THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,631 MLB PLAYERS | 16,402 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Summer Collegiate  | Story | 11/14/2012

Alaska Lg. Prospect Reports

Photo: 49thStateHardball.com
Official League Website
Alaska League top 30 prospects (list)
Perfect Game Summer Collegiate top prospect coverage

For the first time since 1968, an Alaska League team did not participate in the National Baseball Congress World Series this year. That ranks as a landmark development in the evolution of the league, which earned its reputation as one of the nation’s elite summer college leagues largely on the basis of its dominating performances over the last half-century at the Wichita-based tournament.

Alaska League teams won the NBC World Series 16 times through the years, and finished second on 17 occasions. In six different tournaments, the championship game pitted two Alaska teams.

But it’s been 10 years now since the last Alaska League club won an NBC title, and only three Alaska clubs have even returned to the championship game since the Fairbanks-based Alaska Goldpanners beat the Anchorage Glacier Pilots, their long-time rival, in the 2002 final.

So when the Glacier Pilots, winners of five national championships through the years, qualified for the 78th renewal of the NBC tournament this summer by winning the Alaska League regular-season title but declined the automatic invitation, it marked the end of an era.

The Pilots believed they had a representative club, but cited the prohibitive costs of sending a team from Alaska to Kansas for the two-week long tournament. In 2009, when the Pilots finished second, it cost them roughly $50,000 to participate—an extraordinary expenditure for a summer-league club.

It’s unclear whether Alaska League championship teams will choose to bypass the NBC tournament in the future, but Anchorage’s decision to forego this year’s event hardly had an adverse effect on the league as a whole as the Alaska League actually enjoyed a prosperous 2012 season, both on and off the field.

The Goldpanners, the league’s flagship franchise and winners of a record six NBC titles through the years, returned to full playing status after taking a partial leave of absence from the league in 2011, citing financial issues, while the Chugiak Chinooks firmly established themselves as a solid sixth franchise in the league.

Led by the Glacier Pilots, with nine players on the accompanying list of the league’s top 30 prospects, the talent level in the league overall was generally superior to recent years, according to scouts and other league observers.

Top to bottom, the league was much more offensive with the Anchorage Bucs, for one, smashing 52 homers on the summer vs. just eight in 2011, and yet the consensus was that there were more good arms in the league than normal, with several pitchers clocking in the low- to mid-90s, led by Anchorage Bucs closer Braden Shipley, whose fastball checked in at 97.

FAST FACTS

Year League Established:
1974 (reunited 1998).
States Represented in League: Alaska.
No. of Teams in League: 6 (5 in 2011).
Regular-Season Champion (record): Anchorage Glacier Pilots (26-14).
Post-Season Champion: None.
Teams, PG CrossChecker Summer 50/Final Ranking: No. 18 Anchorage Glacier Pilots, No. 43 Anchorage Bucs.
No. 1 Prospect, 2011 (per PG CrossChecker): Aaron Judge, of, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (Fresno State; played in Cape Cod League in 2012).
First 2011 Player Selected, 2012 Draft: Patrick Wisdom, 3b, Kenai Peninsula Oilers (St. Mary’s; drafted by Cardinals/supplemental 1st round).

Player of the Year:
Chase Compton, 1b/3b, Anchorage Bucs.
Top Prospect (as selected by league): Braden Shipley, rhp, Anchorage Bucs.

BATTING LEADERS (League games only)

Batting Average:
Clint Freeman, 1b, Mat-Su Miners (.379).
Slugging Average: Kevin Casey, 2b, Alaska Goldpanners (.693).
On-Base Average: Chase Compton, 1b/3b, Anchorage Bucs (.457).
Home Runs: Tyler Spoon, of, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (10).
RBIs: Tyler Spoon, of, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (32).
Stolen Bases: Ian Miller, of, Mat-Su Miners (36).

