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Bishop Gorman’s Michael Blasko shows why he’s Nevada’s 2014 top catcher
By Robert Vendettoli Silver State Preps May 24, 2013 11:55 A.M.
Bishop Gorman Junior catcher Michael
Blasko was the talk of Gorman at the
state championship tournament last week
as scouts fell in love with perhaps the
best catching prospect in the west region,
one NL Central scout would go on to say
during their 10-1 win over Bonanza.
catcher Michael Blasko hits a line
drive to center against Dester Oasis.
The Gaels won the game 8-1 Photo by
Robert Vendettoli.
Blasko would have a solid tournament
offensively for the Gaels batting 7-17,
but it was his power numbers that enticed
scouts as he posted seven RBI’s, one
double and two homeruns during the first
three games of the tournament.
His tournament performance was just
another way for the rising junior prospect
to capitalize on a fantastic season and
generate buzz for his upcoming senior campaign.
The junior hit .456 this past spring, with a team leading 68 hits. Blasko also display more power this spring
hitting 45 RBI’s, with 13 doubles, two triples and five home runs.
“Michael is just as important to us offensively as he is defensively,” Bishop Gorman head coach Nick Day said.
“He has been a table setter for the big bats in the middle of the lineup. He rarely strikes out which is very important for a guy who hits second in the lineup.”
Although he doesn’t have elite power hitting ability, Blasko does have a knack for hitting the right pitches in
order to drive in runs and has a solid approach in the batter’s box; rarely every swinging at bad pitches.
“Michael is capable of driving in runs when we need him too,” Coach Day said. “He’s also great at working the
count and getting on base in a consistent manner.”
This is what’s expected of their three years varsity starter, who’s been a key part in their consecutive state championship, before Coronado knocked them off for their potential eighth.
As a sophomore Blasko was named a Maxpreps Underclass All-American with a 523 batting average, 30 RBI, 8
doubles and 3 triples.
What stands out about Blasko though is his defense and his ability to call the game for his starting pitchers.
“Defensievly he is one of the best catchers in the entire country,” Coach Day added, “Most people only think
of blocking and throwing when it comes to catchers, but the most important thing about Michael is the way he
receives behind the plate. He makes all of our pitchers better. We also let him call the pitches which is rare in
high school baseball.”
Blasko has also been a hot commodity along the Nevada recruiting trail as he’s received serious interest from
Arizona State, BYU, Hawaii and Arizona, but has stated he’s unsure at this point who his front runner is.
“Their all great schools,” said Blasko. “Right now I’m just trying to get a feel for everything. A decision will
come soon enough.”
Moving forward Blasko will get plenty of looks from the Major League level, as the general opinion of the
rising junior is he’s a top 20 rounds pick. There is still a lot of baseball to be played though and if Blasko continues to develop.
“We have a lot of confidence in him,” Coach Day said. “Were going to put a lot on his shoulders this upcoming
season.”