Top Profiles of 2020: No. 5 Walter Ford
Mon December 28, 2020
Austin Sharp
Director of Scouting
We continue our countdown of the Top Profiles of 2020 with '23 3B/RHP Walter Ford (Hoover) who comes in at No. 5. Ford, who is ranked #1 in the Alabama 2023 class and #33 nationally, doubles as a power hitting 3B and a dominant pitcher on the mound. Ford is an Alabama baseball commit.
The 6-2 190 pound 3B/RHP was very impressive this summer at the East Coast Sox Scout Day as he showed a 93 mph exit velocity and also jumped on the mound and showed his normal impressive stuff as he was up to 91 mph with a wipeout breaking ball. Ford is a guy that can easily continue to do both throughout his his high school career and when he arrives in Tuscaloosa in the fall of 2023.
Scouting Report
On the mound, Ford showed premium stuff and arm strength. Really pounded the zone with all three pitches from an athletic delivery. The fastball obviously came out of the hand easily and showed some late life. The fastball sat 89-91 mph with spin rates in the mid 2100’s- low 2300’s. The breaking ball showed sharp downward tilt at 75-78 mph. The change up showed plus deception in the lower 80’s and can be a plus pitch. Explosive arm. Ford was also impressive during the infield portion and he showed nice range laterally and the arm strength once again jumped out as he was 88 to 1B. The feet are even in the stance at the plate and he shows a simple, yet powerful approach at the plate. There is slight tilt in the swing plane and the barrel shows some violence in the hitting zone. Showed a middle to pull side approach and was 89 mpg off the tee. A definite two way ‘23 big time guy.