While most of us were preparing our gameday spreads on Super Bowl Sunday, the dedicated Baseball Factory staff was hard at work in Houston, Texas.

In somewhat of a race against potentially threatening weather, they saw great turnouts in three consecutive sessions at The Kinkaid School baseball field.

Another FieldTurf facility, the home of the Falcons served as a great host to our events, and as expected served as a great surface for the runners.

The fastest 60 yard dash was run by Gabriel Delgado of Willis HS in Willis, TX. The 2015 R/L outfielder posted a 6.50, and turned in an equally blazing 30 yard dash of 3.68. Both Brice Armistead (2017 – LHP/OF – Seven Lakes HS – Katy, TX) and Cameron Thompson (2016 – SS – Deer Park HS – Pasadena, TX) posted 6.64, with Ben Barnes(2016 – OF – Bellaire HS – Houston, TX) close on their heels at 6.72.

With a time of 3.59, 2016 OF Torian Branch(Alief Taylor HS – Katy, TX) was the best runner in the 30 yard dash on the day – edging Ben Barnes (3.65) and Gabriel Delgado (3.68) for the top spot.

Artificial turf, grass, dirt; none of that matters when it comes to velocity.

You simply have to cut it loose, and that’s just what 2016 SS Cody Erikson (Sweeny, TX HS) did at the raw velocity station. He touched 90 mph, one tick more than 2017 RHP/OF Nick Candelari (Klein HS – Spring, TX. Since he was to pitch later in the workout, Candelari technically wasn’t supposed to participate in the raw velocity test – but often two-way guys do it anyway. For the record, he went on to top at 87 mph with his fastball – good enough for best of the day by a comfortable three mph. Continuing the raw velocity leaders, 2016 OF Robert Bullard (Thurgood Marshall HS – Missouri, TX) touched 88, followed by previously mentioned Cameron Thompson at 87 mph.

2017 right handed pitchers Chase Pattin (Tomball, TX HS) and Ryan Fisch (Clements HS – Sugar Land, TX) both topped at 84 mph with their fastballs. Pattin stands at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, while Fisch is listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. A couple of inches taller, but with a little less present velocity, fellow 2017 RHP Brad Armstrong (George Ranch HS – Richmond, TX) topped at 81 mph. Together, these three form a trio of high upside arms worthy of a close follow over the next couple of years.

Four catchers posted release times of 2.04 or less. 2017 Kyle Harper (Cypress Creek HS – Houston, TX) led the way with a 1.88, this in addition to his impressive 6.76 60 yard dash and 86 mph raw velocity. 2016 David Reyna V (Santa Fe, TX HS) checked in at 1.98, 2017 Sawyer Marcum (Tomball HS) recorded a low time of 2.00, while 2017Connor Henry (Monsignor Kelly Catholic HS – Beaumont, TX) notched a 2.04. Henry, like Harper, touched 86 mph at the raw velocity station.

Though they are not catchers, 2016 OF Ben Barnes (previously mentioned) and 2017 SS Nathan Collins (Alvin, TX HS) also recorded raw velocities of 86 mph.

Collins is only a couple of weeks removed from a five hit performance at the 2015 Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament at Cubs Park in Mesa, AZ. He was retired in his first at bat, but from there went on to reach base in his next seven consecutive at bats.

The Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout Tour is rolling through all 50 states. Tryouts are held for players ages 12-14 and 14-18. Don’t miss your opportunity to Be Discovered.

Find an Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout near you and register online or call (800) 641-4487.