Notice: You are currently viewing a development version of the PerfectGame.org website.
For the live site, please visit www.perfectgame.org
THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,031 MLB PLAYERS | 14,466 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
All American Game  | Story | 6/3/2016

Boldt ready to fulfill dream

Photo: Nebraska Communications Office



Perfect Game 2016 MLB Draft Preview Index

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Ryan Boldt knew he would be a first or second round selection in the MLB Draft. His lefthanded swing that generates easy gap power while playing plus defense in center field, along with an attitude to get better every single day, assured that.

It’s just taken him three more years than what he had originally planned on.

Coming out of Red Wing, Minnesota, Boldt was one of the most highly touted prospects in the country during his high school days. Perfect Game had him ranked as the No. 15 prospect in his class, and the third-highest ranked outfielder. At one point leading up to the 2013 MLB Draft, Perfect Game had him pegged as the No. 20 overall prospect.

It’s easy to see why. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 185-pounds, Boldt excelled against every level of competition he played against. In his junior year at Red Wing, Boldt slashed .423/.516/.756 and helped his team reach the Minnesota State Baseball Tournament for the first time since 1977. He was named a Perfect Game All-American after his junior year and was the MVP of the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego in 2012.

“[Perfect Game] was awesome for me,” Boldt said from the Big Ten Tournament in Omaha, Neb. “The first thing I went to was the National Showcase and then after that I was invited to the All-American game and that’s where everyone saw me, so it kind of kick-started me as far as being seen by colleges and pro teams.”

Boldt was selected to play on the USA 18u team in 2012 as well, leading off and hitting .273 for a team that won a world championship.

With all of the talent and accolades surrounding Boldt, he was a sure-fire first round pick when he headed into the spring season of his senior year. Until he awkwardly slid into third base during the first week of the cold Minnesota spring, tearing his meniscus and losing the rest of his season.

The injury not only hurt his team, as losing anybody that hits .423 naturally would, but it also took a major blow on Boldt’s draft stock.

Boldt fell out of the first round, and then out of day one, and then day two, before finally being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 22nd round of the 2013 draft.

The Red Sox flew the Red Wing native out to Boston to take a tour of Fenway Park to try to sway him into signing, but Boldt knew he wasn’t a 22nd round talent, and didn’t want to sign a contract that would financially say he was.

“It was obviously tough, to be able to get drafted [in the first round] after my senior year would have been great,” Boldt said. “But at that point I was just working to get my health back and getting back on the field. At that point, it kind of made the decision [to go to school] easier.”

The talented outfielder decided to honor his commitment to Nebraska and head coach Darin Erstad, who he had pledged to in high school, and started the rehab process.

Unfortunately, Boldt was no stranger to baseball injuries. When he was just 10 years old he injured his left elbow throwing, and doctors told him he would never be able to throw a baseball again. So he switched his glove over to his left hand and taught himself how to throw righthanded. He loved baseball too much to just give up.

Countless hours of catch re-learning how to throw a baseball with his right arm at age 10 helped turn Boldt into a first round prospect by his senior year of high school. Now three years later, the countless hours he put into rehabbing his knee has him back in the same position.

Boldt didn’t miss a beat his freshman year at Nebraska, slashing .311/.382/.437, with 20 extra-base hits and 31 RBI. After doubts on what kind of player he would be after the injury to his knee, Boldt proved he was the same player that earned MVP honors at the PG All-American Classic.

But a change in philosophy at the plate for the Huskers slumped his sophomore campaign, and Boldt’s power numbers plummeted, making a number of scouts wary once again. Although Boldt had raised his average to .344, the opposite way approach he implemented added up to only 10 extra-base hits on the year.

Before the 2016 season, Erstad overhauled the approach his hitters were taking up to the plate, and Boldt’s power stats came back in a big way. In his first draft-eligible season at Nebraska, Boldt has hit 14 doubles, a pair of triples and five home runs. He has also added 30 RBI out of the leadoff spot and 20 stolen bases, a career high.

With his game coming full circle in his junior year – Boldt has shown he can go the other way with success and has now flashed his power – Erstad has compared his center fielder to another Minnesota native and current major leaguer, Joe Mauer. The comparison was fun for Boldt, who looked up to Mauer as a kid.

“Being from Minnesota, I always watched Joe Mauer play,” Boldt said. “He’s got a pretty swing and I’ve always watched him play. Obviously we don’t play the same position but he’s a Minnesota guy too so it’s kind of fun to watch him play and watch him swing the bat.”

Boldt’s head coach at Nebraska has also been a big influence on him, with Erstad himself playing outfield for the Cornhuskers and moving on to a 14-year major league career.

To have a guy in your dugout everyday that has experience at the highest level is invaluable, Boldt said, and he often takes the opportunity to ask questions on what to expect at the next level.

“He’s always kind of given me little pointers and stuff,” Boldt said. “To be an everyday player, you have to be out there every day even if you’re hurt a little bit. If you find one way to help your team win, it’s a successful day. It’s just little stuff like that I try to pick his brain about as much as I can.”

The Cornhusker star, whose team is getting ready for an NCAA Tournament run as part of the Regional in Clemson, S.C., said he hasn’t allowed himself to think about the draft much because it is out of his control.

One thing is almost certain, however. Boldt will, by all projections, hear his name called on the first day of the MLB Draft, finally realizing a dream that started more than three years ago.


 


All American Game | Story | 8/18/2023

Calm, Cool Aukai Kea, PGAA

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
When an unknown number called Aukai (Jaydon) Kea's phone, he wasn't sure if he should pick up. "I just got this call from somebody in Arizona," Kea said. "And I was like, 'Who’s that? Should I answer?' But then I answered it. He told me, ‘Yeah, congratulations, man.’ I was really shocked. Going into the summer, this was one of the events I wanted to be in. I’m very thankful that I got this opportunity." The 17-year-old Kea hails from Kapolei, Hawaii. He's grown up boogie boarding on the islands, but during summers, he's been playing travel ball on the main land.  "One of the big challenges is being away from home," Kea said. "Every summer, I’ll be away from home for at least two months with no stop - because there’s no sense in flying home for a day - you gotta fly, like, 10 hours. Being away from all my friends, my family - that’s...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
Article Image
Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
Article Image
Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
Article Image
James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
Article Image
A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
Article Image
Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
Article Image
Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
Article Image
Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
Loading more articles...