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College  | Story | 1/7/2022

Vandy Starts Atop College Landscape

Blake Dowson
Photo: Vanderbilt baseball (Vanderbilt Athletics)
College Preview Content: Perfect Game/Rawlings Preseason Collegiate All-Americans | Preseason Top 25

Vanderbilt comes into the season with several unknowns. There are holes to fill in the rotation (two guys named Leiter and Rocker are gone), production in the lineup to replace, and players expected to man new positions. At this point on the calendar, there aren’t cemented answers to those questions.
 
But what is known is this – Vanderbilt will be among the best teams in the country, whether it’s a new name penciled in on the lineup card or an All-American from last year looking to be even better. That’s how things go in Nashville these days under Head Coach Tim Corbin, who is entering his 20th year at the helm. The Commodores don’t rebuild, they reload. That’s what they appear to have done this year, as Vanderbilt comes in at No. 1 in Perfect Game’s Preseason Top 25.
 
“You go through it every year,” Corbin said in an interview with Perfect Game. “You’re going to lose parts, whether it’s a shortstop or center fielder or a guy who pitched at the top of the rotation. You’re going to go through that, every team does.”
 
Now, not every team is tasked with replacing Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker in their starting rotation, two top-10 picks in last year’s MLB Draft who tied for the national lead in strikeouts with 179 apiece.
 
Those two guys are irreplaceable. But the cupboard is certainly not bare. That includes guys who contributed last year and talented guys who will carve out a role for the first time this year.
 
“It’s going to be people who really haven’t had much time with us so far, which is fine,” Corbin said. “That’s part of any process. Guys like Christian Little, Thomas Schultz, Pat Reilly, Chris McElvain. Those are pitchers who have been in those roles before, albeit less than [Leiter and Rocker]. But at the same time, they’ve been there before. It’ll fall into the hands of other kids who have been patient and have worked in that role at some point.”
 
Reilly was handed the ball on a number of weekends last year for Vanderbilt, and will be featured prominently again this year. The sophomore from Sea Girt, N.J. struck out 53 in 43 1/3 innings last year and worked to a 4.98 ERA in seven starts and 16 total appearances, all while holding opponents to a .194 average. Schultz had nine starts last year and tossed 44 innings to the tune of a 4.09 ERA.
 
Nick Maldonado, a Preseason Third-Team All-American, will be a steadying force in the bullpen, sporting a 2.31 ERA in 28 appearances last year in 50 2/3 innings.
 
Little figures to play an even bigger role this year as a sophomore as well, a year after he found himself starting on the mound in the College World Series finals as a reclassed freshman.
 
Originally a member of the 2021 high school class, Little graduated early after being named a Perfect Game All-American in 2020 and joined Vanderbilt for the 2021 spring season, throwing against SEC lineups when the rest of his classmates were trying to figure out who to ask to prom.
 
Corbin wanted Little on campus early. He saw something in the St. Louis native that made him confident he could make the jump.
 
“It was his competitiveness more than anything,” Corbin said. “He likes to compete and be on the mound. Last year was certainly not an easy transition for him, particularly since he came in during the spring…You’re coming into a new environment, a college curriculum, taking 15 hours, and then managing your baseball abilities. I think Year 2 will be different for him. He’ll certainly be more confident, you can see that.”
 
And then there are the incoming freshmen, ready to jump at the opportunity to help lengthen the depth of the pitching staff.
 
Vanderbilt recruiting classes get picked apart by the MLB Draft every year. Shortstop Jordan Lawlar and outfielder Joshua Baez were both top-10 overall 2021 prospects according to Perfect Game, and both signed in the draft. The Commodores did, however, get three top-100 arms to campus in Carter Holton (No. 24 overall; No. 1 LHP in the class), Ryan Ginther (No. 77; No. 13 LHP), and Greysen Carter (No. 79; No. 23 RHP).
 
It’s hard to determine in the fall, and even into January, just how much you can get out of true freshmen, though, according to Corbin. The transition to college baseball, to SEC baseball in particular, isn’t an easy one.
 
“I always think that when you get back from Christmas break, there’s a newfound confidence with freshmen,” Corbin said. “I’ve never really seen a freshman come in and demonstrate a great deal of confidence those first three or four months…I tell them all, patience is going to be their greatest strength. Playing in this conference, you have to demonstrate a mental and physical ability that’s very unique.”
 
There are exceptions of course, one being the bolt of lightning that Corbin plans on using in center field – Enrique Bradfield Jr.
 
As a freshman last season, Bradfield started every game for Vanderbilt and hit .336 with a .451 on-base percentage, which allowed him to steal 47 bases, the most in the SEC. He walked more than he struck out, and scored 60 runs on the year. He also played arguably the best center field in the country.
 
Perfect Game named Bradfield a Second-Team All-American after last season and gave him the same distinction on this year’s preseason list. Corbin expects opposing teams to focus in on his leadoff hitter even more this year, which will bring its challenges. Every great SEC player goes through that in Year 2.
 
