UW Welcomes Balanced Mix In The Class Of 2017
November 16, 2016 | Baseball
Nine student-athletes signed letters of intent to play baseball for the UW
SEATTLE β Nine student-athletes signed letters of intent to play baseball for the University of Washington last week during the NCAA Early Signing Period. A recruiting class comprised of both four local and five out of state products, head coach Lindsay Meggs and his coaching staff will welcome a balanced mix of talent in the fall of 2017.
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"I want to congratulate our recruiting coordinator and Associate Head Coach Jason Kelly on another great class," said Meggs. "Together he and Coach (Donegal) Fergus along with Coach (Tanner) Swanson continue to land talented players from quality programs, who are all good students and great people."Β
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Joining four from the state of Washington, is one player from British Columbia and four from California. The balanced class is made up of five listed infielders, one outfielder, one left-handed pitcher, and two right-handed pitchers.
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"The balance in this class is outstanding," said Meggs. "You have front-line arms from both sides, and plus defenders with juice at the plate who can all run.Β And the best part about this group is they are all quality students from great families.Β I can't wait to get them on campus."
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With depth in the infield, the 2017 signing class includes Arthur Pate and Noah Hsue, ranked respectively the No. 14 and No. 15 overall prospects out of the state of Washington, according to Perfect Game. Pate, out of Shoreline, Wash. was selected to the 2016 Area Code Games and was a second team all-state selection as a sophomore for Shorewood High School. He is the No. 4 player in Washington according to Baseball NW rankings.
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"Arthur is a true shortstop with a plus arm who really has good feel for playing the position," Meggs said. "While he is very athletic at short and can make all the plays both in the hole and to his left, it's his ability to make the routine play that excites us most. Β At the plate, AP's best days are ahead of him and as he continues to gain strength, we think he will be a very tough out in the Pac-12."
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Hsue, from Mercer Island, Wash. was a second-team all-state selection as a sophomore when he helped Mercer Island to their first ever 3A state title in 2015. As a junior in 2016, he hit .383 with 12 stolen bases and a .945 fielding percentage.
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"Noah to me is what Husky Baseball is all about," Meggs said. "Every aspect of his game involves playing fast and applying pressure. On defense he can be electric, but he also makes the game look routine. Offensively he is very explosive, from his feel for the short game and his ability to run the bases, to his sneaky power and his knack for getting big hits. This guy is a winner and he will make everyone around him better.Β Noah is going to be a lot of fun to coach."
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Washington will welcome a familiar name in Dylan Lamb, brother of former Husky baseball player and current third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jake Lamb. Able to play multiple spots on the infield, Lamb, out of Seattle, was a second team all-Metro League pitcher last season for Bishop Blanchet.
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"We think he has tremendous upside at the plate and that he has just begun to scratch the surface as far as his potential to drive in runs," Meggs said. "When it is all said and done I can see Dylan in the middle of our batting order one day and leading our team in RBI's."
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Rounding out the list of infielders are Jonathan Schiffer (Irvine, Calif.) and Braiden Ward (Merced, Calif.)
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Schiffer is ranked as the No. 6 third baseman out of California by Perfect Game and went 5-1 on the mound with a 1.89 ERA as a junior for Mater Dei High School. He was also named to the 2016 National High School Invitational Honorable Mention.
"Jonathan is a very polished right handed hitting third baseman from Mater Dei high school in Southern California," Meggs said. "Mater Dei plays in one of the most competitive high school baseball conferences in the country, so Jonathan is already battle tested.Β Jonathan is the type of hitter who will eventually hit in the middle of our order and drive in runs.Β But beyond his ability between the lines, it's his makeup that sets him apart."
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Ward will bring speed to the Husky lineup, having recorded 27 stolen bases and a .524 on base percentage for El Capitan High School as a junior. Ward participated in the 2016 17U West National Team Championships and recorded the fastest 60-yard dash with a time of 6.23 seconds. Ranked as the No. 12 shortstop out of California by Perfect Game, Ward was selected to play for the New York Yankees International Scout team in the Goodwill Series held in Australia last summer.
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"Braiden is an accomplished defender at shortstop but he is so athletic you could play him virtually anywhere on the field," Meggs said. "That alone will make it tough to keep him off the field the minute he arrives on campus.Β
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"Braiden can also handle the bat and has all the tools you look for in a leadoff guy at our level and beyond.Β And while like any freshman it will take him some time to adjust to Pac-12 pitching, this guy can fly and will one day lead the conference in stolen bases."
