Tony Vitello and the Tennessee baseball program have been hot on the recruiting trial for months now. The momentum continued on Thursday afternoon when the Vols picked up a commitment from 2022 outfielder and right-handed pitcher Alex Stanwich.
Stanwich, who hails from Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois, announced his decision on Twitter.
“I am extremely excited to announce I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Tennessee,” Stanwich said in his social media post. “Want to thank my family and coaches for everything they have done for me throughout my life to get me to where I am today.”
I am extremely excited to announce I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of Tennessee and want to thank my family and coaches for everything they have done for me throughout my life to get me to where I am today. #govols pic.twitter.com/h4bTXhJF1n
— Alex Stanwich (@AlexStanwich) August 8, 2019
According to his Perfect Game profile, at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Stanwich is capable of touching 88 miles per hour with his fastball. As for his curveball, he sits between 69-72 MPH. His changeup hits between 80-81 MPH.
Stanwich runs a 6.82 60-time, and his exit velocity at the plate is off the charts for his age at 106 MPH. His exit velocity set a Futures Game record during the workout portion of last week’s event.
#TeamSelect RHP/OF Alex Stanwich (@LWEastBaseball; @PBRIllinois) with a dominant inning of work, strikes out the side in the 7th. FB sat 86-87, T88 twice (2250-2400rpm), mixed in a 12/6 CB at 69-71 (2300-2400). Offered up 1 CH at 80. #PBRFutureGames pic.twitter.com/BpaI1cgVKn
— Phil Kerber (@PhilKerberPBR) August 2, 2019
Many evaluators have been impressed with Stanwich’s raw power and great athleticism throughout his recruiting process. With Tennessee’s 2021 class essentially full, the Vols are full-steam ahead with the 2022 class.
The Vols’ 2019 recruiting class ranked No. 8 in the country, while the 2020 class is currently ranked No. 18 in the nation. Tennessee’s 2021 class is ranked even higher at No. 6, which includes the No. 1 player in the country – Brady House.
Although the 2022 class isn’t yet ranked, Stanwich figures to be an important piece for Vitello and could be a solid foundation for another strong class.
