Two UK Baseball recruits named 2021 All-Americans

With the 2021 clubhouse essentially set over at Kentucky Proud Park, it’s never too hard to look into the future in hopes of some optimism. Two future Wildcats were thrust into the national spotlight this past week as Perfect Game announced the rosters to their annual All-American Classic

CADEN DANA

The 17-year-old right-hander from upstate New York has been riding a pretty meteoric rise since he dazzled at the Perfect Game National Showcase last month down in St. Petersburg. With the New York area being almost a barren wasteland when it comes to top baseball talent, Dana has had to make the short drive down I-87 into North Jersey to go play his high school ball at Don Bosco Prep. A school more recognized for its football prowess. He only threw five times during this high school season and came away with some pretty pedestrian numbers, pitching to a 4.90 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP while logging 23 strikeouts in 20.2 innings.

So Proud to say that I have been truly blessed to receive the opportunity to be a Perfect Game All-American!! pic.twitter.com/JA8skE1d5p

— Caden Dana (@Cadendana_1217) July 29, 2021

So given that he struck out all six batters he faced at the National Showcase a few weeks ago, I really don’t think it’s necessary to take any stock in his numbers during high school ball. The kid isn’t even a senior in high school yet and he’s showing the makeup to pitch under the brightest lights, surely useful in the SEC. Already sitting at 6-5 and 225 lb, Dana has one of the highest ceilings of UK recruits in the near future. That’s also if he ever gets to Lexington.

Tommy Specht

You want projectable bodies? We got projectable bodies.

Joining Dana in the All-American Classic is fellow UK commit Tommy Specht. The outfielder just turned 17 a month ago and already sits at an athletically lanky 6-3 190 lb. With advanced sprint speed, arm strength and bat speed at such a young age, it’s way too easy to start salivating at the potential this kid could have in the outfield for the Wildcats. He was just as impressive during his junior season in high school. The Iowa native slashed a .439 batting average en route to a 1.237 OPS on the year.

Blessed to be selected for the Perfect Game All-American classic! pic.twitter.com/6qcRln141a

— Tommy Specht (@tommyspecht34) July 29, 2021

These two are surefire headliners in the 2022 recruiting class for the Wildcats, breathing a sense of optimism on the program bryond the upcoming season. So, if you want to watch your future ‘Cats, set the calendar for August 22.