“You watch the SEC guys who come in, whether it’s [Alex] Bregman, or [Dansby] Swanson, or Bradfield, and Year 2 is always a different transition. Regardless of what you did your freshman year, you have to reinvent yourself in some ways.”
 
Shortstop Carter Young joins Bradfield as one of the other established guys in the lineup, just in terms of having been the every-day starter at the same position last year as he’ll be asked to man this year. Young brings plenty of thump to the lineup as well, having led the team with 16 home runs in 2021.
 
While there is a lot of production back on campus from last year’s team – as is the case when you’re the preseason No. 1 team – Corbin does have the task of making those puzzle pieces fit into different spots this year.
 
Preseason First-Team All-American Dominic Keegan split his time between first base and designated hitter last year, leading the team with a .345 average and 57 RBI, along with 15 home runs. With CJ Rodriguez and Max Romero Jr. gone, he’ll transition behind the plate this spring.
 
Parker Noland was another big contributor last year, starting 66 games with a .260 average and 43 RBI. He played all over in 2021, much like Tate Kolwyck, who hit .290 in 39 starts. Those two will figure prominently in the dirt.
 
Then there’s Jack Bulger, another sophomore in the group, who started 41 games last year and hit in a bunch more. He slashed .274/.369/.414 as a freshman, can spell Keegan behind the plate at times, and play first base, as can Spencer Jones, a .274 hitter last year.
 
Every piece of the puzzle is seemingly there, just maybe not in place quite yet. But that’s what February, March, and April are for. Right now, people are still accidentally writing ‘2021’ when asked to provide a date on things. The calendar has barely flipped.
 
“You’ve got guys who have been there in the past, but at the same time we’re going to have to move some positions around a little bit,” Corbin said. “They’ve had some experience on the field, but not everyone has played the position…It will be interesting to see how we piece that together.”
 
The one thing we know for sure is that Vanderbilt, once again, looks like one of, if not the best, teams in the country heading into what will without a doubt be an exciting 2022 season of college baseball.
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College | Story | 7/24/2026

Cape Cod League Notebook: July 24
Perfect Game Staff
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Luke Costello | INF | South Carolina | Bourne Braves  Costello brings one of the cleaner offensive operations in the Cape, featuring a simple, direct swing that allows him to consistently get the barrel out front and do damage. He minimizes unnecessary movement, stays on time, and shows the strength to impact the baseball with authority. After a very productive spring hitting .302 with 17 home runs during his sophomore season at Wake Forest, Costello heads to South Carolina as an established middle-of-the-order bat. His combination of present power, offensive consistency, and polished approach should translate well against SEC pitching.     A look at Terry Hayes Jr (@OleMissBSB) lived 92-94 on the FB showed a CT at 88-90, SL at 82-84 and a really good CB at 78-81. @ChathamAnglers So./‘26 elig pic.twitter.com/vbsYWF2IcY — PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall)...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/28/2026

16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Bostyn Dart (2029, Marana, AZ) one of the initial top prospects in the four corners region for the 2029 class. Had a 3-for-3 game on day 1, then added his first extra base hit of the tournament on day two. An infielder with a lot of projectable athletic traits, both offensively and defensively. Has started the week performing at a high level against older competition. Evan Sears (2028, Concord, NC) had three hits, including a double over two games today. An infielder with a balanced and fundamentally sound swing. Showed the ability to recognize pitches and an understanding of the type of pitches he can drive. Uses a gap to gap approach and handled the barrel well today. Cole Malouf (2028, Wills Point, TX) had one of the biggest swings on the day with a solo home run to left field. A player with the ability to move around and play multiple positions in the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/28/2026

16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 3

Perfect Game Staff
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16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2   Preston Hamelynck (2028, Clearwater, FL) continued his high-level play today with a multi hit game, including an opposite field double. Now has four extra base hits for the tournament. An athletic infielder with a dynamic offensive skill set. Has been one of the best players on the field at 16u BCS this year.  Evan Goodmon (2028, Winter Garden, FL) had one of the biggest swings of the day launching a home run to left centerfield. An intriguing right handed power hitter that has hit home runs in multiple tournaments now this summer. Swing has natural leverage with strength and bat speed. Gets to a launch position and puts quality swings on the baseball. Dean Roche (2028, Northport, NY) a smooth swinging left-handed hitter that had a multi hit and multi RBI day today. Really balanced, and on plane swings. Gets on time consistently and...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/27/2026

15u South World Series Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Jacob Ramirez (‘29 TX) all over it again today as he sends this ball into the parking lot for a 2-run 💣! Been seeing it awfully well all week with serious bat speed. Dude can play. #SouthWS https://t.co/rXRRJTbpoZ pic.twitter.com/CpBZklwxnN — Perfect Game Texas (@Texas_PG) July 25, 2026 Jacob Ramirez (2029, Santa Fe, Texas) had one of the strongest showings on the week for Texas Twelve Red Sox helping lead his team to a championship victory while taking home MVP honors. Ramirez was simply put, all over the barrel and worked some of the best at-bats of the tournament. Ramirez is a highly athletic short stop who was a main stay out there while looking the part. He made most plays his way while showing good hands and footwork around the ball with lateral range getting to balls with ease. Athleticism really shined on the dirt throughout the week. In the box, Ramirez finished the...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 7

