THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,493 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,493 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Showcase  | Story | 12/22/2022

Main Event: Historical BP Standouts

David Rawnsley
Photo: Benny Montgomery (Perfect Game)
Batting practice is one of the most valued rituals in all of baseball as well as a key component of any Perfect Game showcase. And at no event does it take on more importance and grandeur than at the National Underclass Main Event Showcase, if simply due the huge multi-day size of conducting BP.

In 2021, PG scouts Jered Goodwin, John McAdams and myself scouted 32 teams of batting practice on the first day of the Main Event, followed up by 25 teams on the second day, before Jheremy Brown and Tyler Russo took over for another 25 teams of younger players on the third day. If there is any one-day scouting task as arduous and demanding as scouting 25-32 teams of players (figure up to 475-500 individual players) in a single day, I don’t know what it would be.



That got us to thinking about the best batting practice rounds we’ve seen over the last 20 years of this event, not coincidently the number of years I’ve been at the event scouting batting practice. I reached out to Goodwin and Brown, along with PG’s two most prolific and durable PG throwers, Lloyd Thompson and Rico Billups, to tap into their memories.

Here are the highlights (showcase year in brackets).

Jason Heyward (2005): Heyward took BP at Clemente Field at Terry Park and put on a show, putting five or six straight balls over the National Guard shed over the right field fence. The BP pitcher, Billy Nicholson, grinned at Heyward after the round and said “Found your spot didn’t I, Jason?” Heyward then went over to the Stadium Field to play in a showcase game and hit the ball off the batting eye for triples his first two trips to the plate.

My notes on Heyward from that BP read: Best batting practice of the year. Attacked the ball. Huge power. Light tower shots. Plus/plus bat speed. Still hits with limited movement towards pitcher but is so strong he doesn't need it. Ball exploded on contact.

Eric Hosmer (2006): Hosmer remains one of the best high school hitters I’ve ever scouted. After seeing what he was capable of doing in high school, it’s always been frustrating to the entire scouting community how little relative over the fence power he’s shown as a big leaguer. It was easy for him as a teenager.

Hosmer: Looks to be in great shape, man's body, ML body, open to close approach, ++ bat speed, back hand comes off early, easy power, hit 3-4 out. Comes easy to him.

Ryan "Scooter" Gennett (2007): People always seemed surprised when Gennett, all 165 pounds of him, hit home runs, whether it be in high school or when he hit 50 during the 2017/2018 big league seasons. But if you watched him in batting practice you knew where it came from. He was my Home Run Derby favorite at the 2008 PG National Showcase but lost out to Jonathan Singleton.

Gennett: HBE, wraps bat Julio Franco style, + bat quickness, Dead Red pull hitter, spread crouch stance, bat speed, quick twitch athlete, solid pull contact, shows power.

Dwight Smith (2008): Smith was the son of a big leaguer and even as a sophomore was one of the top hitters in high school baseball. He was the 53rd overall pick in the 2011 draft and has played in parts of four big league seasons but seems like he never decided whether he wanted to be a home run hitter or a high contact hitter.

Smith: Compact build, very strong, mature for age, open stance, balanced swing, has serious bat speed when pulling, hit big bomb well over building in RCF, tends to be stiff and take hands with him when going middle/oppo.
Edwin Rios (2010): This was a surprise nomination but Jered’s memory proved correct with a look at the notes. Rios was a slender 6-foot-3, 165-pound athlete with no PG track record at all when he showed up at the 2010 Main Event. He left as the number six player on the event Top Prospect List.

Rios: + long legs, slender, lacks present strength, very quick hands, + hand use in swing, gets barrel out, hits easy, tension free swing, ++ projection, has + hitting tools, really like!

Kel Johnson/Dazmon Cameron (2012): These East Cobb teammates need to be lumped together as they went together in the same BP round. The rounds were completely different but equally as amazing as two of the best rounds ever at the event. Note that Cameron was a year younger than Johnson and only a sophomore. The notes say it all.

Johnson: Ungodly power display in the Mark McGwire/Dave Kingman mode, 7 balls out, very busy load, almost casual approach, doesn't show exceptional raw bat speed/barrel acceleration but ball comes off barrel like he's swinging a 5 iron. Can't show your tools any better than this.

