strength and to think you could make another top-tier team without thinking, speaks to the real depth this group possesses. The infield is a no-doubt strength of the group, but what catcher Dariel Carrion can do behind the plate is like something we haven't seen in a while in the prep ranks with an absolutely bazooka of an arm.  C: Dariel Carrion (San Juan, PR)  It isn’t often you get a catching prospect as athletic and natural as Dariel Carrion, a big reason why he holds the rank of #1 player in PR and #18 nationally. Metrics wise, the 5-foot-10, 210 pound San Juan native is all you can ask for and more, posting a sub 1.80 pop time with an 84 mph arm behind the dish. He has both contact and clear power threat on the offensive end, ending 2025 with a .337 BA and 4 HRs while also...
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Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2026

Tyler Henninger
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The Class of 2026 is one of the deeper prep classes that we have seen in a couple of years. With that being said, there is plenty of talent on the defensive side. Let’s take a look at some of the best defenders in the class.  C: Will Brick, Christian Brothers HS (Memphis, TN) Brick is a newcomer to the class after reclassifying, but immediately became the top backstop. Extremely advanced actions are shown behind the dish with impressive athleticism to go with it. Brick showcases big time arm strength and is consistently accurate on throw downs. He can make playing the position look extremely easy at times. Brick possesses all the defensive tools needed to be a premier catcher.  1B: AJ Curry, University City HS (San Diego, CA) Curry has a bigger and stronger frame with good strength throughout. He has a well-proportioned build that serves him well on the dirt. He’s...
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General | Blog | 12/10/2025

Youth Baseball Exec. DeDonatis III Joins PG

Jim Salisbury
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Youth Baseball Executive Don DeDonatis III Joins PG By Jim Salisbury  It’s free-agent season in baseball and Perfect Game has landed a big one. Don DeDonatis III joined PG as a consultant in November. The DeDonatis name is synonymous with youth baseball and softball. Along with his dad, Don Jr., DeDonatis helped build USSSA into a big hitter in the game. He brings decades of experience and knowledge to PG. “We all acknowledge that Donny has moved on from USSSA,” PG CEO Rob Ponger said. “This is a new chapter for him and we hope both sides take advantage of it to help youth sports in general. “The DeDonatis name has a legacy attached to it and we’re hoping that Donny is going to help us. PG is a growing brand and he’s on board to help.” DeDonatis was CEO at USSSA from 2018 until his exit from the company two years ago. “I’m...
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