Baseball: Boldt's stock soaring

Ryan Boldt signed 850 autographs during his trip to Cary, N.C., to try-out for Team USA Baseball's 18U team in June.

The way the soon-to-be senior played this summer, he should probably get used to it.

Boldt, who has verbally committed to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, had an incredible junior season for Red Wing High School, hitting .423 with 28 RBI, three home runs and 16 stolen bases but it's his performances this summer that are gaining him the most attention.

"You got to make the most of your opportunities," Boldt, 17, said. "Especially in these showcases. ... It's great exposure and great experience to be able to face the guys that eventually you're going to have to be able to hit. It's just an extra step in preparing for the future."

At the most recent showcase, the Area Code Games Aug. 5-10 in Long Beach, Calif., Boldt went 2-for-8 with a walk and four runs scored for the 2012 Chicago White Sox's Area Code team.

He was one of 26 players from the Midwest picked for the team, including Logan Shore, of Coon Rapids, Minn. Shore had two RBI and allowed one hit in four innings on the mound without walking a hitter.

Boldt connected for a triple Tuesday and showed off an arm that continues to get stronger. Those skills are making an impact on scouts.

"2013 OF Ryan Boldt (Red Wing, MN) hammered 3B to RCF, 98 off the bat, 4.32 home to 1st w turn. Legit bat speed, legit wheels," tweeted Todd Gold, a scouting coordinator for Perfect Game USA.

Perfect Game USA is known for developing and promoting high school baseball players and will host the Aug. 12 Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego where Boldt will play for the West team.

The game should boost Boldt's draft potential: 23 players from the 2011 classic were selected in the first seven rounds of this year's Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

Aaron Fitt, national writer for Baseball America, was also intrigued with Boldt's talent.

"Impressed with #Huskers recruit Ryan Boldt, who showed solid, accurate arm from CF, then hit stand-up triple to right-center and scored," Fitt tweeted Tuesday.

Boldt said he also nearly hit a home run Thursday, the ball hooked foul, and a coach from his team approached his parents and told them Boldt had "made some coin this week," with his performances.

"I feel good with how I played this weekend," Boldt said. "It's just nice to see that people notice what you're doing. Coaches have given me good feedback."

Boldt continues to succeed against top competition and is cementing his place as one of the nation's top high school players.

"Everyone I've talked to has said, 'Just keep doing what you're doing. You're showing well and you're doing really well,'" Boldt said. "I'm picking up things little by little and learning a lot."

The final step in Boldt's journey will be the last try-out for Team USA Baseball's 18U team Aug. 17-22 in Fullerton and Los Angeles. Boldt made the 28-man roster but will need to secure a spot on the 20-man roster in order to compete in the International Baseball Federation Junior 18 World Championships in Seoul, Korea, Aug. 30-Sept. 8.

Despite getting to play in front of numerous scouts at the other tournaments, Boldt said his favorite memories from this summer surround his time competing for Team USA.

"Just being able to wear USA across your chest is pretty important to me and a pretty special thing," he said. "I really hope (I make it)."

Tags: red wing, sports, prep, baseball