Cameron: easy swing, easy plus power, plus/plus bat speed, approach is so calm and balanced, tall stance with ideal weight flow, just peppered the LF wall and put a few dents in it, one of the best BP's I've seen in some time.


Brendan Rodgers (2012): Like Daz Cameron above, Rodgers made his Main Event debut as a sophomore, which was relatively rare a decade ago. This was really his coming out party as a prospect, which eventually led to his being the top ranked player in the 2015 high school class and the third overall pick in the 2015 draft. The talent was obvious as a sophomore, though.

Rodgers: very projectable build, big stride in, stronger than he looks, really generates bat speed with whole body, ball jumps hard, big LCF power, accelerates the barrel, put 4 in net in LCF, going to be a stud.

Jack Barrie (2013): If you’ve never heard of Barrie, that’s fine. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound Australian signed for $200,000 after his Main Event performance in 2013 but only lasted 76 at-bats with the Twins in rookie ball. But on this day, his BP won him a big bonus and a standing ovation from the JetBlue Stadium audience. In true Aussie fashion, Barrie jogged out to the mound to shake BP pitcher Tim Lowery’s hand in thanks afterwards.

Barrie: + strong, strong and short swing, BIG jump on contact, crushed some balls, loud line drive contact when not lifted, hit one out just to side of batter's eye, got standing ovation from crowd at finish.

Yoel Tejeda Jr (2018): Tejeda was a 15-year-old freshman and listed at 6-foot-6, 180-pounds when he attended the 2018 Main Event. Despite his gangly and very young appearance, he routinely lifted 400-foot fly balls to the deepest part of JetBlue with a low effort swing. Tejeda and Kel Johnson (above) might be the only two times ever that I’ve made a golf club reference in BP notes.

Tejeda: LH only, + tall, open stance, lifting swing, swings hard and has + projection, high extended finish with natural loft, mid F lift, hitting easy low effort 380-400 foot 9 irons to CF, high ceiling potential when he adds strength

Tommy White (2018): “Tommy Tanks” power didn’t show itself in games much in high school, taking the form of doubles rather than home runs, but batting practice was a different matter. White ruled batting practice at basically every showcase he attended.

White: + spread, swings hard, power is definitely there, 2 completely out of the yard, big shift in even with being spread, not pretty to see until the ball hits the barrel, then it's BAM


Benny Montgomery (2019): Montgomery’s 2019 Main Event performance across the board ranks among the most impressive in the history of the event. He ran a 6.42 and threw 97 in drills. He had a double and triple in the games and threw out a couple of runners on the bases. Batting practice was just a cherry on the cake.

Montgomery: straight stance, has seriously explosive hands, hits deep in the zone, LCF, can pull his hands in, playing pepper with the wall with serious jump, sweet.

Dillon Head (2020): That anyone was able to show out in 2020 was notable given the struggles simply to find places to work out during the year during the pandemic. And Head was hardly a household name in the prospect community, ranking 406th in the 2022 class coming into the Main Event. But show out he did, displaying his athleticism all over the field and especially in BP.

Head: Big coil, bat speed, open start, pulls, big shift in, plenty of intent, balanced and out front, like this, hard pull, really projects.
Give us your feedback
Showcase | Story | 6/30/2026

2026 PG National Showcase Preview
Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
With the start of July comes the start of the 2026 PG National Showcase. Running for five days, the best of the Class of 2027 will come together in Miami’s LoanDepot Park to update their metrics and show their progress in game situations against top-tier talent.  45 out of the top-50 players in the class of 2027 will be in attendance - including all top-5 players, Dylan Seward, Chase Fuller, Kinon Bastian, Connor Salerno and Carter Hadnot.  Vice president of scouting operations at Perfect Game, Jered Goodwin, said the fact that so many of the top-ranked guys have prioritized this event is telling. "When you talk about 45 out of 50, you see how many kids across the country want to go in and compete to see where they stand and what they need to improve on," Goodwin explained. "When you have those types of numbers of kids coming in and wanting to compete at the same place...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/5/2026