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The class's lone outfielder, Kaiser Weiss from Oxnard, Calif. is ranked the No. 23 outfielder out of California by Perfect Game. He hit .402 with a .460 on base percentage as a junior for Oxnard High School.
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"Kaiser is a top of the order guy with a good approach at the plate who understands how to get on base," Meggs said. "He is a centerfielder by trade but can play all three outfield spots and is an above average runner. Kaiser has a good feel for the type of game that we play and because he can already handle the bat, I can see him being a quality two-hole guy in our lineup. Kaiser is the kind of player that can help you win a one run game, and in this conference those guys are important."
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To provide the Huskies with depth in the rotation and bullpen are right-handed pitchers Stevie Emanuels (Bellevue, Wash.) and Cole Eigenhuis (Benicia, Calif.), plus left-handed pitcher Jack Decooman (North Vancouver, BC).
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Emanuels, ranked as the top overall prospect in the state by Baseball NW, was the second, along with Pate, of the Class of 2017 to be selected to the 2016 Area Code Games. Emanuels went 5-1 with a 2.10 ERA for Interlake High School as a junior.
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"Stevie is a potential right-handed weekend starter standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds," Meggs said. "Stevie can run it up there comfortably in the upper 80's and we have seen him touch 92.Β While his best pitch is his slider, as Stevie gains strength I think you'll see him in the 90-94 range with his fastball.Β Those two pitches alone make you think weekend starter, now add an improved change up to the mix and you start thinking Friday night guy."
Helping Benicia to the 2016 Sac-Joaquin Section Championship, the 6-foot-7 Eigenhuis went 7-1 on the season with a 1.60 ERA, recording 74 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.
"Cole has all the physical tools you look for in a Pac-12 weekend starter," Meggs said. "He already sits comfortably at 86-90 miles per hour and has good feel for his breaking ball.Β Cole is very athletic for his size and as he continues to get stronger I can see his fastball settling in the 89-94 MPH range.Β Cole creates great tilt with that release point and once his secondary stuff catches up, you have everything you want in a Pac-12 weekend starter.
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The lone left-hander in the class, Decooman played on the Canadian Junior National Team and is ranked the No. 1 pitcher out of British Columbia by Perfect Game.
Β
"Jack is a tall lanky left handed pitcher at 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds with great upside," Meggs said. "He's already shown good command of three pitches, sitting 84-88 with the fastball, while having good feel for both his change and his breaking ball.Β Β With Jack's long levers and loose delivery we see his fastball settling in at 88-92 once he gains some strength.Β And with the possibility of having three above average pitches from the left side, we think Jack has the potential to be a front line guy in this league."
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With a combination of both top local and out-of-state talent, the Huskies will welcome a balanced mix of players to the program come next fall.
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2017 Washington Baseball Signing Class
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NameΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Pos. Β Β Β B/TΒ Β Β Β Β Ht. Β Β Β Β Β Wt. Β Β Β Β Hometown/High School
Jack DecoomanΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β LHPΒ Β Β Β Β L/LΒ Β Β Β Β Β 6-5Β Β Β Β Β Β 190Β Β Β Β Β North Vancouver, BC/Mulgrave
Notes: Ranked the No. 1 pitcher in British Columbia by Perfect Gameβ¦named to the 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦member of the Canadian Junior National Team (2016 and 2017).
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Cole EigenhuisΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β RHPΒ Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-7Β Β Β Β Β Β 200Β Β Β Β Β Benicia, Calif./Benicia
Notes: As a junior, was 7-1 on the season with a 1.60 ERA, recorded 74 K's in 70 IP and earned SCAC Pitcher of the Yearβ¦helped Benicia to the 2016 Sac-Joaquin Section Championshipβ¦2015 and 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention.
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Steven EmanuelsΒ Β Β Β Β Β RHPΒ Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-5Β Β Β Β Β Β 195Β Β Β Β Β Bellevue, Wash./Interlake
Notes: No. 1 ranked prospect in Washington by Baseball NWβ¦as a junior went 5-1 with a 2.10 ERA for Interlake and was first team All-Stateβ¦played in the 2016 Area Code Games for the Kansas City Royals.
