Few players from Illinois have created the amount of buzz that LHP Jack Bauer (Lincoln-Way East, 2025) created this past spring, taking the internet by storm when he set the record for fastest high school fastball ever thrown at 102.8 mph. 

Bauer soared up draft boards just as his fastball velocity continued to rise as well, routinely pitching in front of dozens of MLB scouts that camped out for hours before the game even started. Though dancing around a pitch limit, Bauer still was able to make Third Team All-State for us after striking out 58 in just 29.2 innings with a 2.36 ERA and .111 BAA. Projected to go in the first round, Bauer opted to go to Mississippi State where he will have a chance to make an immediate impact. He’s touted as the top incoming freshman to make it to campus per D1 Baseball and Prep Baseball, already turning heads in Starksville with his triple-digit heater. 

Clearly, other players around the state were taking notes, as our staff clocked over 65 arms at 90 mph or higher throughout the spring, the most we’ve ever recorded. Already known as one of the premier cold-weather baseball states, Illinois continues to put itself on the map with high-end talent, sending players to the draft at a high clip more and more as the years go on. 

Our staff is itching to get back out there this spring and see what this year’s crop has to offer. 

2025 Illinois Heat Sheet 

Related Content