MWBL Draft Central – February 20th, 2021 – 10:45 AM ET

With the first pick of the 2021 MWBL Draft, the Harsens Island Walleyes select Jack Leiter, a right-handed pitcher from Vanderbilt University. 

Walleye management, led by GM Jamie Campbell, is pleased to add a high-impact, potentially front-end rotation piece to an already formidable stable that includes Sixto Sanchez and Kumar Rocker. 

Leiter, the son of former major league All-Star and World Champion Al Leiter (and nephew of former MLB pitcher Mark Leiter), is the latest in a long list of Vanderbilt hurlers to go early in the draft and hopes to emulate their success. He will turn 21 in April.

Scouts are impressed with his repertoire, but Leiter’s signature pitch is a 12-to-6 curve, which he can land for strikes or get hitters to chase out of the zone. He has an advanced feel for spin-rate and also has a distinct low-80s slider that some evaluators think has more upside than his curve.

Leiter’s freshman season was cut short by COVID-19, but in 15.2 IP, he had a 0.83 WHIP, 1.72 ERA, 12.6 strikeouts per 9 innings, with 22 strikeouts and only three hits. 

At 6’0” he is somewhat small for a starter but has been compared to fellow Vandy hurler Sonny Gray. He has excellent mechanics, which enhance a low-to-mid 90s fastball, and he hides the ball well with deceptive arm action. 

Teammates and coaches have uniformly praised Leiter’s competitiveness, work ethic, and poise. Coaches were also impressed with his ability to come up with a game plan and execute it. 

Leiter’s combination of physical talent, emotional and mental maturity and family bloodlines has Walleyes fans and management looking forward to watching a future ace. 

Once again, with their first-ever top overall pick, the Harsens Island Walleyes have selected Vanderbilt University right-handed pitcher Jack Leiter.

The 2021 Mid-West Baseball League Draft is scheduled for Saturday, February 20th, 2021 at 10:30 AM ET.

The 2021 MWBL Draft Order has now been posted (NOT) including the winning lottery teams & the complete 336 Pick, 12 Round Selection Order has been posted.

The 2021 MWBL Draft Order

Again this year will be the start time of 10:45 AM ET to allow the West Coast Franchise Owners a few extra minutes of sleep.   Please be advised that with this start time, the 2021 MWBL Draft will conclude later in the day for the East Coast Contingent, so please adjust your plans accordingly.

Rounds (13-15), will NOT be available this year, as all teams have carried 35+ forward into 2021 due to the Covid19 Ruleset for MWBL. 

2021 MWBL SEASON A SPRINT – NOT A MARATHON!

With the shortened 2020 MLB season the MWBL Commissioner’s Office has made some adjustments accordingly for the 2021 MWBL Season & beyond.

 Draft Date – February 20th, 2021 (no change)

• The MWBL 2021 Season will consist of 66 regular-season games.
• 26-week season – Starting approximately March 9th. (2 and 3 games series per week)
  • This is about the same length of schedule that we do now in real life weeks
• League Manager Start Date will be July 19th, 2021
• There will be NO Divisions, just American League & National League
  • Each team play will be play 12 teams in their league a total of 5 games & 1 team a total of 6 games.
    • The one extra game will ensure that all teams play 33 home and 33 road games
    • It will be a random draw on which extra team you will play
  • Trading of Draft Picks Rounds 1-3 will not be allowed until after week #6 of the season on or about August 6th in the League Manager Schedule
  • Trade Deadline according to the League Manager schedule will be Sunday, September 12, 2021 (between games 43 & 44)

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