2025 Prep Baseball Iowa State Games: Blast Metrics
August 18, 2025
Fort Dodge, Iowa - On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Prep Baseball traveled to the Iowa Central's Rogers Sports Complex to host the Prep Baseball Iowa State Games event. This invite-only event featured over 130 prospects, including 85 ranked players, from the class of 2026 through 2028s. Thank you to the players, coaches and the Iowa Central staff for such a great event.
There were a number of great individual performances this year at the Iowa State Games event.
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Below we have listed the leaders for hitting metrics captured from Blast Motion at the event.
BLAST’S CORE METRICS
Before we assess individual performers, it’s critical to understand the value and application of each metric and average and top numbers at each level.
BAT SPEED
Definition: The velocity of the bat barrel at contact, measured in miles per hour (mph).
Why It Matters: Higher bat speed increases exit velocity potential and improves a hitter’s ability to drive the ball with authority. It is the foundational predictor of raw power.
Benchmarks for top recruits:
- Elite: 73-plus mph
- Above-Average: 69-72 mph
- Developmental: Below 65 mph (depending on age/class)
ROTATIONAL ACCELERATION
Definition: Measures how quickly (forcefully) a hitter’s bat accelerates into the swing (measured in Gs).
Why It Matters: High RA allows hitters to delay their swing decisions and still generate a high level of power—a crucial skill against velocity and pitch sequencing. It brings down time to contact and is a player’s power ceiling.
Benchmarks:
- Elite: 17g or higher
- Competitive: 12-16.9g
- Work on it: Below 12g
ON-PLANE EFFICIENCY% (OPE)
Definition: The percentage of the swing in which the bat barrel is on the same plane. Paired with a positive attack angle, it will keep the bat “on the ball” for a longer period of time.
Why It Matters: High OPE indicates an efficient swing and usually more opportunity for contact. It improves barrel control and raises both batting average and contact quality.
Benchmarks:
- Elite: 80% or higher
- Very Good: 70-79%
- Needs Improvement: Below 60%
PEAK HAND SPEED
Definition: Maximum speed of the hands during the swing.
Why It Matters: High hand speed allows for better reaction time, quicker barrel path initiation, and effective swing adjustments, especially against advanced pitching.
Benchmarks:
- Elite: 23-plus mph
- Strong: 20-22.9 mph
- Developing: <18 mph
For a complete list of Blast Motion metrics and averages by age/level of play, click here.