13u World Series Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Michael Wedgeworth (2030, Flomaton, AL) had put the two way ability on full display so far this week, dominating from both sides. On the mound Wedgeworth ran the fastball up to 84 (81-83) with ease to the delivery. Broke off a couple nasty curveballs that induced swing and miss, as well as freezing hitters for punch outs. Collected six in his four inning complete game. He also would not be denied at the plate going 3-5 in the first two days with two doubles. Very intriguing young player as the body continues to grow.  Tyler Bellush (2031, Summerville, SC) is a sure handed shortstop for the Canes Nation squad. Swings it from the left side of the plate and the barrel accuracy has really stuck out thus far. 3-4 through the first couple days with a double and two triples, Bellush has also walked twice and collected 3 RBI along the way. Yesterday against USA Prime with the bases loaded,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/4/2026

16u WWBA North Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Oliver Lindstrom (2028, Green Bay, WI) created some of the loudest offensive moments of the weekend while producing across the board, finishing with six hits, eight RBI, and a home run. The right-handed hitter showed the ability to stay through the baseball and drive it with authority. Creates quality leverage through the lower half while arriving in strong hitting positions early, allowing the barrel to work with intent through the zone. The blend of power, athleticism, and all-fields impact stood out throughout the event.  Dominic Haigh (2028, South Bend, IN) was one of the most productive hitters at the event, collecting 10 hits while consistently creating pressure on opposing defenses. Made life difficult on pitchers with a relentless approach, routinely extending at-bats and forcing them to work deep into counts. The operation remains simple and efficient, featuring an early...
Read More
All American Game | Story | 7/3/2026

Initial 2026 All Star Game Roster Reveal

Article Image
We are excited to announce the first selections for the 2026 PG All Star Game from both the Perfect Game Junior and Sophomore National Showcases. The PG All Star Game will be held on Friday, August 14th at Citizens Bank Ballpark, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, and will feature roughly 40 of the top players, predominately from the 2028 class with a few of the very best 2029s also selected. A watchlist has been created from the Junior National Showcase and another group of players will be selected from that showcase towards the end of July as we continue to evaluate players at the major Perfect Game tournaments this summer. The final wave of selections we be made at the PG Underclass All American Games August 5-7 at the UCSD in San Diego, CA. PG Underclass All American Games   Junior National Selections Dexter McCleon Jr. OF Suwanee, GA USA Prime Cullen Scott RHP/3B Melissa,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/3/2026

13u WWBA Scout Note Recap

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Walter Izquierdo Jr. (2031, Miami, Fla.) showed off the upside on the mound for Beast Baseball 13u. The right-handed pitcher went four innings and collected three strikeouts while spreading two hits and two walks for one run. The fastball topped out at 80 and was consistently in the upper- 70s. Showed feel for a curveball with 12-6 shape and some looser vertical depth that was able to get weak contact. Competes in the zone well and showed some feel to work on the arm-side half of the plate. Intriguing upside on the young arm.   Brett Hamlin (2031, Jupiter, Fla.) showed off the barrel feel for FTB American 13u. The left-handed hitter collected nine hits, including two doubles and a triple, to drive in seven RBI. Strong hands and flips the hips well to create good bat speed. Simple operation that gets on time consistently and impacts the ball well. Worked the pull-side well and...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

Freedom Classic Opens Holiday Weekend

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
More than 30 teams from the 14U-18U age divisions will head to Fort Myers, Florida this Fourth of July weekend for the seventh annual Perfect Game Freedom Classic. The tournament, running July 3-6, features several nationally ranked prospects from across the country as teams look to compete for a championship. Headlining the field are twin brothers Derek and Ryan Yormark of Merrick, New York. Right-handed pitcher Derek Yormack is the No. 51-ranked player in the class of 2027, the No. 1 player in New York and the No. 5-ranked right-handed pitcher in the country. First baseman Ryan Yormark comes in just behind his twin brother as the No. 3 overall player in New York, the No. 5 first baseman in the nation and the No. 90-ranked player nationally. Both brothers are committed to Vanderbilt. Derek Yormark has established himself as one of the top two-way prospects in the 2027 class. He has run...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/2/2026

