Flintridge Prep ace Ben Grable had a memorable junior season with an earned run average of 2.30 and 45 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings.
The Rebel pitcher was just as good in the batter’s box with an average of .475, 35 runs batted in, seven doubles and six home runs, earning him a spot on Cal-Hi Sports small schools first team infield in its All-State list.
The standout remained hot during the summer, competing in various showcases and tournaments en route to becoming one of the top baseball recruits in the area.
“It was kind of crazy,” Grable said. “Going into the summer, I didn’t think it would go like this. It was just like a domino effect.”
Grable capped the summer with a stellar performance in the Area Code Games, which featured more than 200 of the best high school baseball players in the country. In the showcase tournament, Grable played with other local athletes on the Brewers and tossed two innings, striking out two in a scoreless tie against the Yankees.
“It was surreal,” said Grable, who was the player of the game. “On our team alone, we had about 25 guys and seven All-Americans,” he said. “The competition level is high. Everyone was throwing between 90 to 95 [miles per hour]. I tried to throw as hard as I could.”
Grable also made a big decision during the summer by committing to Northwestern. He visited the UC Santa Barbara and Cal campuses but ultimately chose to become a Wildcat.
“What separated it for me was a chance to play early and the coaching staff,” Grable said. “I really like the way they work out there.”
Grable is done with summer showcases and and will continue the play with the SoCal Giants scout team.
