The Black Bear Classic, like the Louisville Open, had a high volume of talented players perform well--shocker I know. From highly projectable 2025 arms to college ready 2023 hitters there was a lot to like about Black Bear this year. 

Although there were plenty of committed guys who showed out this past week, the amount of quality available players calls for an uncommitted only edition of this blog series. This installment will include my Top 5 position players and Top 5 pitchers of Black Bear. 

Here is my "Top 5" from the 2022 Black Bear Classic:

Uncommitted Position Players:

1. (23,FL) 1B/RF Liam Oneil of Florida Burn Atlantic

Quite the campaign this week which started at the Black Bear Select Showcase. Turned some heads with his 102 EV and ability hit for power with his +bat speed. Then throughout the week he has proved he can hit for average and in the clutch as well. Went walk off grand slam on Saturday to mark his 2nd home run of the day; 7 RBIs on the day. Also contributed on championship day where he showed the ability to tone it down, hit a breaking ball, and work the other way. Impressive display of hitting all week long. 6'4" 245lbs. High academic.

2. ('23,FL) OF Devin Dizon of FL Dodgers

You don’t come across a true CF with a switch hitting tool and some juice very often. Also an incredible runner and threat on the bases. Current 6.5 60 that translates to in-game actions. As if that wasn’t enough he made an appearance on the mound during bracket play to help the Dodgers get the win and advance; got up to 88. Freakish athlete.

3. ('23,IL) C Andy Roman III of Atlanta Blue Jays

6'3" 205lbs. Offensively, has an early load and positive path. Flashed some power potential this week. Also fundamentally sound behind the plate. Sub 1.9 consistently. Blocked well and received the baseball pretty well. Makeup of a high level college catcher. 

4. (‘23,FL) 1B Jack Newman of FL Dodgers

Jack has been impressing with the bat for some time. Powerful LHH with a poised approach. Segments body well and is just fluent overall with his swing. Key bat in the Dodgers lineup this week and has produced over 10 hits and 4 XBHs. Mature presence, and a lot to like moving into his senior year.

5. (‘23,PR) 1B Jarrette Bonet of Prospect Factory VD

6’2'' 240lbs. His game at JB Owens this week did not yield crazy results, but I really like this swing and presence in the box. Simply put, Bonet is not the guy you want to face if you are a pitcher. Aggressive mentality and violent hacks with a chance to homer at any time. Pure pro tools with polishing. He was up to 92 on the bump at the Palm Beach Classic and mixed in an impressive BB up to 82. Legit 2-way prospect. TOPPS alumni. 

Uncommitted Position Player Honorable Mention:

1. ('24,FL) 1B/RHP Ty Velardo of Knights Knation

Quite literally single handedly won Black Bear for the Knights Knation. 6IP and 1ER and a monster 3-run HR in the championship to win 4-1. Went 10-19 on the tourney. 6' 210lb power LHH. Bat speed and path are advanced. Impressive X-factor prior to and at launch. Picture perfect high finish.

Uncommitted Pitchers:

1. ('25,MD) RHP Nathan Wines of API Cavs

6'4" 180lbs. H3/4 slot with incredible combo between FB and BB. FB sat 85 and peaked at 87. Marquee BB had some sharp action at 72. CH was spotted at 76. Drew quite the crowd and is developing collegiate interest early in his HS career. Going to be a power arm once he develops even more and adds weight.

2. ('25,AL) RHP Logan Colon of NLB

Interesting development out of Dothan, AL. Really quick arm who creates a ton of speed and separation moving downhill. Colon was sitting 83-85 and topped 87 with a good bit of arm side run. Hammer CB was at 68-71. Just a great young arm with plenty more coming soon.

3. (24,NC) RHP Wes Estes of 5 Star Carolina

An athletic 6’1” 180lb build. Was in the upper 8s topping out at 89. BB was 79-80. Gets some run with the FB at times. Cool demeanor with a strong blocking leg and tons of whip at ball release; twitchy. Estes drew a pretty large gallery at JB Owens this week. This arm will certainly be followed by competitive college programs after this weeks outing if they weren't already keeping tabs on Estes before.

4. ('24,OH) RHP Henry Slaby of Release Baseball

6'1" 205lbs. High usage FB up to 88, sitting mid 8s. OSs were upper 7s for both CH and BB. BB also stood out with some horizontal depth. Strike % was impressive in his outing; game moved along quickly with Slaby on the bump. 

5 (‘24,NC) RHP Zachary Gaydos of Charlotte Megastars 2024

This 15 year old arm has been up to 88 in the past, but during 2 outings this week he sat 82-84 and topped 86. He worked off of the fastball well with a CB at 72-73. Whippy arm stays on a good track throughout. High ceiling build at 6'2" 170. Once he puts on more weight he will have a chance to be an impact arm. Also a great student.