Video: 6-foot-11 pitcher Sean Hjelle towers over high school baseball competition
Sean Hjelle Highlights - Mahtomedi (MN) Video: 6-foot-11 Sean Hjelle high school baseball highlights
Mahtomedi (Minn.) ace strikes out nine in a victory over Hill-Murray.
High school baseball players in Minnesota will never get the opportunity to swing a bat against Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson, but some of them can get a good idea of what it's like when they face Mahtomedi (Minn.) pitcher Sean Hjelle.
Johnson was one of the tallest pitchers in Major League Baseball history, standing 6-foot-10. His left-handed sidearm delivery and triple-digit mph fastball made him one of the most fearsome pitchers in league history.
Hjelle, a righthander, might not have the 100 mph fastball just yet, but he can certainly match Johnson in the height department. Standing 6-foot-11, Hjelle is an imposing figure on the mound for Mahtomedi opponents.
So far this season, the Kentucky recruit is 2-0 and has not allowed an earned run while giving up five hits and striking out 16. He won a 1-0 shutout against Henry Sibley on April 8, throwing a one-hitter with seven strikeouts. Against Hill-Murray on Wednesday, Hjelle struck out nine in a 2-1 victory (see video above).
Hjelle's fastball has been clocked at 86-89 mph. He is listed by Perfect Game as the top pitching prospect in Minnesota and the state's No. 2 prospect overall.
Also a basketball player, Hjelle will not play the sport for John Calipari's Wildcats next season. Instead he will focus on pitching. Hjelle averaged 15 points per game in basketball his senior season.