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Noah HsueΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β L/RΒ Β Β Β Β 5-6Β Β Β Β Β Β 140Β Β Β Β Β Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island
Notes: Ranked as the No. 15 overall player in Washington and the No. 6 second basemen, according to Perfect Game...2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦as a sophomore helped Mercer Island win their first ever 3A state title.
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Dylan LambΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-1Β Β Β Β Β Β 185Β Β Β Β Β Seattle, Wash./Bishop Blanchet
Notes: Named a first team All-Metro League as a pitcher in 2015 and first team All-Metro as a first baseman in 2016 β¦younger brother of Jake Lamb, former Husky baseball player and current third basemen for the Arizona Diamondbacksβ¦father played football at Whitworth College.
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Arthur PateΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-0Β Β Β Β Β Β 170Β Β Β Β Β Shoreline, Wash./Shorewood
Notes: Ranked as the No. 4 player in Washington by Baseball NW, No. 14 overall player in the state and the No. 5 shortstop by Perfect Gameβ¦2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦selected to the Kansas City Royal's team for the 2016 Area Code Games
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Jonathan SchifferΒ Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-2Β Β Β Β Β Β 195Β Β Β Β Β Irvine, Calif./Mater Dei
Notes: Ranked the No. 6 third baseman in California and the 90th player overall by Perfect Gameβ¦2015 and 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention β¦named to the 2016 National High School Invitational Honorable Mention.
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Braiden WardΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β L/RΒ Β Β Β Β 5-10Β Β Β Β 145Β Β Β Β Β Merced, Calif./El Capitan
Notes: Ranked as the No. 53 overall player in California and the No. 12 shortstop by Perfect Gameβ¦named the 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦as a junior, hit .457 with a .524 on base percentage and recorded 27 stolen basesβ¦participated in the 2016 17U West National Team Championships and recorded the fastest 60-yard dash with a time of 6.23 seconds.
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Kaiser WeissΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β OFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β S/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-0Β Β Β Β Β Β 185Β Β Β Β Β Oxnard, Calif./Oxnard
Notes: Ranked No. 120 overall in California and the No. 23 outfielder in California according to Perfect Gameβ¦hit .402 with a .460 on base percentage as a junior β¦2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦also played varsity football.
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"I want to congratulate our recruiting coordinator and Associate Head Coach Jason Kelly on another great class," said Meggs. "Together he and Coach (Donegal) Fergus along with Coach (Tanner) Swanson continue to land talented players from quality programs, who are all good students and great people."Β
Β
Joining four from the state of Washington, is one player from British Columbia and four from California. The balanced class is made up of five listed infielders, one outfielder, one left-handed pitcher, and two right-handed pitchers.
Β
"The balance in this class is outstanding," said Meggs. "You have front-line arms from both sides, and plus defenders with juice at the plate who can all run.Β And the best part about this group is they are all quality students from great families.Β I can't wait to get them on campus."
Β
With depth in the infield, the 2017 signing class includes Arthur Pate and Noah Hsue, ranked respectively the No. 14 and No. 15 overall prospects out of the state of Washington, according to Perfect Game. Pate, out of Shoreline, Wash. was selected to the 2016 Area Code Games and was a second team all-state selection as a sophomore for Shorewood High School. He is the No. 4 player in Washington according to Baseball NW rankings.
Β
"Arthur is a true shortstop with a plus arm who really has good feel for playing the position," Meggs said. "While he is very athletic at short and can make all the plays both in the hole and to his left, it's his ability to make the routine play that excites us most. Β At the plate, AP's best days are ahead of him and as he continues to gain strength, we think he will be a very tough out in the Pac-12."
Β
Hsue, from Mercer Island, Wash. was a second-team all-state selection as a sophomore when he helped Mercer Island to their first ever 3A state title in 2015. As a junior in 2016, he hit .383 with 12 stolen bases and a .945 fielding percentage.
Β
"Noah to me is what Husky Baseball is all about," Meggs said. "Every aspect of his game involves playing fast and applying pressure. On defense he can be electric, but he also makes the game look routine. Offensively he is very explosive, from his feel for the short game and his ability to run the bases, to his sneaky power and his knack for getting big hits. This guy is a winner and he will make everyone around him better.Β Noah is going to be a lot of fun to coach."
