RHP Henry Humes (Homewood-Flossmoor, 2026) is primed for a big spring ahead, coming off a successful summer and fall circuit that resulted in a commitment to Northwestern. The big right-hander is one of the top arms in the state, currently ranked No. 29 overall, and he’s long been a polished, mature arm. 

The ceiling and floor combination makes Humes highly intriguing as someone that could make an early impact at the collegiate level, but also continue to elevate himself drastically. Listed at 6-foot-6, 185-pounds, he’s extremely projectable and long-limbed with much more room to add strength - already boasting a fastball that will reach the 90 mph mark. The real separator for Humes at the moment is his changeup that he can throw whenever he wants for a strike, mimicking the fastball out of the hand and garnering plenty of swing/miss. He will be a fun one to follow throughout the years as his best days are still ahead. 

We recently had the chance to talk to Henry about his recruitment process, plus some other fun topics, below. 

Our Q&A 

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Henry: My expectations throughout the recruiting process stayed consistent even after I reopened my recruitment. I was looking for a high academic and athletic program that I felt was going to develop me the best.

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

H: It did. I realized ultimately I wanted to stay in the Midwest and close to home. 

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

H: The recruiting process started to heat back up the day I reopened my recruitment. It stayed steady throughout the summer, then hit a bigger wave after the State Games. Northwestern first saw me at a camp in the fall of 2024, but after I reopened my recruitment they saw me at the State Games and followed me throughout the fall.

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

H: So many things to love about Northwestern and the baseball program, first being the coaching staff. Coach Greenspan, Coach Rost, Coach Keizer, and Coach Jefferies made me feel extremely comfortable and the culture around the baseball program feels like family. Another important factor that played a big role was the academics, the prestigious university and campus stood out compared to other schools. 

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

H: Columbia, Illinois, Illinois State, Bradley, Valpo and Toledo.

PB: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

H: Conor Essenburg. It felt like even when he didn’t put a great swing on it, the ball still flew. Hard to get whiffs out of him.

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

H: After my freshman spring on varsity with HF. Players like Dillon Head and Rob Tate made me realize I could hang with top teams as early as my freshman year.

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

H: Be passionate with everything you do on and off the field. Stay consistent and buy into your programs/coaching. Ask questions and always put yourself out there. Take advice from @udctrained, wouldn’t be where I am without the hitters organization.

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

H: My most memorable moment in my baseball career was definitely this fall in Jupiter. The experience was next level and being surrounded by great talent and guys. One of the most genuine and talented groups I’ve ever played on.

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

H: We are going to be a pitching dominant team with an experienced staff. We return all of our innings from last year and have made great strides so far into the offseason. Bats like Mikey Watson and Brock Hamilton will be the core in our lineup and can make a big impact. Our schedule is tough but that’s what we want. I'm excited to see how we do this spring and have high expectations for a deep playoff run.

PB: How did the Future Games and the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the events?

H: The Illinois State Games made my recruiting process heat up quick. Being able to perform in front of so many schools all right there is like no other event. I received much more attention after the event.

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

H: Chase Lockwood’s pitchability

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

H: Brock Hamilton. 

PB: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain. 

H: Prep Baseball did help me tremendously throughout my recruiting. The summer and fall tournaments were always great and brought in amazing programs throughout the country. The tweets and constant updates of my outings also helped keep coaches up to date and gain the interest from schools that weren’t able to see me in person. Very grateful for Prep Baseball.

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