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
Tournaments  | Story | 12/9/2011

Bullish on the Hoosier State

Jeff Dahn
Photo: Perfect Game
Before 24-year-old Indianapolis native Drew Storen was a two-time first team All-Pac-10 closer at Stanford; before he was made a first round draft pick by the Washington Nationals; and well before he blossomed into an all-star caliber closer for the Nationals this past season, he was an Indiana Bull.

Storen, a right-hander, pitched for the Indiana Bulls at the 2006 Perfect Game WWBA 17u National Championship, just three years before he was made the 10th overall pick by the Nationals in the 2009 amateur draft. The time he spent pitching for the Carmel, Ind.,-based Bulls made a lasting impression.

“When you play for the Indiana Bulls, college coaches and scouts already respect you more because of their history and success,” Storen told Indiana Prep Baseball Report in an undated testimonial that appears on the Indiana Bulls’ official website. “I give a lot of credit to the Bulls for helping me get the opportunity to play at Stanford, as (Stanford coaches) saw me play with the Bulls three or four times.”

Now officially known as the Lids Indiana Bulls – Lids is an online retailer of baseball hats, apparel and equipment that acts as the Bulls’ official sponsor – the tradition-rich organization will begin its 20th year of operation in 2012.

Hundreds of Bulls alumni have gone on to play collegiately at some level and more than 80 former Bulls are expected to be on college rosters in the spring. The Bulls’ official website (indianabullsbaseball.org) lists 28 former players who were playing professionally at the end of the 2011 season, including 11 who were on big-league rosters.

Recent Indiana Bulls and Perfect Game alumni who were first round selections in the MLB First-Year Player Draft include Tommy Hunter (2007, Rangers), Lance Lynn (2008, Cardinals), Storen (2009, Nationals), Justin O’Conner (2010, Rays) and Alex Meyer (2011, Nationals). Hunter (Orioles), Lynn (Cardinals) and Storen (Nationals) are already in the major leagues.

Dan Held started in his position as the Indiana Bulls’ executive director in the fall of 2006. Dave Taylor and Bob Lowrie got the Indiana Bulls organization started in 1992, and Evansville, Ind., native, 1997 NL Rookie of the Year and seven-time MLB All-Star Scott Rolen was a member of its first team.

Rolen and Held were roommates on two different levels in the Philadelphia Phillies organization during Held’s nine-year minor league career, and the two remain close.

“We’ve had a great number of guys go to professional baseball and a good percentage of them go to college,” Held said of the Bulls organization. “We take great pride in that, and we try to stay in contact with the guys throughout the years.”

The Lids Indiana Bulls hold a player-parent meeting every winter when all the players in the organization and their parents gather with the people running the program. With at least 15 teams in the 8 to 18 age divisions, the number of participants has grown to over 200.

“What we like to do is bring a past player in to talk to our kids,” Held said. “This year we’re trying to get some of our major league guys to come and speak to the kids, and we’re trying to bring our entire first-year team back so these kids can see that 20 years ago these guys were in their shoes. They might not be baseball players – they might be doctors or lawyers or what-not, but they’re successful people.”

What really sets the Bulls program apart is its commitment to Indiana. The organization includes only in-state players on its team rosters, with the exception of the team it takes to the Perfect Game WWBA World Championship. Maintaining that loyalty and going whole-hog Hoosier presents some challenges.

“Not being able to go outside of Indiana (to recruit players) is a bit of a challenge because we’re competing against teams that are drawing from different states and have a wider region to draw from,” Held said. “The fact that we’ve been so competitive for so many years says a lot about the Bulls, the coaches and what-not.”

It is the Bulls’ tradition-rich history that attracts the top Indiana – and in many cases, national – prospects to the organization. It’s not a difficult sell.

“We talk about the quality of our coaching staff and the fact that we’re going to get them into the best tournaments and the best platforms to showcase their talent so they can succeed and get a college scholarship, hopefully, or a professional contract,” Held said.

“We just try to get the best kids – our bylaws are set where we cannot get anybody outside of Indiana at this point. We try to sell that too, and say, ‘Hey, we’re promoting Indiana kids.’ We’re not trying to go out and get a Florida kid to come up here to Indiana to play.”

