Top 10 Ohio baseball players in Class of 2022
COLUMBUS, Ohio (BVM) – High school baseball season is well underway in the state of Ohio. Who are the state’s best players? Here is a look at the top talents in this year’s graduating class.
1. Jacob Miller, RHP/OF, Liberty Union
The 6-foot-2 slinger holds several next-level pitches in his arsenal. He can reach the mid-90s on his heater and brandishes an absolutely brutal breaking ball. The senior righthander reportedly has an excellent work ethic and competitive drive to match. Miller has pledged to play for the University of Louisville but more than likely will be poached in July’s MLB Draft.
Through four innings, Liberty Union’s Jacob Miller has seven strikeouts and the Lions lead Circleville, 4-1. @Jmills_9 @lulionbaseball @LULions pic.twitter.com/8BEriFzZzm
— Thomas Wilson (@twil2323) April 12, 2022
2. Henry Kaczmar, SS, Walsh Jesuit
The first team all-state shortstop comes off a stellar 2021 campaign. He batted a brilliant .568 and knocked in 42 runs. Kaczmar is a fine athlete who shines on defense. The University of Michigan commit has a natural feel for the game with the potential to be special.
‘22 SS (@umichbaseball commit) @HenryKaczmar had a very solid weekend of play for @WJHS_Baseball .
Numerous barrels,including a 💣 in his first at bat of game 1. Sprayed the ball across the yard and made several athletic plays at SS. #JesuitClassic pic.twitter.com/6hnzMqNoSl
— PBR Ohio Scouting Coverage (@PBROhioScout) April 25, 2022
3. Noah Samol, LHP, Mason
Samol returns after being shelved his junior season due to Tommy John surgery. He tops 95 mph on his fastball and throws a filthy curveball as well. The 6-foot-7 lefty just pitched a no-hitter vs. Kings last week. Samol is committed to Georgia Tech.
Middle 3 Mason leads Lakota West 4-0. Noah Samol 8 Ks #cincybaseball pic.twitter.com/WXsuJ3rTjJ
— Scott Springer (@sspringersports) April 7, 2022
4. Matthew Wolfe, SS, Olentangy Orange
Wolfe is a legitimate two-way threat on the field. He averaged .419 at the plate along with 25 RBI and swiped 19 bags his junior year. Plus the righty stars as a pitcher for the Pioneers. He received 2021 Prep Baseball Report Ohio Division 1 first-team all-state honors. Wolfe inked a letter of intent to Vanderbilt University.
5. Andrew Hendrickx, RHP/SS, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
Hendrickx is raking so far this spring. He’s hitting .477 with 20 RBI through 15 games. The 6-foot-3 Kent State signee also delivers on the mound. He tossed a no-hit gem earlier this week. Hendrickx is 2-0 with a flawless ERA pitching for the Royals in 2022.
Andrew Hendrickx MIF/RHP
CVCA HS 2022
@OEBbaseball 17u Rundgren
Kent State CommitOhio Elite rallying in the 5th w/ the time limit looming. Hendrickx knocks in a pair & cuts the lead to 3. Ohio Elite trails 10-7 in what could be their last ABs@965MCTourneys#PWCoverage pic.twitter.com/gR1OY2tstJ
— Prospect Wire | Player Spotlights (@PW_Players) June 20, 2021
6. Evan Whiteaker, RHP/OF, Lakota East
The 6-foot-4 hurler posted a 2.02 ERA and registered 78 Ks as a junior. He can deal a range of high-quality offspeed stuff. Whiteaker whiffed 17 batsmen a couple weeks ago in a win over Hamilton. He is committed to continuing his career at Indiana University.
7. Devin Taylor, OF/DH, La Salle
Taylor displays a slew of skills on the diamond. The senior southpaw shows speed and a sweet swing, among other things. He earned a PBR first team all-state selection in 2021 and will suit up for Indiana in 2023.
@devindadude_4 with a big night at the plate 💪⚾️🏟 !!! #showtime #baseball #hitting #strength #power #athlete #speed #training pic.twitter.com/emSdPHOjeC
— Elleman Strength & Conditioning (@elleman_sc) March 29, 2022
8. Landon Price, LHP, Lincolnview
Price went a jaw-dropping 11-0 with a 0.17 ERA and 162 strikeouts his junior year. In addition, he posted a .470 BA with 18 RBI and 25 stolen bases. The Ohio State University commit struck out 15 as his club beat Columbus Grove on April 21.
PLAYER ⚾️ PROFILE
{@landonprice2003 of @Lancer_BASE}
“Whenever I’m outside the game I feel the pressure with everyone talking about my stats & everything," Price told me. "But once I get on the mound, I kind of 'get in the zone’ you could say.” #YNNSports pic.twitter.com/SrYCVOVbjT
— H. Tyler Seggerman (@TylerSeggerman) June 9, 2021
9. Gavin Jones, RHP, North Royalton
Jones tallied a 6-1 record on the bump last season with a minuscule 0.76 ERA. He retired 101 batters and recorded a remarkable 4.21 K/BB. The North Royalton ace is committed to the University of Alabama.
10. Lucas Day 1B/LHP Troy Christian High School
Day is stroking with a .607 average and 17 RBI in the first eight games. And he is a top-caliber starter, throwing a complete-game shutout with 14 Ks on April 20 against Riverside. He joins the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies upon graduation.
💣#2 pic.twitter.com/GPpZMjHiJV
— Lucas Day (@lucas_day22) April 2, 2022
Photo: Liberty Union pitcher Jacob Miller, a Louisville committ, is one of the top pitching prospects in the country. (Credit: Sam Blackburn/Eagle-Gazette via Imagn Content Services, LLC)