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  • Cullman High ace Keegan Thompson, an early Auburn commitment, works from the mound during a playoff series against Pinson Valley.

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May 11, 2011

PREP BASEBALL: BUDDING PHENOM

Thompson thriving in role as Bearcats' ace

By Justin Graves The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — Like most youngsters growing up around a baseball diamond, Keegan Thompson once dreamed about playing in the big leagues.

That dream doesn’t seam quite so far fetched anymore.

Not at the pace the Cullman High sophomore is progressing.

Just a shade past 16 years old, Thompson has gone from bright rising star to one of the country’s top young prospects.

A 6-foot, 160-pound right-hander who is already catching the eyes of pro scouts, what Thompson has done on the mound is almost frightening — especially considering his young age.

With a fastball ranging in the low 90s, a nasty four-pitch arsenal and pinpoint command of all his pitches, Thompson has been the definition of dominant in top-ranked Cullman’s run to the Class 5A semifinals. The Bearcats (43-9) host No. 6 Athens (36-4) in a best-of-three series beginning Friday at 5 p.m.

Thompson expected to play a prominent role this season.

“Before the season, Coach (Brent) Patterson told me I’d probably be our No. 1 starter,” said Thompson, an early Auburn commitment. “When I heard that, I loved it.”

Thompson has lived up to Patterson’s lofty expectations — and then some. At 8-1 on the season with a 1.45 ERA, he’s done nothing but consistently win.

And embarrass opposing hitters.

In 72 innings, Thompson has amassed 107 strikeouts while walking 14. Opposing teams are hitting a dismal 1.32 against the right-hander.

Not that Patterson is surprised. The Bearcats coach knew he had a budding star before Thompson ever moved up to the varsity ranks.

“We knew in the offseason that he was going to be awfully tough,” Patterson said. “His velocity was up and his offspeed stuff was starting to go to another level.

“He’s also more mature … more composed and pitches like a senior. He’s way ahead of the curve.”

Thompson burst onto the scene last spring, emerging as a steady No. 2 pitcher behind Chase Mathis.

But now one year later, Thompson has gone from very good to great.

The difference is a better command of his offspeed pitches, something he credits assistant coach Shannon Fondren with.

“Before this year, I could only throw my fastball for strikes,” Thompson said. “But I have better command of offspeed stuff now and that helps me keep hitters off-balance.”

A devastating fastball hasn’t hurt, either.

“Last year I was around 82 to 86 (miles per hour) with my fastball,” he said. “Now I’m 88 to 90 on a bad day. That’s made a big difference.

“I’ll also say this, our offense has helped me out tremendously. It’s always a little bit easier to pitch when you’ve got a lead, like I’ve usually had.”

That increased velocity was on display in the opening round of the playoffs, where Thompson struck out 15 of the 16 batters he faced while tossing a no-hitter against Madison County.

In that game, Thompson’s first pitch hit 91 miles per hour on the radar gun. And his last?

Well, the screen read 93 miles per hour.

Guess it’s safe to say Thompson isn’t lacking pure raw talent, huh? But the youngster has spent a lifetime honing his craft, too.

A travel ball product, Thompson has traveled the country playing baseball since he was 10 years old. At age 12, he flew up to Cooperstown, N.Y., to play in a tournament, and at 13, he went to Omaha, Neb., with a travel team.

Now Thompson is reaping the rewards from the countless hours he’s devoted to baseball.

Following last season, Thompson gave Auburn a verbal commitment after the Tigers extended a full scholarship offer. Alabama offered to pay for 80 percent of his education — both extremely rare ratios for NCAA programs.

But now professional franchises are trying to get into the mix.

“I got a letter from the Mets earlier this year, and a scout from the Braves was asking my brother (Chase) about me at one of his (Calhoun) games this year,” Thompson said. “But I haven’t really put a lot of thought into that right now. I already have a scholarship and the only thing I’m worried about right now is helping our team win a championship.”

‰ Justin Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 257 or by email at jgraves@cullmantimes.com.

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