Lots Of Local Flavor To UW's 19th-Ranked Signing Class
November 13, 2015 | Baseball
SEATTLE – Seventeen student-athletes signed letters of intent to play baseball for the University of Washington -- 10 of which are products from the state of Washington -- giving coach Lindsay Meggs and his staff a recruiting class ranked among the nation's top-20.
Comprised of predominately local talent, the list is rounded out with five players from California and one each from British Columbia and Alabama. Poised to join the Huskies in the fall of 2016 are five players listed as infielders, one catcher, three outfielders, five right-handed pitchers and three left-handed pitchers.
“First of all I'd like to congratulate our Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Jason Kelly, as well as assistant coaches Donegal Fergus and Tanner Swanson on a great 2016 class,” said Meggs. “If we can get everyone in this class on campus next fall, this may be the best group we've had since I've been at the University of Washington.
“This class has great balance with depth on the mound, power and speed at the plate, plus defenders across the board, and most importantly a commitment to the academic excellence that defines our program. This is a great group on and off the field. This is an Omaha-type class.”
Ranked as the 19th best in the nation by Perfect Game, the 2016 signing class includes five players in the Top-160 of high school recruits. Nine players in the class were selected to the Area Code Games, third most of any program in the country. Topping the list for the Huskies is infielder Christian Jones out of Federal Way, Wash. who is ranked 55th nationally and is the No. 1 prospect in the state of Washington.
“Christian is a game-changer,” said Meggs. “When he steps in the batter's box, everything comes to a screeching halt. If you don't enjoy watching him swing the bat, then you don't understand the game.”
Joining Jones on the list of infielders are Ben Baird (Agoura Hills, Calif.), Matt Fleming (Renton, Wash.), Nick Roberts (Silverdale, Wash.), and Austin Shenton (Bellingham, Wash.).
Baird is ranked as the 72nd recruit in the nation, 10th in California, and is the No. 1 California shortstop in the class of 2016 according to Perfect Game. He was the Most Outstanding Offensive Player at the 2015 National Classic.
Shenton also falls in the Top-150 nationally at No. 142 and is ranked as the third best recruit in the state of Washington. He had a breakout summer in 2014 for Team Northwest at the USA Baseball National Team Championships. He can play infield or outfield for the Huskies.
Top Alabama power-hitting prospect Brock Anderson (Huntsville, Ala.) joins a pair of speedy prospects from Washington, Jaden Hassell (Milton, Wash.) and Jacob Hirsh (Burien, Wash.), to round out the Huskies' outfield class. The left-handed hitting Anderson, the 159th overall prospect in the nation and the top position player in Alabama, committed to Washington on Wednesday, putting a cherry on top of the Huskies already stellar class.
Hassell, from Fife High School, led the state as a junior with a .527 batting average and 24 stolen bases in 28 attempts, while defensively, committing zero errors. Hirsh was All-Metro League and helped O'Dea win the district title.
Nick Kahle (Simi Valley, Calif.), ranked as the 116th prospect in the nation and No. 14 in California, is the lone catcher on the list for the Huskies. He is the No. 2-rated catching prospect out of California.
Sure to provide the Huskies with quite a bit of depth in the rotation and bullpen are right-handed pitchers Noah Bode (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Josh Burgmann (Nanaimo, B.C.), Harrison Goonewardene (Mercer Island, Wash.), Jordan Jones (Kent, Wash.) and Leo Nierenberg (Oakland, Calif.), as well as left-handed pitchers, Tommy Costello (Simi Valley, Calif.), Brendan Ecklebarger (Redmond, Wash.) and Chris Micheles (Puyallup, Wash.).
Ranked as the No. 1 right-handed pitcher in the state of Washington for the class of 2016, Jordan Jones went a perfect 8-0 for Kentridge High School in 2015, earning him recognition as the South Puget Sound League 4A Northeast MVP. Redmond High School's Ecklebarger is the No. 2 ranked left-handed pitcher in Washington for the class of 2016. Burgmann, from Nanaimo, B.C. is a member of the Team Canada U18 Junior National Team and attends Vauxhall Academy of Baseball in Alberta.
The Huskies have secured top-tier local talent with six players who have received not only all-league but also all-state honors during their high school careers including, Jordan Jones, Ecklebarger, Hassell, Fleming, Micheles and Shenton.
2016 WASHINGTON BASEBALL SIGNING CLASS
Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School
Brock Anderson OF L/R 6-3 210 Huntsville, Ala./Sparkman
Notes: Verbally committed Nov. 11…2015 Perfect Game First Team All-American…No. 159 overall recruit, No. 1 position player from Alabama...played in 2015 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars.
Coach Meggs on Anderson: “Brock is a physical left-handed hitter who can play all three outfield spots and comes to Seattle all the way from Huntsville, Alabama. Brock can drive the ball out of the ballpark and runs well for a guy who will likely hit in the middle of the batting order. And while he fits in nicely with the other left-handed hitters in this class, he may be the most athletic of them all. This guy has all the tools you're looking for plus he plays the game hard.”
