THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
All American Game  | Story | 6/3/2016

Boldt ready to fulfill dream

Photo: Nebraska Communications Office



Perfect Game 2016 MLB Draft Preview Index

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Ryan Boldt knew he would be a first or second round selection in the MLB Draft. His lefthanded swing that generates easy gap power while playing plus defense in center field, along with an attitude to get better every single day, assured that.

It’s just taken him three more years than what he had originally planned on.

Coming out of Red Wing, Minnesota, Boldt was one of the most highly touted prospects in the country during his high school days. Perfect Game had him ranked as the No. 15 prospect in his class, and the third-highest ranked outfielder. At one point leading up to the 2013 MLB Draft, Perfect Game had him pegged as the No. 20 overall prospect.

It’s easy to see why. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 185-pounds, Boldt excelled against every level of competition he played against. In his junior year at Red Wing, Boldt slashed .423/.516/.756 and helped his team reach the Minnesota State Baseball Tournament for the first time since 1977. He was named a Perfect Game All-American after his junior year and was the MVP of the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego in 2012.

“[Perfect Game] was awesome for me,” Boldt said from the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha, Neb. “The first thing I went to was the National Showcase and then after that I was invited to the All-American game and that’s where everyone saw me, so it kind of kick-started me as far as being seen by colleges and pro teams.”

Boldt was selected to play on the USA 18u team in 2012 as well, leading off and hitting .273 for a team that won a world championship.

With all of the talent and accolades surrounding Boldt, he was a sure-fire first round pick when he headed into the spring season of his senior year. Until he awkwardly slid into third base during the first week of the cold Minnesota spring, tearing his meniscus and losing the rest of his season.

The injury not only hurt his team, as losing anybody that hits .423 naturally would, but it also took a major blow on Boldt’s draft stock.

Boldt fell out of the first round, and then out of day one, and then day two, before finally being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 22nd round of the 2013 draft.

The Red Sox flew the Red Wing native out to Boston to take a tour of Fenway Park to try to sway him into signing, but Boldt knew he wasn’t a 22nd round talent, and didn’t want to sign a contract that would financially say he was.

“It was obviously tough, to be able to get drafted [in the first round] after my senior year would have been great,” Boldt said. “But at that point I was just working to get my health back and getting back on the field. At that point, it kind of made the decision [to go to school] easier.”

The talented outfielder decided to honor his commitment to Nebraska and head coach Darin Erstad, who he had pledged to in high school, and started the rehab process.

Unfortunately, Boldt was no stranger to baseball injuries. When he was just 10 years old he injured his left elbow throwing, and doctors told him he would never be able to throw a baseball again. So he switched his glove over to his left hand and taught himself how to throw righthanded. He loved baseball too much to just give up.

Countless hours of catch re-learning how to throw a baseball with his right arm at age 10 helped turn Boldt into a first round prospect by his senior year of high school. Now three years later, the countless hours he put into rehabbing his knee has him back in the same position.

Boldt didn’t miss a beat his freshman year at Nebraska, slashing .311/.382/.437, with 20 extra-base hits and 31 RBI. After doubts on what kind of player he would be after the injury to his knee, Boldt proved he was the same player that earned MVP honors at the PG All-American Classic.

But a change in philosophy at the plate for the Huskers slumped his sophomore campaign, and Boldt’s power numbers plummeted, making a number of scouts wary once again. Although Boldt had raised his average to .344, the opposite way approach he implemented added up to only 10 extra-base hits on the year.

Before the 2016 season, Erstad overhauled the approach his hitters were taking up to the plate, and Boldt’s power stats came back in a big way. In his first draft-eligible season at Nebraska, Boldt has hit 14 doubles, a pair of triples and five home runs. He has also added 30 RBI out of the leadoff spot and 20 stolen bases, a career high.

With his game coming full circle in his junior year – Boldt has shown he can go the other way with success and has now flashed his power – Erstad has compared his center fielder to another Minnesota native and current major leaguer, Joe Mauer. The comparison was fun for Boldt, who looked up to Mauer as a kid.

“Being from Minnesota, I always watched Joe Mauer play,” Boldt said. “He’s got a pretty swing and I’ve always watched him play. Obviously we don’t play the same position but he’s a Minnesota guy too so it’s kind of fun to watch him play and watch him swing the bat.”

Boldt’s head coach at Nebraska has also been a big influence on him, with Erstad himself playing outfield for the Cornhuskers and moving on to a 14-year major league career.

To have a guy in your dugout everyday that has experience at the highest level is invaluable, Boldt said, and he often takes the opportunity to ask questions on what to expect at the next level.

“He’s always kind of given me little pointers and stuff,” Boldt said. “To be an everyday player, you have to be out there every day even if you’re hurt a little bit. If you find one way to help your team win, it’s a successful day. It’s just little stuff like that I try to pick his brain about as much as I can.”

The Cornhusker star, whose team is getting ready for an NCAA Tournament run as part of the Regional in Clemson, S.C., said he hasn’t allowed himself to think about the draft much because it is out of his control.

One thing is almost certain, however. Boldt will, by all projections, hear his name called on the first day of the MLB Draft, finally realizing a dream that started more than three years ago.