Β
Washington will welcome a familiar name in Dylan Lamb, brother of former Husky baseball player and current third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jake Lamb. Able to play multiple spots on the infield, Lamb, out of Seattle, was a second team all-Metro League pitcher last season for Bishop Blanchet.
Β
"We think he has tremendous upside at the plate and that he has just begun to scratch the surface as far as his potential to drive in runs," Meggs said. "When it is all said and done I can see Dylan in the middle of our batting order one day and leading our team in RBI's."
Β
Rounding out the list of infielders are Jonathan Schiffer (Irvine, Calif.) and Braiden Ward (Merced, Calif.)
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Schiffer is ranked as the No. 6 third baseman out of California by Perfect Game and went 5-1 on the mound with a 1.89 ERA as a junior for Mater Dei High School. He was also named to the 2016 National High School Invitational Honorable Mention.
"Jonathan is a very polished right handed hitting third baseman from Mater Dei high school in Southern California," Meggs said. "Mater Dei plays in one of the most competitive high school baseball conferences in the country, so Jonathan is already battle tested.Β Jonathan is the type of hitter who will eventually hit in the middle of our order and drive in runs.Β But beyond his ability between the lines, it's his makeup that sets him apart."
Β
Ward will bring speed to the Husky lineup, having recorded 27 stolen bases and a .524 on base percentage for El Capitan High School as a junior. Ward participated in the 2016 17U West National Team Championships and recorded the fastest 60-yard dash with a time of 6.23 seconds. Ranked as the No. 12 shortstop out of California by Perfect Game, Ward was selected to play for the New York Yankees International Scout team in the Goodwill Series held in Australia last summer.
Β
"Braiden is an accomplished defender at shortstop but he is so athletic you could play him virtually anywhere on the field," Meggs said. "That alone will make it tough to keep him off the field the minute he arrives on campus.Β
Β
"Braiden can also handle the bat and has all the tools you look for in a leadoff guy at our level and beyond.Β And while like any freshman it will take him some time to adjust to Pac-12 pitching, this guy can fly and will one day lead the conference in stolen bases."
Β
The class's lone outfielder, Kaiser Weiss from Oxnard, Calif. is ranked the No. 23 outfielder out of California by Perfect Game. He hit .402 with a .460 on base percentage as a junior for Oxnard High School.
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"Kaiser is a top of the order guy with a good approach at the plate who understands how to get on base," Meggs said. "He is a centerfielder by trade but can play all three outfield spots and is an above average runner. Kaiser has a good feel for the type of game that we play and because he can already handle the bat, I can see him being a quality two-hole guy in our lineup. Kaiser is the kind of player that can help you win a one run game, and in this conference those guys are important."
Β
To provide the Huskies with depth in the rotation and bullpen are right-handed pitchers Stevie Emanuels (Bellevue, Wash.) and Cole Eigenhuis (Benicia, Calif.), plus left-handed pitcher Jack Decooman (North Vancouver, BC).
Β
Emanuels, ranked as the top overall prospect in the state by Baseball NW, was the second, along with Pate, of the Class of 2017 to be selected to the 2016 Area Code Games. Emanuels went 5-1 with a 2.10 ERA for Interlake High School as a junior.
Β
"Stevie is a potential right-handed weekend starter standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds," Meggs said. "Stevie can run it up there comfortably in the upper 80's and we have seen him touch 92.Β While his best pitch is his slider, as Stevie gains strength I think you'll see him in the 90-94 range with his fastball.Β Those two pitches alone make you think weekend starter, now add an improved change up to the mix and you start thinking Friday night guy."
Helping Benicia to the 2016 Sac-Joaquin Section Championship, the 6-foot-7 Eigenhuis went 7-1 on the season with a 1.60 ERA, recording 74 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.
"Cole has all the physical tools you look for in a Pac-12 weekend starter," Meggs said. "He already sits comfortably at 86-90 miles per hour and has good feel for his breaking ball.Β Cole is very athletic for his size and as he continues to get stronger I can see his fastball settling in the 89-94 MPH range.Β Cole creates great tilt with that release point and once his secondary stuff catches up, you have everything you want in a Pac-12 weekend starter.
Β
The lone left-hander in the class, Decooman played on the Canadian Junior National Team and is ranked the No. 1 pitcher out of British Columbia by Perfect Game.
