One month prior to this year’s draft, outfielder Seth Schwindenhammer gave what the Boston Red Sox hope is a premonition of things to come.
While playing in the second annual Statewide Showdown in Bartonville, Ill., Schwindenhammer led his Limestone Community High team to a 10-1 romp over Peoria Notre Dame by going 3-for-4 including two home runs – one a grand slam – and finishing with seven RBI.
He also doubled off two runners at first base while playing center field.
Schwindenhammer was picked by Boston in the fifth round and accepted a $175,000 signing bonus which meant he opted not to play for the University of Illinois after signing a letter of intent.
He was assigned to Boston’s affiliate in the Gulf Coast Rookie League, where his first taste of pro ball was bittersweet.In 36 games with the Gulf Coast Red Sox,
Schwindenhammer hit only .192 (24-124) with zero home runs and 10 RBI.
As a senior in high school, Schwindenhammer hit .434 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI – which followed a junior year during which he hit .425 with 13 homers and 42 RBI.
Prep Baseball Report listed him as the No. 3 hitter and as having the No. 8 fastball in Illinois for the Class of 2009.
Boston scouted Schwindenhammer several times, including an April session during which he hit 15 of 35 pitches out of his high school field.
Schwindenhammer, who hits from the left side, is rated as having a balanced swing, a strong arm and the ability to hit to all fields – with power.
While at Limestone, he played left, center and first base and also pitched but was assigned to play the outfield (he played left with the Gulf Coast Red Sox).
Schwindenhammer is projected to kick off his 2010 season with Lowell.
