Two
weeks ago Chris Harvey joined a collection of the nation’s best
high school players and future Major League Baseball draft prospects
in San Diego for the Perfect Game All-American Classic.
There,
players stretching from California to Florida were united by one
common trait – their ability to play the game of baseball at a high
level.
Harvey,
though, now stands out among the rest. While the rest of the players
that competed in the PG All-American Classic will test the MLB draft
waters next summer, Harvey opted to take the same road as former
college players such as UCLA’s Trevor Bauer, Long Beach State’s
Jake Thompson and fellow former All-American Robert Stock of USC.
Harvey,
a Vanderbilt signee who begins classes in Nashville, Tenn., on
Wednesday, opted to skip his senior year of high school to attend
college, a move that some college coaches hope becomes the norm as a
way to beat the MLB system.
“I
kind of got the idea to do it when I committed last fall, but I
committed to enrolling early this summer. It gives me an extra year
in college,” Harvey said. “But most importantly, it gives me
another chance to get to Omaha and win a national title.”
Now
certainly is a good time for Harvey to join the Commodores. They
reached the College World Series for the first time last season, and
the ‘Dores will be breaking in a new catcher after veteran Curt
Casali graduated following a campaign where he hit .303 with seven
home runs and 53 RBIs.
Time
will tell if Harvey can step in and provide an immediate big boost.
But it’s safe to say he has the tools and experience to do so.
The
Norristown, Pa., native, has a large frame at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds,
and has plenty of experience competing at an elite level. He competed
in 18 Perfect Game showcases and tournaments throughout his high
school career and is ranked 54 nationally, 1 in Pennsylvania and 5 at
the catcher position.
“I
gained a lot of experience through those PG events, and it’s where
Vanderbilt saw me for the first time,” Harvey said. “The coaches
liked what they saw from me and I have to say going to those events
was a huge part of the recruiting process for me.”
Harvey
may remind Vanderbilt fans of a familiar face.
“Harvey
is very similar in many ways to Curt Casali. Casali, who is also from
the Northeast, was a switch hitter but both he and Harvey are tall,
angular catchers who are quick and athletic for their size, while
also having good arms and some power,” said David Rawnsley, PG’s
Director of Scouting. “I think Harvey will adjust very quickly to
the college game, as he hits breaking pitches very well and despite
being from the Northeast, has played plenty of high level baseball
against top competition.”
Harvey
will soon have the chance to show the Commodores what he brings to
the table. But in the meantime, he’s busy getting acclimated to the
college environment. He arrived in Nashville this past weekend and
spent much of Monday in orientations.
After
leaving home and arriving at Vanderbilt, a typical high school senior
might feel home sick or regret their decision to attend college a
year early. Not Harvey. If anything, his feelings the first few days
only reinforce the decision.
“All
the guys I talked to about the decision loved doing it, and so far I
love the decision, too,” he said. “Now I’m ready to get out on
the field. Being a big guy, I’m always trying to improve my
flexibility and mobility. I want to do everything I possibly can to
be able to get out there and catch every game.”
This
Perfect Game All-American is on the fast track.