PITCHING LEADERS (League games only)

Wins:
Kyle Freeland, lhp, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (5).
ERA: Kyle Freeland, lhp, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (0.72).
Saves: Travis Pitcher, rhp, Anchorage Glacier Pilots (7).
Strikeouts: Mike Jeffreys, rhp, Chugiak Chinooks (49).

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete:
Nigel Nootbaar, rhp/of, Kenai Peninsula Oilers
Best Hitter: Collin Ferguson, 1b, Anchorage Bucs
Best Power: Tyler Spoon, of, Anchorage Glacier Pilots
Fastest Base Runner: Ian Miller, of, Mat-Su Miners
Best Defensive Player: Jordan Luplow, of, Anchorage Glacier Pilots
Best Velocity: Braden Shipley, rhp, Anchorage Bucs
Best Breaking Ball: Andrew Ferreira, lhp, Anchorage Bucs
Best Command: Kyle Freeland, lhp, Anchorage Glacier Pilots

TOP 30 PROSPECTS

1. BRADEN SHIPLEY, rhp, Anchorage Bucs (Nevada/JR in 2013)
SCOUTING PROFILE: The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Shipley was selected the Western Athletic Conference pitcher of the year in the spring at Nevada on the strength of posting a 9-4, 2.20 record in 15 starts, while walking 40 and striking out 88 in 98 innings. With such a heavy workload, he was commissioned for relief duty only on the summer for the Bucs, yet excelled in that role as well. In 17 appearances spanning an equivalent number of innings, he earned seven saves while walking three and striking out 29. Though Shipley pitched much of the summer with a starter’s mentality, utilizing three pitches, he was able to blow out his fastball in short bursts to a league-best 97 mph, but would tend to lose velocity after 15-20 pitches and dial back to a more customary 92-94. He also found opportunity to work in a high-70s curve and low-80s change, both of which are solid offerings, though he has a tendency to telegraph his breaking ball while serving up his change with the identical arm speed and action as his fastball. If anything, he greatly improved the command of all his pitches on the summer. Though Shipley does not have an overly physical frame, he is very athletic and generates his superior velocity with a very quick arm from a high three-quarters release point, enabling the ball to explode out of his hand. Shipley’s rise to superior pitching status is sudden, and somewhat unexpected as he began his career at Nevada as primarily a shortstop, and earned second-team all-WAC honors at the position in 2011 by hitting .287-1-19. He worked in just 10 innings on the mound, going 1-0, 8.71 with 13 strikeouts. He essentially reversed roles as a sophomore, and batted just 12 times. With his background at shortstop, Shipley is very adept at fielding his position as a pitcher, and excels at holding runners.

This is PG 'DiamondKast' Level content.
You must be either an DiamondKast, Crosschecker Rankings & Scouting Reports, or Scout subscriber to read the rest.

Sign in Subscribe Now

Summer Collegiate | Story | 9/26/2023

Cape Cod: Best of the Rest

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List | Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospects * indicates draft eligible sophomore ^ indicates incoming transfer Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Andrew Sundean C Hyannis UCF Lakeland FL Bradke Lohry^ IF Hyannis Tennessee Trinity FL Cam Schuelke^ RHP Hyannis Mississippi State Dorr MI Carter Lovasz RHP Hyannis William & Mary Midlothian VA Colby Shelton*^ IF Falmouth Florida Lithia FL Colin Tuft^ OF Orleans Tulane Vienna VA Daniel Corona^ IF Cotuit Missouri Brooklyn NY Derek Clark^ LHP Orleans West Virginia Petersburg MI Duce Gourson IF Falmouth UCLA San Diego CA Eddie Micheletti OF Orleans George Washington Wilmington DE Enzo Apodada^ OF YD Baylor Scottsdale CA Evan Truitt RHP Orleans Charleston Southern Berlin MD Finnegan Wall RHP YD UC Irvine Hesperia CA Garrett Coe RHP Falmouth Uconn Lakeside CT Ian Petrutz OF Bourne Maryland Mantua NJ Jakob Christian^ 1B YD...
Draft | Story | 10/30/2026