Ben Baird INF R/R 6-2 175 Agoura Hills, Calif./Agoura
Notes: 2015 Perfect Game All-American…Most Outstanding Offensive Player at the 2015 National Classic…No. 1 ranked shortstop in California.
Coach Meggs on Baird: “Ben is an outstanding high school shortstop who can hit, hit with power and is a plus runner. Ben is as good an athlete as we have in this class, but it's his feel for the game that sets him apart. And while he is a shortstop by trade, Ben can play anywhere on the field on any given day. And whether it's at the plate or on the bases, Ben creates pressure. Regardless of where you hit Ben in the order, he's going to be a run-scoring machine.”
Notes: 2015 Perfect Game All-America Honorable Mention.
Coach Meggs on Bode: “Noah is your classic right-handed fastball, slider guy who sits in the upper 80's and will touch 90. And the exciting thing about Noah is we know there is much more in the tank. When Noah adds more strength to his 6-foot-2 frame, we expect that fastball to top out at 92, 93 MPH. Combine that with the plus slider he already throws and this guy has a chance to make a difference for us early. Keep your eye on Noah.”
Notes: Member of Team Canada Junior National Team, 2014-16…Perfect Game 2015 Honorable Mention All-American…pitched for Kansas City Royals at 2015 Area Code Games.
Coach Meggs on Burgmann: “Josh may be the hidden gem in a deep class of pitchers in our 2016 class. Josh is a right-handed pitcher who sits 90-92with good fastball command and a plus slider and change. Josh is a great competitor with proven stuff who has already won on the national stage as a member of Team Canada. And while we love Josh's stuff for obvious reasons, it's his makeup and toughness that sets him apart. Josh will do whatever it takes to get that third out.”
Notes: 2015 Perfect Game Underclass All-America Honorable Mention … hails from same high school as UW freshman Dallas Tessar … plays quarterback on HS team … father, Tom, played linebacker at UTEP.
Coach Meggs on Costello: “Tommy has a chance to be a legitimate two way guy in the Pac 12. Tommy is 86-88 off the mound with a plus left- handed breaking ball, and he is a relentless competitor on the mound. That being said Tommy is also capable of being an everyday left-handed hitter in our program. He can hit in the middle of the batting order and drive in runs, and he has no fear. Tommy Costello is a grinder, on the mound and at the plate.”
Notes: Washington 4A First Team All-State selection as a junior … ranked No. 2 left-handed pitcher in the state by Perfect Game…played for Kansas City Royals at 2015 Area Code Games…dad, Kermit, played NHL hockey for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Coach Meggs on Ecklebarger: “Brendan is one of three outstanding left-handed pitchers in our 2016 recruiting class. Brendan is 85-88 with a plus slider who is already very tough on left-handed hitters. Brendan is getting stronger by the day, and will likely top out a 90-92 before it's all over. And as much as we like Brendan's stuff, it's his makeup that's off the charts. Brendan is a great leader who believes he's going to win every time he takes the mound.”
Notes: Second-Team All-State, First Team All-SPSL…team captain as a junior hitting .478 and pitching in six games…helped Kentridge to SPSL Northern Division title as a sophomore.
Coach Meggs on Fleming: “Matt has a chance to be a legitimate left-handed power hitting threat in the middle of our batting order. Matt can play both first base and left field and moves well for a guy his size. We think Matt has tremendous upside and that he's only scratched the surface when it comes to his offensive potential. Matt is going to fit in well with the other accomplished left-handed hitters in this class giving us some legitimate juice from the left side.”
Harrison Goonewardene RHP R/R 6-2 180 Mercer Island, Wash./Mercer Island
Coach Meggs on Goonewardene: “Before it's all over we may all look back and say that Harrison was the sleeper in our 2016 recruiting class. Because Harrison was nicked up last year, he has flown a little under the radar. But this guy is mid to upper 80's with heavy sink, a 12/6 breaking ball that he can throw for a strike, and a changeup that is already a plus pitch. On top of all of the above he has great makeup. I see Harrison as a bigger version of Tyler Davis.”
Jaden Hassell OF R/R 5-10 180 Milton, Wash./Fife
Notes: Washington 2A All-State First Team, All-SPSL 2A First Team after hitting .527 and stealing 24 bases…Second Team All-State as a sophomore after hitting .419.
Coach Meggs on Hassell: “Jaden has those raw tools that get our coaches excited when we talk about player development. He is a right handed hitter who can hit the ball out of the ballpark and steal third base all in consecutive at bats. He can play all three outfield spots and will give us some quality depth in what is shaking out to be a very talented group of hitters in our 2016 class. Jaden plays the game hard, is a leader on the field and wants to go to Omaha.”
Jacob Hirsh OF L/L 5-9 170 Burien, Wash./O'Dea
Notes: 2015 First Team All-Metro after helping O'Dea to the league title…2015 Perfect Game Underclass Honorable Mention All-American…2014 Perfect Game Evoshield Underclass Nationals All-Tourey Team.