Β
"Jack is a tall lanky left handed pitcher at 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds with great upside," Meggs said. "He's already shown good command of three pitches, sitting 84-88 with the fastball, while having good feel for both his change and his breaking ball.Β Β With Jack's long levers and loose delivery we see his fastball settling in at 88-92 once he gains some strength.Β And with the possibility of having three above average pitches from the left side, we think Jack has the potential to be a front line guy in this league."
Β
With a combination of both top local and out-of-state talent, the Huskies will welcome a balanced mix of players to the program come next fall.
Β
2017 Washington Baseball Signing Class
Β
NameΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Pos. Β Β Β B/TΒ Β Β Β Β Ht. Β Β Β Β Β Wt. Β Β Β Β Hometown/High School
Jack DecoomanΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β LHPΒ Β Β Β Β L/LΒ Β Β Β Β Β 6-5Β Β Β Β Β Β 190Β Β Β Β Β North Vancouver, BC/Mulgrave
Notes: Ranked the No. 1 pitcher in British Columbia by Perfect Gameβ¦named to the 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦member of the Canadian Junior National Team (2016 and 2017).
Β
Cole EigenhuisΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β RHPΒ Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-7Β Β Β Β Β Β 200Β Β Β Β Β Benicia, Calif./Benicia
Notes: As a junior, was 7-1 on the season with a 1.60 ERA, recorded 74 K's in 70 IP and earned SCAC Pitcher of the Yearβ¦helped Benicia to the 2016 Sac-Joaquin Section Championshipβ¦2015 and 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention.
Β
Steven EmanuelsΒ Β Β Β Β Β RHPΒ Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-5Β Β Β Β Β Β 195Β Β Β Β Β Bellevue, Wash./Interlake
Notes: No. 1 ranked prospect in Washington by Baseball NWβ¦as a junior went 5-1 with a 2.10 ERA for Interlake and was first team All-Stateβ¦played in the 2016 Area Code Games for the Kansas City Royals.
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Noah HsueΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β L/RΒ Β Β Β Β 5-6Β Β Β Β Β Β 140Β Β Β Β Β Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island
Notes: Ranked as the No. 15 overall player in Washington and the No. 6 second basemen, according to Perfect Game...2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦as a sophomore helped Mercer Island win their first ever 3A state title.
Β
Dylan LambΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-1Β Β Β Β Β Β 185Β Β Β Β Β Seattle, Wash./Bishop Blanchet
Notes: Named a first team All-Metro League as a pitcher in 2015 and first team All-Metro as a first baseman in 2016 β¦younger brother of Jake Lamb, former Husky baseball player and current third basemen for the Arizona Diamondbacksβ¦father played football at Whitworth College.
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Arthur PateΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-0Β Β Β Β Β Β 170Β Β Β Β Β Shoreline, Wash./Shorewood
Notes: Ranked as the No. 4 player in Washington by Baseball NW, No. 14 overall player in the state and the No. 5 shortstop by Perfect Gameβ¦2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦selected to the Kansas City Royal's team for the 2016 Area Code Games
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Jonathan SchifferΒ Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β R/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-2Β Β Β Β Β Β 195Β Β Β Β Β Irvine, Calif./Mater Dei
Notes: Ranked the No. 6 third baseman in California and the 90th player overall by Perfect Gameβ¦2015 and 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention β¦named to the 2016 National High School Invitational Honorable Mention.
Β
Braiden WardΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β IFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β L/RΒ Β Β Β Β 5-10Β Β Β Β 145Β Β Β Β Β Merced, Calif./El Capitan
Notes: Ranked as the No. 53 overall player in California and the No. 12 shortstop by Perfect Gameβ¦named the 2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦as a junior, hit .457 with a .524 on base percentage and recorded 27 stolen basesβ¦participated in the 2016 17U West National Team Championships and recorded the fastest 60-yard dash with a time of 6.23 seconds.
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Kaiser WeissΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β OFΒ Β Β Β Β Β Β S/RΒ Β Β Β Β 6-0Β Β Β Β Β Β 185Β Β Β Β Β Oxnard, Calif./Oxnard
Notes: Ranked No. 120 overall in California and the No. 23 outfielder in California according to Perfect Gameβ¦hit .402 with a .460 on base percentage as a junior β¦2016 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mentionβ¦also played varsity football.
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