Held said the whole premise on which the Bulls program was built was based on the belief Indiana players weren’t getting scouted enough. “When it started, Dave felt like he needed to get them on the national scene a lot more,” Held said. “That was the whole reason the Bulls were brought about.”

The Lids Indiana Bulls sent six teams to five Perfect Game WWBA tournaments this summer and fall, including two to the WWBA 2012 Grads or 17u National Championship. Their youngest entry enjoyed the most success, winning its first six games before losing in the second round of the playoffs at the WWBA 2014 Grads or 15u National Championship.

The two teams at the WWBA 17u Nationals finished a combined 4-5-1, the entry at the WWBA 2013 Grads or 16u National Championship went 2-2-1 and a top group of 2013s and 2014s finished 3-2 at the WWBA Underclass World Championship. The group that went to Jupiter, Fla., for the WWBA World Championship in late October finished 1-3.

Eight prospects that had played on one of the other four WWBA tournament teams were part of that revamped WWBA World Championship squad. The group included 2013 middle-infielder Westin Edrington from Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Ind., the nation’s No. 161-ranked prospect (No. 5 Indiana, No. 9 middle-infield) in his class.

Edrington, who is yet to commit to a college, played in the WWBA 16u National Championship and was the only Bulls player to participate in both the WWBA Underclass World and WWBA World championships.

“Having moved from Colorado a little over a year ago, I have been extremely blessed ending up at an organization like the Bulls,” Edrington told Indiana Prep Baseball Report this summer. “Bulls coaches Dan Held, Quinn Moore, Jered Moore and Tony Cookerly have all played vital roles in my development as a player, as well as an individual.

“The Bulls are a top-rate organization and have been extremely instrumental in my recruiting process,” he continued. “I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for me so far. There is not a better organization in Indiana to be a part of.”

Third baseman/outfielder Adam Bolen of Russiaville; MIF/RHP Colin Hawk of Beech Grove; RHP Taylor Lehnert of Schererville; 1B/OF Ryan Levenhagen of Indianapolis and SS/RHP/3B/OF Isaac Sampen from Brownsville – all 2012s – were on both the WWBA 17u National and WWBA World rosters. Samuel Sampen, a 2013 SS/C from Brownsburg, was on the Bulls’ WWBA 16u National roster and RHP Johan Patten of Ossian was on the WWBA 15u National squad.

Hawk (Cincinnati), Lehnert (Central Michigan), Levenhagen (Army) and Isaac Sampen (Purdue) are all NCAA Division I recruits.

Seven other roster spots on the WWBA 17u team were filled by prospects already committed to D-I school: RHP Brian Ghiselli from West Lafayette (Miami of Ohio); MIF/3B Troy Kuhn from Zionsville (Ohio State); RHP/OF Nick McCarty of Noblesviille (Notre Dame); LHP Jimmy McNamara of Munster (Central Michigan); RHP Jake Post of Valparaiso (Ohio State); INF Drew Small from Zionsville (Butler) and C/MIF/OF Cody Strong from Lafayette (Purdue).

“It was a challenging year for us because we added our 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12-year-olds this year,” Held said of the season just completed. “That was a challenge for us, but we did well at the lower ages and we’re going to build from there. Our hope is that it helps us as those kids get older.”

The Lids Indiana Bulls organization is in the middle of huge undertaking: It is involved in building a complex with 26 baseball fields ranging in size from high school dimensions down to little league dimensions and there will also be an indoor facility, all at a location near Westfield, just north of Indianapolis.

“Our player development is just going to explode and it’s going to help our organization even more,” Held said. “People have been working a long time to get this put together, so I take my hat off to the guys that have been around here awhile.”

As 20 years of operation flows seamlessly into 25, 30 and beyond, the Lids Indiana Bulls legacy will only continue to develop. The list of first round draft picks that call themselves former Bulls will grow, as will Bulls alumni who make it all the way to the major leagues. There will probably be more doctors and lawyers, as well.

“I think we’re going to continue to grow,” Held said. “If there are opportunities for kids to play and get instruction and get into a facility to improve their skills, then I think absolutely there are places to grow there. I don’t think we’re set yet and I don’t think we’re going to really understand what’s going to happen when the facility is up and it allows us to really utilize it.”

Give us your feedback
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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....
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.