Palmetto Blacksmiths Scout Day: A Showcase of Emerging Talent
On May 23rd, the Palmetto Blacksmiths Scout Day convened at Lexington County BallPark in Lexington, South Carolina, drawing a diverse group of high school prospects eager to demonstrate their abilities in a pro‑style setting.
The day’s agenda featured a comprehensive pro‑style workout: a 60‑yard dash, pitcher bullpens measured with TrackMan, defensive drills, and batting practice that incorporated TrackMan’s ball‑flight analytics to capture exit velocity, distance and launch angle.
Among the standout performers, Theo Lima of P27 Baseball Academy in Ontario posted the highest peak exit velocity at 103.9 mph and also led the field with an average exit velocity of 92.4 mph, while his longest recorded hit traveled 377 feet.
Allen Hegler, a local prospect from Lexington, followed with a peak exit velocity of 97.7 mph, and Mason Phelps from the same area achieved the greatest average distance at 287 feet, underscoring the depth of talent in the host state.
Launch‑angle data revealed distinct profiles: Phillip Euper of Bishop England High School topped the line‑drive category with an 83 % rate, whereas Mason Phelps registered a perfect 100 % fly‑ball percentage, and Landyn Cox of Berkeley posted an 88 % ground‑ball rate, illustrating varied approaches at the plate.
Participating Schools and Regional Reach
The event gathered athletes from a wide array of institutions across South Carolina and neighboring states, including Fountain Inn High, Lucy Beckham, Blue Ridge, St. Johns High School, D.W. Daniel High, Ashley Ridge, Rock Hill, Bishop England High School, Pro5 Academy, Stratford High School, Hammond School, White Knoll, Woodmont, Dutch Fork, Berkeley, Blythewood, Chapin, Georgetown, Cardinal Newman, Trinity Collegiate, Camden, Fort Dorchester, Travelers Rest, and many others.
Scouts and coaches noted that the blend of athletic testing and data‑driven performance metrics provides a valuable benchmark for players aiming to advance to collegiate and professional levels, while also offering insight into regional development trends.
The day concluded with a celebration of the athletes’ efforts, highlighting not only the quantitative results but also the competitive spirit that defines the next generation of baseball talent in the Southeast.