2027 Draft Preview: Prep Middle Infielders

Ryan Miller
Article Image
2027 MLB Draft Profile Preview: Collegiate Right-Handed Pitchers | Collegiate Left-Handed Pitchers The premium profile in each class often are prep middle infielders, a sought-after group with the athletic ability to stick on the dirt or land throughout the diamond long term. This demographic has produced the superstars of today’s game and therefore are selected in prime spots while demanding high-end signing bonuses. This group features a mix of loud tools, high level projection, and impact defenders. Below we break down at the top prep middle infielder in the 2027 cycle.  ‘27 SS Dylan Seward (CA)- liftoff from the No. 1 player in the class. A solo blast to RCF to extend the lead for @TheCanesBB #WWBA @California_PG @Vol_Baseball commit https://t.co/lJjNg6T7PS — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 27, 2026 SS Dylan Seward, Norco (CA)  The Southern...
Tournaments | Story | 10/29/2026

WWBA Underclass Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Underclass Scout Notes: Days 1-2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kasen Langerhans (2028, Round Rock, Texas) batted leadoff and stuck at the hot corner for Texas Twelve Red Sox 2028 in Fort Myers. The Texas native has the looks a young left-handed power bat and the swing is built for it. Langerhans produces easy bat speed, delivering a fast and leveraged barrel through the zone. He creates backspin and uses the ground well, really getting into the legs. The infielder has excellent power projection and took comfortable, intentful cuts in the box. Langerhans got the job done at the top of the order...
Tournaments | Story | 10/28/2026

WWBA Sophomore Prospect Recap

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
WWBA Sophomore Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in Fort Myers were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  2029 MIF Easton Housewright (Knoxville, Tenn.) currently stands at 6-foot,175 pounds with strength in the lower half, present above-average athleticism. Continued to shine at the top of the lineup as the left-handed hitter is your prototypical leadoff hitter, consistently finding a way on and scoring. Takes quality at-bats with an above average awareness of the strike zone. Loose hands with easy bat speed that find the barrel often for hard line drives into the gaps that frequently turn into XBHs. Confident and balanced approach. Also...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

Beyond the Board: SS Malachi Butler

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
As the 2027 draft cycle moves through the fall and into the offseason, we kick off a new series called Beyond The Board. With each installment, we will provide an in-depth scouting report for some of the top players in the class, breaking down their tools, strengths, question marks, and overall projection. This week we take a look at Georgia prep shortstop Malachi Butler. The Georgia Tech put together an outstanding showing on the circuit this summer and has been a significant riser early in the 2027 cycle.  Player: Malachi Butler Position: SS B/T: L/R Height: 6-foot-3 Weight: 190-pounds School: McEachern HS Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.  Physical Description: 6-2/190. Strong, athletic build. Well-proportioned body. Has strength with room to continue to add more.    High speed BP swing from '27 SS Malachi Butler (GA)... #PGNational @PG_Georgia https://t.co/M9OWUX9rPw...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

South Fall World Series Scout Notes

Jay Vossler
Article Image
Kason Mead (2029, Spring, Texas) had a great weekend for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Went 5-9 with a pair of doubles and a home run, driving in five without striking out. Physical frame with a lot more strength on the way. Impressive bat speed that attacks the top of the zone well. Works to all fields consistently and the profile indicates that he’ll be able to build off that with more impact. Lot to like, should be a riser as he goes into his sophomore season. Sterling McCormack (2029, Magnolia, Texas) performed well for Premier Baseball Donato 2029. Reached four times, including a double. Gains ground well on the stride, using his physicality to his advantage as he stays on an uphill plane, geared for slug. Plenty of strength at the point of impact. Landon Hardy (2029, Spring, Texas) had a strong showing for Scorpions Team Easton 2029. Went 4-11 with a double and homer, driving...
Tournaments | Story | 10/27/2026

