Wanted to highlight the season my guy @lukethelen5 just finished up! He trended up the entire season and really killed it down the stretch, tossing 17 innings with 23ks and just 5 walks in his last 10 appearances.
In 2023, Luke had an up and down year marred by too many walks. His fastball velo was nowhere near its potential and he didn’t have a consistent off-speed pitch. His slider profiled as more of a slow cutter (lots of vert, 0” horizontal).
Fast forward to 2024, and Luke has completely reinvented himself. Command obviously improved. Velocity went way up. He improved his slider shape by adding an average of 8 inches to the horizontal break. This led to increased confidence in that pitch and it showed in his usage (15% in ‘23 —-> 31% in ‘24 🔥).
Believe it or not, Luke didn’t think about mechanics at all to get to this point. He prioritized being an ATHLETE over everything by making more athletic throws in catch play on a daily basis. You can’t overthink if you don’t think, right? Luke also attributes a mental shift to his success. He refocused on his faith and playing for something bigger than himself!
Can’t wait to see where Luke goes from here. We will see if any MLB clubs could use a 100 mph arm in the draft next month 😉
@TreadHQ
First look at Luke Thelen (rhp, @WMUBaseball). 6’5”/210 RS Jr. was good in relief today against Indiana State. Touched 97 mph twice. Here he is punching out a good hitter in Sycamore SS Randal Diaz.
3IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 4K.
FB: 92-96/97
SL: 78-80
BRONCOS WIN!!! A 7-run 1st and a career night from @DylanNevar leads Western Michigan to an 18-7 win at Michigan State!
Nevar: 4-6, 2B, 3B, 2HR, 5RBI
@cade_sullivan: 2-5, 4RBI
@Charps4040 / @gavindoyle0: 3H, 3R, 2RBI each
#LetsRide
Meet the 2021 Clippers - @LukeThelen5
Luke is a right handed pitcher coming to the Clippers from @WMUBaseball ! This 6'5", 210 lbs right hander hails from Caldedonia, MI! Welcome to Muskegon Luke!
#clipsarehot@GLSCL
I am extremely excited and blessed to announce my commitment to Spring Arbor University to continue my academic and baseball career. Huge thanks to my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me. #GoCougars@SAUCougarsBSB@DiamondsBB616@WO__Baseball
Diamonds 17u Weekend Rotation: @ 2020 17u ABC Championship at Grand Park, Westfield Indiana
GAME 1
Thursday 7-9 @ 4pm @ Grand Park Field D 07
vs STIKS Academy
Starter: RHP @LukeThelen5 2020 @WMUBaseball commit.
From Sunday: @17uDiamonds2020 & @WMUBaseball signee Luke Thelen hit a two-run home run in a tournament in Toledo, Ohio.
If you’re a travel baseball/softball coach & would like to share photos/videos/stats during this summer, email me: [email protected]! ⚾️
Several travel baseball programs are getting their summer started, including @17uDiamonds2020.
We spoke with them as they get set for their first summer tournament of 2020.
Story: https://t.co/sAN4bOcZlJ
Diamonds 17u Weekend Rotation:
Thursday 6-18 @ 2:15
Game 1 @ Huron Valley Athletic Complex @LukeThelen5 vs Michigan Blue Jays Justice
Thursday 6-18 @ 6pm
Game 2 @ Lakeland High School @JakeMonroe28 vs Hawks Gold.
Travel baseball is returning for several programs here in West Michigan, including @diamondshoover & his 17u team.
Catch the full story tonight during @FOX17 News at 10!