The stars were out at Mitchel Field on Thursday for the annual Blue Chip Prospects Northeast Colleges Coaches Camp powered by Axcess Baseball. There were over a dozen college coaches on hand to watch 95 of the most promising uncommitted high school players from the region.
Below are some of the players that were most impressive
Everett Garber (Dwight Engelwood 2024)
6’3 RHP Everett Garber (Dwight Engelwood 2024) sitting 83-84 T85 with a sweeping slider at 75 pic.twitter.com/qxgGU3v7wC
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 28, 2022
This is the type of arms scouts dream on. For my die-hard Long Island baseball fans, he reminds me of Dominic Savino who dominated at Smithtown East before attending Albany and doing very well there. This is the type of kid that will have a big spike in velocity in the near future and the smart Division-I college coaches know that and will act quick.
Kevin Baez (St. Anthony’s 2024)
The son of a former big leaguer by the same name, Baez certainly has the genetics in his favor. He also has the arm action, the athleticism and the competitive drive. He pitched in the Axcess Invitational last week and fired a 72-pitch complete game. Fastball command, breaking ball command, efficiency, you name it. He also plays an outstanding shortstop and at the very least will be a capable hitter at the varsity level. I already view St. Anthony’s as having the best rotation in the CHSAA because of Jason DeCaro, Torin Kassebaum and Baez. 2023 is primed to be a huge year for the Friars. And for Baez, assuming he grows a few inches, he is a slam dunk Division-I prospect.
RJ Azarieh (St. John the Baptist 2023)
RJ Azarieh (St. John the Baptist 2023) pic.twitter.com/ZGhaeZlWRA
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 28, 2022
Very physically fit individual that looks the part. He started the day with a loud batting practice and continued it with some laser throws from right field to third base and home. He had a nice season for St. John the Baptist and with Kyle Chase off to college, they will count on him immensely next year. Division-I prospect.
James Eden (MacArthur 2023)
James Eden (MacArthur 2023) was named All-County this season and batted .476 with 18 RBIs pic.twitter.com/U4SXFpkAe5
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 28, 2022
Eden is coming off an All-County season in which he was outstanding for the Generals as they lost only 1 game during the regular season. Eden batted over .470 and stole double digit bases with some pop. I expect next year to be more of the same. I think he’s a high-end Division-I or mid major Division-I outfielder that will compete for a starting spot from day 1.
Paul Fontana (Wantagh 2024)
Paul Fontana (Wantagh 2024) pic.twitter.com/FMcAGzMIJe
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 28, 2022
A prototypical 1st baseman with pop. He was one of the hitters that really stood out and I loved his balance combined with his power at the plate. To me that’s an All-County bat for the next two years. His older brother, Anthony, was a key cog in Wantagh’s dynasty from 2016-2018 in which they not only captured back-to-back-to-back Class A Long Island Championships but also the NYS Championship in 2016 during his sophomore season. Winning is in their blood.
Billy Kind (Seaford 2023)
Uncommitted RHP Billy Kind (Seaford 2023) has been absolutely dominant this summer. Fastball has been 84-87 MPH recently pic.twitter.com/zFoVjESyOO
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 30, 2022
Kind has added 13 MPH to his heater over the past year. His summer coach told me he’s been one of the best pitchers in the Titans organization this summer and that’s following a school ball season in which he opened plenty of eyes as well. Velocity wise he’s already on the cusp of being a Division-I player but when you factor in the command – especially of the slider – and his 1390 SAT, every high academic school could use that. He will anchor the Seaford rotation next season.