14u West World Series Scout Notes

Quinton Hall
Article Image
Asher Contreras (2030 | Las Vegas, NV) The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter and outfielder was one of the most dangerous hitters in the tournament for Wow Factor Nv 2030, stuffing the stat sheet while displaying an impressive combination of power and speed. He finished the weekend with 9 hits, including two doubles and a home run, while driving in seven runs and scoring five more. He also swiped three bases and worked three walks, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses while showing feel for the zone with just one strikeout all weekend. His ability to hit for extra bases while also creating offense on the bases made him one of the most impactful offensive performers at the event.    Braylen Silva (‘30 | NV) RBI 2B for GBG Vegas 14u Red. Direct path, quick trigger, & barrel feel. Solid 2-hole stick creating offense all day #14UWestWS...
Read More
High School | General | 7/1/2026

PG High School All-Americans

Tyler Russo
Article Image
High School Top 50: Final Update With the High School season all wrapped up, today we take a look at our First, Second and Third Team All-Americans from around the country. Below you'll find three teams with stats that seem otherworldly from players who'll likely hear their names called in the coming week's MLB Draft. Within the "Notable Stats" section you'll see the individual award winners as well. First Team All-American Pos.  Name Class School State Commitment Notable Stats C Cole Prosek 2026 Magnolia Heights MS Ole Miss .595 BA, 18 HR, 79 RBI 1B Will Adams 2026 Hoover AL LSU .489, 13 HR, 52 RBI IF James Tronstein 2026 Harvard-Westlake CA Vanderbilt .531, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 21 XBH IF Grady Emerson 2026 Fort Worth Christian TX Texas .508, 8 HR, 56 RBI, 34/35 SB, National POY IF Jacob Lombard 2026 Gulliver Schools FL Miami .477, 10 HR, 52 R, 42 H, 14 SB OF Martin Shelar 2026 Marist GA...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 3-5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
16u Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2  ‘28 AJ Bonnette (TX) with 7 Ks thru 4 IP thus far, living 89-91 w/ heavy traits. Filling up all four quads & attacking hitters early in counts. Mixing a slurvy breaker & turning the CHG over well. @PG_Uncommitted #NatElite @Texas_PG pic.twitter.com/oz2XXoKHvt — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 30, 2026 Aj Bonnette (2028, Keller, Texas) showed out on both sides of the ball at the National Elite Championship, but really stood out on the mound Tuesday. He toed the rubber in round two of the playoffs, proceeding to toss six innings with eight punchouts and zero earned runs allowed. The 6-foot southpaw filled up all four quadrants of the strike zone, attacking hitters early and often with his fastball. The heater lived in the 88-91 mph range with heavy traits, often setting up his slurvy breaking ball. Bonnette showed good feel...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/1/2026

Performance Baseball Rolls On

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Championship teams often reveal themselves when the game isn’t going their way. Performance Baseball 2028/Milwaukee Brewers Scout Team did exactly that. Trailing Florida Burn 2028 Scout through four innings, the Brewers refused to panic. Instead, they relied on timely hitting, consistent pitching, and an unselfish approach at the plate, rallying a five-run fifth inning before pulling away for a 9-5 victory to clinch their spot in the semifinals. The comeback was fueled by contributions throughout the lineup. Six different players drove in runs, including two RBIs each from Aiden Capobianco and Cameron Massey, while Matthew Heredia, Parker Weston, Ethan Smith, and Aj Bonnette each added an RBI of their own. On the mound, Derek Wenzel set the tone with 3.2 solid innings before Ethan Smith shut the door in relief, helping preserve the comeback victory. Although the Brewers have had a...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 7/1/2026

JK Select Hawaii Tackles 14u West WS

Emily Hicks
Article Image
JK Select Hawaii capped off an impressive tournament run by defeating GBG Vegas 14u Red14-4 in the championship game on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark, claiming the 14u West World Series title. From the opening pitch, JK Select controlled the pace of the game. The offense jumped out early, scoring 6 runs in the 1st inning after timely hits from MVP Sean Shindo and Kade Manarpaac. The early lead gave the pitching staff confidence as they worked efficiently through the opposing lineup. “I've worked hard to get better at my game for the past few months; it means a lot that I did well and performed in a tournament like this” said Shindo. Starting pitcher Maddox Prones turned in a strong performance, allowing 3 runs while striking out 5 batters over 3 innings. The defense backed the effort with great plays in the middle infield, preventing GBG Vegas from building momentum....
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.