We're a couple months removed from the fall signing period closing that saw the Flames sign another nice early class. Liberty has added a couple more pitchers that will pitch in the Spring for their respective schools before enrolling in the Summer to be part of the 23 team.
23 & 24 Class Verbal Commits
Brandon Clarke - Clarke is a big time get for the program. He's a lefty that began his career at Alabama before transferring to State College of Florida where he will pitch this spring before enrolling at LU in the Summer. Clarke is a hard throwing 6'4 LHP that was originally from Ashburn, VA. He exhibits some nasty knee buckling type off speed stuff in his video that appears to have really been refined since his Bama days. He can sit 92-94 but I've heard multiple reports of Clarke touching 97 mph. If Clarke flashes he could get drafted fairly high with that kind of stuff. He will definitely be one to keep an eye on in the Spring. Command will be key in Clarke's development and ceiling.
Caleb Lingenfelter - Liberty also added a commitment from RHP Caleb Lingenfelter from Roanoke College. Lingenfelter made 11 appearances including 8 starts during the 2022 season. He threw 54 total innings and had a 2.83 ERA and averaged roughly 8 K's per 9 innings. Liberty has a had a lot of success with this type of guy over the years.
The Flames will continue to add to the class all the way into the Summer as the portal opens. For now, let's turn our attention to the 24-25 class. Right now Liberty has 3 commitments for the class.
24-25 Class
Macaddin Dye - Dye just committed on Friday after recently attending a prospect camp. He's a 6'2 switch hitting Catcher from Cox High School in VA Beach. He appears to bring some athleticism to the Catcher position. Liberty has had some great athletes behind the plate over the years from Gray Betts to Casey Rasmus to Errol Hollinger.
Sawyer Black - Black is a 6"0 185 LH outfield prospect from just over the VA border in Oak Ridge NC. He plays his HS ball at Wesleyan Christian. Black shows a good swing plane and pretty solid exit velo that is pretty consistently in the 90 mph range. Black also appears to have solid speed and plays pretty good defense as well.
Bridger Hamilton - Hamilton is a 6'0 165 lb RHP from Silver County HS in Seymour TN. On the mound his fastball was reportedly up to 92 in July according to Perfect Game. He shows some good life and movement on the fastball on video and appears to feature a nice 2 seamer or cutter. He reminds me a little bit of former Flame Trey Lambert both in stature and his mechanics. He appears to be another prospect that will continue to add weight/strength and may just be scratching the surface of his ceiling as well was a Pitcher.
It's relatively early but I expect Liberty to add 2 or 3 more arms to the early class and another position player or 2. The Flames have pretty consistently signed 6 to 8 in the early class each year.
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