The postseason is underway for many high school teams, and some of the players vying for our weekly “Prep Ballplayer of the Week” award are also helping to carry their teams into – and through – the playoffs.
Here are our three candidates that excelled this week:
THIS WEEK’S FINALISTS
Jarod Baker, Sr., RHP/CF, Havre de Grace
In Havre de Grace’s playoff game against Joppatowne, Baker pitched a complete game. He gave up four hits, two runs (one earned) and struck out six. The senior also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two walks, a single, two runs and two RBIs.
Sam Grace, So., C/IF, Boys’ Latin
The Boys’ Latin sophomore had a big week on the mound and at the plate. Against Park, he pitched a complete game, surrendering three hits and one unearned run while striking out 10. At the plate against Park and Glenelg Country, Grace went 5-for-7 with three doubles, two singles, four RBIs, one run and two walks.
Steven O’Ferrall, Sr., LHP/OF, Annapolis Area Christian
Against Friends, O’Ferrall pitched five innings of scoreless, one-hit ball, including eight strikeouts. At the plate against Friends, Glenelg Country and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the Annapolis Area Christian senior went 6-for-9 with four singles, two doubles, three runs, three walks and two RBIs.
Others considered (listed alphabetically): Nick Collier (John Carroll), Jayden Cowan (Howard), Jake Fitzsimmons (Chesapeake), Brendan Llanes (Landesowne)
In case you’re visiting our ‘Prep Ballplayer’ voting for the first time, here’s how things work: Three candidates are revealed each Monday. You get to vote – early and often – for the finalist you believe should be our winner. Voting ends every Thursday night and the winner is announced each Friday.
If you’re interested in submitting candidates for our consideration, please send the player’s name, key statistics from the previous week and your contact information to sean@baltimorebaseball.com.
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View Comments
Baker:
CG, 4 H, 2 R, 6 K
1-2, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 RBI
Grace:
CG, 3 H, 1 R, 10 K
5-7, 3 2B, 4 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB
O'Farrell:
5 IP, 1 H, 8 K
6-9, 2 2B, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 RBI
Is this even a contest? Clearly, Grace outpitched AND outhit his counterparts and deserves the accolade. This is not an attempt to put down the other gentlemen, who clearly performed at a high level this past week, but give the credit where it's due. I hope all three continue to enjoy great performances down the stretch.
But yet, it is a contest. So instead of trying to take away from what the other players have done, put your effort towards clicking for your player. Pretty sure the platform was already stated for what each player accomplished last week, I would switch my vote just because of statements like this, where either a family member or friend feels the need to trump another player for the sake of a vote. Good luck to all of the boys!