09/05/2024 - All-Ripken Games - Baltimore, MD Nicholas, a strong and gifted catcher/INF/RHP, recently stood out with an impressive performance at the Ripken Games in Maryland. In the field, Nicholas showed excellent technique, consistently fielding everything out in front of his body, which contributed to his sure hands and defensive reliability. Behind the plate, his arm strength is a major asset, clocking in at 75 mph with a pop time of 2.40 seconds. As he progresses in his baseball career, refining his blocking technique on balls in the dirt will be key to his development. On the mound, Nicholas displayed his competitive nature, achieving a strong balance point over the rubber and consistently working in the zone. His fastball is heavy, sitting between 70-72 mph, and his curveball has a sharp 11-5 shape, ranging from 57-59 mph, making it a difficult pitch for hitters to track. At the plate, Nicholas swings with intent and showcased significant pull-side power, registering an impressive 89 mph exit velocity. His offensive performance was outstanding, collecting five hits, including two home runs, during game action, demonstrating his ability to produce at a high level. Overall, Nicholas’s combination of defensive strength, pitching competitiveness, and powerful hitting makes him a standout player with a bright future ahead. As he continues to develop his defensive skills behind the plate, he has the potential to excel at all aspects of the game.