WWBA Freshman Prospect Recap

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
Stars Being Stars These are some of the more well-known names on the national landscape, playing across several big events in which they performed at the highest of levels. Their showings in West Palm were simply a continuation of what we've almost come to expect at this point from them!  Kolt Hampton (2030, Chandler, AZ) is a left-handed hitting infielder with present barrel speed and twitch in the turn. Turned around an upper 80s heater that plated two runs in the first inning of the quarterfinals and never looked back. Also got it done on the rubber punching out three and topping out at 86. The number one player in Arizona produced all week and took care of business defensively.  Landen Davis (2030, Beaufort, SC) showed up at the dish this event hitting .500 with four doubles and five RBIs. Stays tight in the turn with present strength and the approach plays to all fields....
Tournaments | Story | 10/24/2026

SBA Takes 14u Title Behind Offense

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
To say there were standouts all over the field for the 14u WWBA World Championship would be an understatement as the matchup of Team Elite 14u Scout and SBA Bolts National 14u saw two of the more loaded rosters going head-to-head with a title on the line. And after weather threw a giant wrench into pool play, both Sunday and Monday were nothing but sunshine and high intensity baseball leading into the final game of the event.  While the game ultimately ended via run rule after five in favor of SBA upon a 9 run inning, it was a tight contest up until that point with Team Elite carrying a 3-2 lead thru four innings.  Team Elite drew first blood as a Ross Logan walk quickly turned into the first run of the game following a well struck single by Cooper Ooten into left field who eventually came around to score following a double steal, scoring before the third out of the inning was...
Softball | Softball Tournament | 10/22/2026

PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase High School Division

Erica Beach
Article Image
PG Softball Chesterfield Fall Showcase HS Division Oct 17-18, 2026 Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex CHESTERFIELD, MO — It was a perfect weekend for softball, with 16 teams converging on the Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex to compete in the High School Division. Teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa were there to battle it out, and there was only one undefeated team in the tournament: the Southeast Iowa All-Stars 16U Gold Flowerbach, who went a stellar 5-0 on the weekend. We were treated to some stellar performances all weekend and below we highlight some of the standout athletes who caught our eyes.  Lucy Turner (2027, Marion, IA) of the Cedar Rapids Reds was a truly dynamic two-way player this past weekend. Offensively, she batted .444 with 5 RBIs and an impressive 6 stolen bases, which led the tournament. She also scored 6 runs for her team and...
Tournaments | Championship | 10/22/2026

Wildcatters Reign Supreme at 13u WWBA

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
After both the Best of the West and the Beast of the East wrapped up, a big conglomerate of high end talent and stacked teams descended upon West Palm for both the 13u and the 14u WWBA World Championships. While the weather threw a wrench into the plans early on and some adjustment was needed to ensure the event moved forward, it was nothing but sunshine and competitive baseball throughout Sunday and into the early morning Monday.  Kicking off with the 13u WWBA World Championship, the first thing to point out is the fact this was a wood bat tournament played on 60-90 fields and while the combo was a first for most, you wouldn't know it with their level of play throughout the weekend. In an unsurprising twist and a continuation of their 12u dominance, the 13u championship saw the #2 seeded Goldin Prospects lock horns with the top seeded Houston Wildcatters, aka the champion of the...
Tournaments | Story | 10/22/2026

17u Coastal Fall Invitational

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Dalton Fisher (2028, China Grove, NC) stands at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, with a lean, projectable frame and room to add strength as he develops. Bats and throws right-handed and plays the outfield. Shows a good approach at the plate with quick hands, solid bat speed, and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Fisher went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI, putting together a great day at the plate. Bradley Edwards (2028, Summerville,SC) Stands at 6-feet-5 225 strong build and the potential to generate considerable power. Bats and throws right handed is a right handed pitcher. Shows good arm strength and the ability to attack hitters while generating swings and misses. Demonstrates a competitive approach on the mound with the ability to challenge hitters in the zone. Recorded 4.2 innings pitched with 10 strikeouts, a 56% strike rate, and a fastball that topped out at 85 mph. Jackson Pierce (2028,...
Loading more articles...