This article was taken from Extra Innings, the BCA Newsletter.  Throughout the season, freshmen and sophomore players from across the country are nominated for Baseball Factory’s Rookie of the Year title.  In the end, one candidate will receive the honor of being named the Baseball Factory Rookie of the Year. Baseball Factory congratulates all of the nominees and wishes them the best of luck.

Tom Ebert

Shanley High, Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo, ND – While his freshman pitching record wasn’t anything to rave about, sophomore Tom Ebert draws the highest praise from Shanley High Coach Joel Swanson.

“I’ve never seen a kid like this,” Swanson says of the 6-6, 225-pound right-hander. “He has three good pitches and there’s no change in his delivery on them.”

Ebert had a 3-2 record, but had no decision in three games he should have won. As the ace on the Deacons’ staff he had 68 strikeouts and 13 walks in 49 innings. His ERA was 2.12 and .158 against him.

Ebert, who had a mid-80s fastball last season, should increase his velocity.

“He’s the hardest working kid I’ve had in my 11 years of coaching,” said Swanson. “Tom has all the tools and has the right attitude. He’s very coachable.”