Coach Meggs on Hirsh: “Jacob is a left-handed hitting centerfielder who can hit at the top of the order, handle the bat and steal bases. In a group with a very physical profile offensively, Jacob's ability to get on base and apply pressure gives us great balance from top to bottom. And while Jacob is a true centerfielder, his ability to play all three outfield spots gives us the quality depth you need in the Pac-12 and will allow him to compete for at bats the minute he gets here.”
Christian Jones 1B L/R 6-2 195 Federal Way, Wash./Federal Way
Notes: No. 1 ranked player in the state of Washington, No. 55 in the nation according to Perfect Game…First Team All-SPSL Northwest…played in Under Armour All-America game.
Coach Meggs on C. Jones: “Christian Jones is a game changer. When he steps in the batter's box everything comes to a screeching halt. If you don't get excited watching Christian swing the bat, then you don't love the game of baseball. But the best thing about Christian is his makeup, he plays the game hard and he is a great teammate. And before it's all over, every Husky Baseball fan is going to remember watching Christian Jones at Husky Ballpark.”
Jordan Jones RHP R/R 6-2 185 Kent, Wash./Kentwood
Notes: MVP of SPSL 4A Northeast and Washington 4A First Team All-State at Kentwood…was 8-0, 1.55 ERA with 64 strikeouts as a junior…No. 1 ranked RHP in state of Washington by Perfect Game.
Coach Meggs on J. Jones: “Jordan comes from a great baseball family and has a chance to earn front line innings the minute he arrives on campus. Jordan is already 87-91 and we have seen him up to 93. But more important than the velocity is Jordan's fastball command. He can move the ball in and out, and he's only going to get better. When you combine that fastball command with an already accomplished change up, you realize that Jordan has a chance to win early.”
Nick Kahle C R/R 5-11 195 Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade Prep
Notes: Ranked No. 116 overall in the nation by Perfect Game, No. 2 catcher in the state of California…hit .421 with 2 HR and 23 RBI as a junior…member of USA Baseball U17 National Team Development Program.
Coach Meggs on Kahle: “Nick may be the toughest member of our 2016 class and he has all the intangibles you want behind the plate. While Nick is a talented catch and throw guy who can also swing the bat, it's his approach to the game that really gets your attention. Nick is a leader on the field who runs the game, plays hard, is a great teammate and outworks everyone around him. He is exactly what we wanted back there, a consistent performer who makes everyone around him better.”
Chris Micheles LHP L/L 6-1 165 Puyallup, Wash./Puyallup
Notes: Washington 4A Second Team All-State…Louisville Slugger All-American…was 7-0, 0.85 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings as a junior at Puyallup.
Coach Meggs on Micheles: “Chris is the original crafty left hander that every Pac-12 team struggles with. Chris is smart, he knows how to pitch and he knows how to win. Chris has good fastball command at 86-88 but it's his secondary stuff that leaves you shaking your head on the way back to the dugout. Chris can throw his changeup any time in any count, and when his fastball reaches 90 MPH you're looking at potential double digit wins and an All-Pac-12 guy.”
Leo Nierenberg RHP R/R 6-0 165 Oakland, Calif./Bishop O'Dowd
Notes: Posted a 6-2 record with a 0.61 ERA as a junior, also hitting .351…overall 15-6 with 0.88 ERA in his high school career…2015 Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention.
Coach Meggs on Nierenberg: “Leo's ability to throw three pitches for strikes really balances out the arms in this class. Leo is a right-handed pitcher who can sink it at 88-91, with a good slider and a good change. Leo gives us immediate depth because you can start him, bring him out of the bullpen or even close with him if you wanted to. Leo is just scratching the surface and as he gets stronger he will only get better. And when Leo makes that next jump, he is going to be nasty.”
Nick Roberts INF R/R 5-11 170 Silverdale, Wash./Central Kitsap
Notes: Slick fielding infielder was First Team All-Narrows League…2015 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American…was born in Guam.
Coach Meggs on Roberts: “While Nick is a baseball player who can do a lot of things, his biggest attribute is that he's a winner. Nick is going to get that hit or make that play when the game is on the line. You want Nick up with a runner on second base and two outs in the ninth, because that's who Nick is. He gets that hit when it counts and he can help you win a game at any position on the infield. Nick is from a baseball family, it's in his blood and it shows.”
Austin Shenton INF L/R 6-0 195 Bellingham, Wash./Bellingham
Notes: No. 3 ranked prospect in the state of Washington, 142nd overall in the nation according to Perfect Game…Perfect Game First Team All-American in 2015, honorable mention in 2014…Washington 2A All-State Second Team.
Coach Meggs on Shenton: “Austin will be a major force in the middle of our batting order from the time he arrives on campus. He is a RBI machine who has a chance to be an All-Pac-12 player as a freshman. This guy can hit for average and for power, and he runs surprisingly well for a guy who will drive in runs. Austin is also athletic enough to play any corner spot on the field, and once his defense catches up to his offense he's going to play this game for a long time. This guy is the real deal.”
