Wil Libbert has hometown support on way to MLB draft
WARDSVILLE, Mo. (BVM) – An MLB pitcher has struck out 18 batters on 26 separate occasions in the league’s history. On May 2, Wil Libbert accomplished this feat in just six innings of work at the high school level.
WATCH: @MizzouBaseball commit Wil Libbert (@WilLibbert) recorded 18 strikeouts in 6 innings of work for @BHSBaseball10 tonight. The Falcons beat Battle 12-1 behind this great night of pitching and solid performances at the plate.@KOMUsports pic.twitter.com/qYg20I5dm9
— Cara Brown (@carabrownsports) May 3, 2023
But Libbert is more than just one great performance.
The Blair Oaks High School lefty is seen as a big-league prospect. MLB Pipeline has Libbert as the No. 123 prospect in this year’s draft class.
He has a four-pitch mix highlighted by his fastball that has been clocked at 97 mph and a low-to-mid 80s changeup. Libbert finishes out his repertoire with a curveball and a slider.
Wil Libbert (MO) with an easy first inning of work, striking out three. FB 90-93 with some late cutting action. Turned over a good CH in the 82-84 MPH range and threw a mid-70's CB. Deceptive delivery. Committed to Mizzou. pic.twitter.com/Uqyf5oUqoX
— Tyler Jennings (@TylerJennings24) July 4, 2022
The recruiting process kicked off early for the Missouri native, talking to his first school in his freshman summer. By the beginning of his junior year, he announced his commitment to the in-state Tigers.
I’m excited to announce that I’ve committed to the University of Missouri to further my academic and baseball career! I would like to thank my parents and @ShowMeHardball for all they have done for me! @RecruitingWbc @BHSBaseball10 @MizzouBaseball @BADeLunas @biesersr #MIZ pic.twitter.com/OqQophZcHX
— Wil Libbert (@WilLibbert) August 28, 2021
“I love the coaching staff and I love the atmosphere,” Libbert said. “What I really liked the best is how they send pitchers on to the next level. An overall goal of mine is to have a long MLB career one day, so to have them send that many pitchers on is very cool.”
The University of Missouri campus only being a 45-minute drive from his home was a nice added bonus as well. Libbert, who did not really break out until he got to high school, viewed this moment as his hard work paying off.
“When I committed, that’s when I knew I had a future in it (baseball),” Libbert said. “It was a gradual buildup of me continuing to get better and continuing to work hard.”
Libbert’s play this season may have him opt out of playing collegiately and go right to the minor leagues instead, but he is staying in the present, not thinking too far ahead.
“I’m just focused on the now and what I can do to get better every day,” Libbert said.
SR Wil Libbert was dominant today showing swing & miss stuff for @BHSBaseball10 pitching 6, 2 hit innings w/ 16 K’s
FB 89-93 tch 95
CH 84-87
BB 78-82@ShooterHunt #MLBdraft pic.twitter.com/x1H5he7ELS
— Prep Baseball Missouri (@PrepBaseballMO) April 4, 2023
The situation of someone in Libbert’s shoes could be a stressful one, but the small community of Wardsville, Missouri, helps ease that, being behind the high school star every step of the way.
“A lot of people know what I have going on,” Libbert said. “Everybody is always supporting me no matter who it is.”
Libbert is working toward the aforementioned MLB goal that he has set for himself, but more at the forefront, he is focused on keeping the same work ethic that got him here in the first place.
“Just keep continuing to work no matter what happens,” Libbert said. “My biggest goal is to get a little bit better every day no matter what I’m doing whether that’s school or baseball.”
