Boomer's Scout Book (Posted August 21st)

Program: 2026 Jr.Fire55
Date: Wednesday, August 5th - Friday, August 7th
Location: Dunkin Park; Hartford, CT
College Coaches Present: 33
Total Players: 57

The first week of August signified the last week of Firecracker Sports’ summer schedule, but we would not end the summer on a low note. We held our 4th annual Fire55 and Jr. Fire55 showcases at the beautiful Dunkin Park, home of the Hartford Yardgoats, AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. The event was the result of a summer of hard work from players, and 115 of the best from the classes of 2027-2030 that competed this summer at our tournaments and showcase circuit, once again joined us in Hartford.

Players participated in a pro style workout, getting metrics collected on all aspects of their game. From 60 yard dash times to pitching velocities and spin rates, players’ performances were measured throughout the event. They also split into teams and played two games each. TrackMan was on the field for these games, collecting even more data. Games were competitive, high energy, and fun to watch, making the showcase feel like a series of tournament championship games.

We had nearly 30 coaches in attendance throughout the course of the event from all levels of college baseball. They were a huge help at the stadium, leading the skills and drills portion of our showcases, and managing dugouts during the games. They were an invaluable asset to the players, sharing their insights and knowledge. We hope all players left the event learning something new. The night before the event began, August 5, players gathered in the ballroom of the Hartford/Windsor Marriott hotel to check in and listen to panels of college coaches. They discussed topics such as the recruiting process, the differences between D1 to JUCO, and the landscape of college baseball. Thank you to Coach Eric Degre from Coast Guard for leading the reception with his presentation about discipline, and all of our panelists: Josh Kieffer from Bucknell University, Alex Luccini from UMass Amherst, Alex Denoyelle from Quinnipiac, Dan Tucker from Georgian Court, Ed Bethke from Southern Connecticut State, Josh Parrow from Hudson Valley CC, Tran Hennessy from St. Joseph’s Brooklyn, Jacob Goodreau from Springfield College, Justin Miller from Elms College, and Mike Odenwaelder from Eastern Connecticut State.

All data from the event has been posted to player profiles, from both the showcase, and updated from the live data. We wanted to highlight a few players and performances from the event. As an invite only event, there was a lot of talent on display and these choices were very difficult to make. Both showcase and games were considered in the decisions. Over the years, the talent has only gotten better at Fire55 and Jr. Fire55, meaning this year’s is the most difficult group to choose from. Everyone impressed in some way, but we narrowed it down to 5 hitters and 5 pitchers per event, in no specific order.

Jr.Fire55 Top Hitters

Emmett Flowers, 1B/3B/C (Beverly, MA)

1. GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/emmett-flowers
2. In a crazy turn of events, when the Red team had no catchers available, Emmett stepped right up and caught pretty much every inning of the showcase. Not only did he just catch, he was outstanding, throwing out multiple runners at 2B. Catching is his 3rd position. He is a primary corner infielder. He works well around the bag and takes good angles to the ball and has a good arm. Patient and comfortable at the plate, waiting for his pitch. Takes good swings and hits the ball on a line. Very athletic player with a great foundation of baseball skills.

Michael Bandanza, MIF (Beacon Falls, CT)

1. GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/michael-bandanza
2. Michael has a solid arm defensively and would benefit from improving his footwork. Michael really shines offensively. He topped the exit velocity leaderboard at 90+ mph, and averaged just under 88 mph. Elevates the ball to all parts of the field. Has elite barrel speed at 77 mph, and stays on plane with the pitch very well, with 44 inches of barrel depth. In game, Michael does a good job staying back on offspeed pitches. His bat will take him a long way and with continued growth will only keep getting better.

Logan Silverio, SS (Rehoboth, MA)

1. GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/logan-silverio
2. Defensively, seemed to rush and force everything. Needs to be more under control and remember that smooth is quick. If he does this he’ll have cleaner hands and make more accurate throws. Already throws around 75 mph, so slowing down the game and his footwork will only help him more. Offensively, has a short compact swing with decent power for his size showing by crushing doubles and triples into the gap throughout the event. Once he continues to get older and get in the weight room those doubles will become homers. Uses the backside well. Very athletic player with a ton of upside.

Donovan Libby, C/OF (New Bedford, MA)

1. GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/donovan-libby
2. Donovan is a good athlete and a good hitter with really good bat to ball skills. The bat path is right there, but could be slightly better as he tends to be level to a slight chop. Getting slightly under the ball, and staying on plane longer will create more lift, meaning the power will come through more. Defensively, Donovan showed a 2.15 pop time, throwing down to second at 72 mph. Really good base with a lot of room to grow. Framing and blocking could improve, but the tools needed to be a good catcher in the future are there.