 


All American Game | Story | 9/15/2025

PG Athletes Raise Money For Charity

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923  www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    PERFECT GAME ATHLETES RAISE MORE THAN $130,000   FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES THROUGHOUT AUGUST    Sanford, Florida (Monday, September 15, 2025) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that its athletes raised a combined $130,195 for children’s charities during its August 2025 showcase events throughout the country.    The fundraising efforts took place at Perfect Game’s Select Festivals and the DICK’S All-American Classic, with each age group rallying behind a cause that supports children in need. The 11U and 12U Select Fests each benefited Elite Development Academy out...
Tournaments | Story | 12/13/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2029

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 These guys might just be entering high school, but they've certainly already made a name for themselves on the national circuit, especially with their abilities on the defensive side of things.  C: Xavier Rodriguez (Logansville, GA) Rodriguez is a polished defender with real arm strength behind the dish, while showcasing the ability to impact the baseball with authority to all fields evident by thirty of his sixty-five hits going for extra-bases including seven bombs. He handles high-level pitching extremely well, commands his staff and his offensive prowess makes him a true two-way asset. 1B: Cooper Knight (Buda, TX) Knight is a smooth operator at first base with plenty of range, fluidity and agility in his footwork around the bag. Add-in a rocket for an arm, the ability to change slots and to...
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Scout Stories: Part 5

AJ Denny
Article Image
Best Game I Saw: The Dream NTL 18U vs. MBA Scout Team Murphy Jupiter always brings out the best, and we got fireworks from the jump. Turner Marshall gave The Dream an outstanding 4+ innings of work on the mound, holding a lethal MBA team at bay with Chance Dixon, Derrick Carter, and Ellis Appling providing an offensive spark out of the gate for the Georgia based boys. However, it was only a matter of time before the talent on the other side got going, as MBA erased a 3-run deficit in the 5th to take a 4-3 lead led by a Parker Loew HR. The Dream then took command again in the Top of the 6th, before MBA punched right back with a huge 5-run inning in the bottom half capped off by a clutch RBI single from Matthew Kerrigan, ending a wild sequence with tons of notable performances from two very competitive rosters. Best Tournament Performance I Saw: Surely someone has already brought this...
College | Story | 12/12/2025

College Notebook: December 12

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2025 Highlights: The Cornhuskers were a difficult team to figure in ’25 as they finished with 33 wins, played just .500 (15-15) in the Big Ten but had some big wins at various times during the season and got hot at the right time. They knocked off then #16 Vanderbilt in the second game of the year, beat #5 Oregon State 2-out-of-3 at home in late March and then got hot at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha to win the Big Ten Tournament. They beat Michigan State in a 10-inning thriller before taking care of #4 Oregon, knocking off Penn State and then shutout #13 UCLA to punch their ticket to the Chapel Hill Regional. Head coach Will Bolt has now led his alma mater to three conference titles and three NCAA Regional appearances during his six years in Lincoln. No different than when he was a player, Bolt’s teams play with passion and toughness, this was never more...
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2028

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 You like athletes? You like defenders who can impact a game at any given point? Look not further than this class as it's loaded from coast-to-coast with elite defenders all over the diamond.  C: Brogan Witcher, Bakersfield, CA Our scouting staff got several strong looks at Witcher whether that was at the Summer Kickoff, Sophomore National or the Underclass All American Games where he showcased his strong overall skillset and especially his advanced ability behind the plate. His 6-foot-3,180 pound build looks like one that will fill in quite nicely and be that big and physical catcher’s frame. His arm talent is undeniable where he gets it out quick and runs it up to 79 mph on throwdowns to 2nd (1.84 pop). Besides the standout catch/throw ability, we’ve seen him frame/receive strong arms and block it well during...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 12/11/2025

PG Softball "Toys 4 Tots" Fundraiser 18U division

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - 2025 Perfect Game Softball Toys 4 Tots Fundraiser One Day, December 7, 2025. Kicking off the holiday season, six teams participated in this one day, 3 game guarantee tournament in the 18u Division. We would like to thank those that donated a toy, and know that they will be distributed to area underprivileged children through a local charity organization. Following are some of the top performers from the weekend. Earning Tournament MV-Pitcher was Jolee Strohmeyer (2026 Dubuque, IA), a RHP/UTIL with tournament champion Lady Expos Blue. Strohmeyer shows hitters a consistent and repeatable motion and delivery with good use of the legs in the drive phase, and a quick and aggressive arm whip. Working with a six pitch mix of fastball, change-up, rise, drop, curve and screw, Strohmeyer topped out at 60 mph, and showed good movement  as she worked her rise and curve just out...
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Scout Stories: Part 4

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Scout Notes: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Best Game I Saw: Hudson Reed (‘26, GA) torches this ball to deep CF for a solo 💣. Generates easy power that plays to the big part of the yard. Middle of the order traits #UBCWest @PG_Georgia @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/UXqDVFmUBx — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 18, 2025 I was fortunate enough to see a lot of highly competitive games with loads of talent on the field, the game that sticks out to me the most was Alpha Prime 2026 vs. ZT National Prospects at the UBC West. The game was an efficiently played affair with arms dominating on both sides. Graham Schlicht was masterful for Alpha, striking out 12 hitters over 5 dominant innings. PG All-American Julian Cazares came out of the pen blowing smoke, touching 97 mph with the fastball. On the other side, Jake Carbaugh surrendered just one hit and...
Press Release | Press Release | 12/11/2025

PG Believe In Baseball Announces Awards Dinner

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    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...
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2027

AJ Denny
Article Image
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...
Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2026

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
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...
General | Blog | 12/10/2025

Youth Baseball Exec. DeDonatis III Joins PG

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
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...
Loading more articles...