Perfect Game Staff
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Carter Nash (2029, Moore, S.C.) was all over the barrel for ZT National Prospects 15u. The right-handed hitter starts from a medium stance with in-line feet and a high handset with a high back elbow, utilizes a low leg lift trigger. Creates separation in the back shoulder and flips the hips with quick hands from a slightly uphill bat plane and good bat speed. Easy juice and strength present in the 5-foot-11, 201-pound frame with feel to impact and drive the ball. Showed the feel to let the ball travel and get deep and showed the hand speed to create barrel whip out front and drive the ball consistently to the backside. Solid range and showed solid arm strength out in center field defensively. The outfielder collected three extra base hits with two doubles and a triple to drive in an RBI and worked two walks. Nash ended the event with eight hits, including four doubles, a triple and two...
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Draft | Story | 7/25/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Surprises

Tyler Henninger
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Historic Lack of Arms Early On Going into the draft we knew that the pitching at the very top of the board was going to be light, but we still had 11 arms ranked in the Top-30 of our final board. Jackson Flora separated himself from the pack and looked like a sure-fire Top-5 pick going in and that came true. But following him we saw an all-time historic lack of arms taken. Flora was the only pitcher selected within the first 15 picks, something that has never happened in the history of the draft. There were only three pitchers selected in the Top-20 which is tied for the fewest ever in draft history. Inconsistent performances and a handful of injuries did thin the potential arms at the top of the board and teams clearly valued the bats over the arms early on, but seeing the lack of arms reach a historic low was a surprise. Carson Wiggins Goes 27th Overall The Mets arguably had the most...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

PG East World Series Preview

Will Dembo
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As the summer travel baseball season comes to an end, over 80 teams will meet in East Cobb, Georgia as they look to end the year with a victory and a trophy at the PG East World Series. The premier event will host 5 age groups of 14u-18u with pool play commencing the tournament on Friday, July 24th, with champions crowned on Monday, July 27th at East Cobb Baseball Complex. The 15u field will feature 26 teams from all over the southeast, including the No. 27 team in the nation from the 14u rankings, Home Plate Chili Dogs 14u Glozier. The Chili Dogs, who also played up in the 15u WWBA last week for increased exposure, have been a very solid team this summer, but are still in search of their first championship win of the season. Another highly touted team looking to challenge them is USA Scout Team Nike, who is another 14u squad who will play against more mature competition for their 15u...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/24/2026

16u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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Kase Nickerson (2028, Branford, FL) put together a standout day at the plate for day 1 of BCS. Hit 3 home runs and a double over 2 games and 6 at-bats. Easily the top offensive performance on the day. Ability to consistently get a swing with intent on the baseball stands out. Jumped onto the radar as a prospect to watch today.   Chase Tucholski (2028, Quakertown, PA) had a standout first game at BCS on Thursday. Had 2 hits including a home run and 5 RBI. A physical right-handed hitter with the strength to drive the baseball out to all fields. Hit the home run over the 385 sign in left centerfield. There’s definite future run producing traits here. Will be a player to watch for the rest of the week.    Carter Reis (2028, Orlando, FL) showed intriguing arm talent from the left side in a relief outing. Was up to 88 with the fastball that had burst out of the hand. Spun...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

A Look Ahead: 16U PG West WS

Emily Hicks
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Another exciting week of Perfect Game baseball is on the horizon as the 16U PG West World Series brings together some of the top travel baseball programs for a highly competitive tournament. Taking place July 23 - 26 at Riverview Complex in Mesa, AZ, the event will feature talented teams looking to make a statement as they compete for one of the summer's most prestigious titles. The tournament will welcome clubs from across the West, creating a talented field filled with nationally recognized organizations, rising contenders, and some of the top 16U prospects in the country. Throughout pool play and the championship bracket, every game will provide an opportunity for teams to showcase their talent while pursuing a World Series championship. With high-level competition expected throughout the week, fans can look forward to quality pitching, explosive offenses, and outstanding defensive...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/23/2026

Battle For The Midwest Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Gavin Johnson (2029, De Pere, Wisc.) handled the bat pretty well this weekend for his CBT Wolfpack 15u team that made a run into bracket play. Johnson is a left-handed hitting first baseman with a physical 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame, showing good physicality throughout the build. It’s a clean stroke from the left side, with feel to deliver the barrel on time and drive the ball working pull-side. He has a feel to rotate well, loading deep with the hands & turning well through contact to impact the baseball out in front. Johnson tallied four hits on the weekend, including 2 doubles and a triple. He plated 3 runs as well.   Devon Hester (2029, Chicago, Ill.) had a heck of a weekend for Chicago White Sox Ace 2029 Hunt. He showed out on both sides of the ball this past weekend, really getting it done at the plate. He finished the weekend 7-for-15, with a double and 4 RBI to...
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