Sawyer Layne, SS (Pittsfield, MA)

1. GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/sawyer-layne
2. Sawyer is an excellent fielder in the infield that moves very well laterally. Has quick hands and gets the ball out of his glove. AS he grows, the range will continue to grow. Offensively, he sets up wide with his hands high. Drive the ball well to the opposite field, which is where most of his power is, despite coming off the ball with his front shoulder. Getting the barrel out front will help develop the pullside power. Narrowing the stance a little bit will help the front shoulder stay in and stay middle. Great follow for the coming years, could develop into a really good, all around player.

Jr.Fire55 Top Pitchers

Colton Glover, LHP (East Lyme, CT)

GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/colton-glover
Super projectable left handed arm with a plus fastball. Colton attacked the zone all game long, including with his SL. Already up to 83 mph, and has a high spin rate, making the pitch play up. FB has slight arm side run, and SL tunnels off the pitch well. SL can improve, does not move much and has a lower spin rate. Has more loopiness than sharpness, but potential is there with how he spins his FB. Colton has a very projectable frame and with continued growth and development, will be a legit college prospect in the future.

Sullivan Stebbins, RHP (Enosburg Falls, VT)

GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/sullivan-stebbins
Sullivan showed well on the mound, displaying his FB and CH primarily, occasionally working in a CB. Worked the corners. Results showed as only one ball was hit more than 75 mph off of him. FB was right around 80 mph with a high spin rate and slight arm side run. CH was out 75 mph with more vertical break than the FB. Very similar shapes with CH falling off the table, making them work well off each other. CB was about 70 mph and loopy. Will benefit from getting stronger and becoming more athletic, both of which will come with age.

Cormac Murphy, RHP (Pawcatuck, CT)

GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/cormac-murphy
Crafty approach to pitching and likes to pitch backwards. FB is consistently in the strikezone. Very comfortable holding runners and picking off. Misses with breaking ball are down below the zone where you want them to be. CB and SL are very similar in pitch shape and velocity, so throwing one of the pitches may be more beneficial in the future. Also adding another pitch pitch moving arm side would help. Does not get a lot of whiffs, but induces a lot of soft contact, as only one ball was hit more than 85 mph off of him. Potential to throw harder, and will with growth, but using the lower half more will help.

Jorell Delvalle, RHP (Pawtucket, RI)

GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/jorell-delvall
Jorell is a very athletic, young player that projects well in the future. Jorell was great at the plate, but really stuck out on the mound. Athleticism was prevalent as he worked fast, got down the mound with intent and was loose in his actions. Showed a calm and confident demeanor, and threw all pitches with conviction. Featured two main pitches: FB and SL. FB was not overpowering, sitting around 76 mph, but it was firm and in the zone. Had a high spin rate, allowing it to play up. The SL was big with a ton of horizontal movement. Came out of the hand easily, out of the same slot as the FB. Additional growth and strength will benefit him greatly, but that will also come with age.

Jonathan Menchaca, RHP (Niantic, CT)

GameRun AI Evaluation: https://events.gamerun.ai/jonathan-menchaca
Over the top slot with good extension. Jonathan has a 3 pitch mix featuring a FB, SL, and CB. FB and CH are very similar pitches movement wise, but are about 8 mph apart, with the FB at 75 mph and the CH and 68 mph. CH can use some improvement, with the goal to get more arm side run on it. SL is sharp, playing off the FB very well. May profile as more of a cutter, but does have about a 9 mph difference off the FB. Moves quietly but athletically. Moving more aggressively down the mound and using that athleticism will help with the velo. Has the size to throw harder, but needs to get in the gym to continue the development.

Huge thank you to the Yardgoats for allowing us into Dunkin Park and assisting with everything we needed, but more importantly, giving the players a great experience. We also want to thank two companies that helped us run the event. SQAIRZ shoes provided each athlete with a brand new pair of turf shoes for the event. SQAIRZ makes shoes that are comfortable and built for performance, with a wider toe box so athletes are more stable and grounded. GameRun came to the event and gave each player a free AI evaluation. Players were recorded at the plate and on the mound, and GameRun’s AI provides feedback in just minutes. As you can see above, you can access your report through the link on your evaluation on your player profile. The 2026 Fire55 and Jr. Fire55 were a complete success this year, and that is in large part to the players. Everyone was eager to be there and eager to learn, and was ready to play baseball. We are already excited for next year’s event. We hope to see you there!

______________________________________________________________________________

Are you interested in hosting your own Team Scout Day for your program(s) with skills and drills, evaluations from colleges and pro scouts, live data testing with Trackman, t-shirts and much more? Reach out to us today! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact joey@firecrackersports.com for more information.