TIMING IS EVERYTHING

As one of the most talented lefthanded-hitting amateurs in the country, Austin Hendrick’s favorite player is no real surprise.

Easy. It’s Ken Griffey Jr. Hendrick loves Griffey’s swing, the pure, smooth stroke that so many kids grow up trying—and failing—to replicate. But what really stands out to Hendrick about The Kid’s game isn’t anything physical.

“I love Griffey’s mindset,” said Hendrick, a 6-foot-1, 192-pound muscle-strapped outfielder. “He’s always positive, always happy. You couldn’t tell if he was struggling or hitting three bombs a game.”

As for his favorite active player? That’s also easy.

“I like Bryce Harper’s game,” Hendrick said. “He plays the game hard. I like Harper’s swing because it’s explosive. I love his torque, his bat speed, strength—it’s crazy.”

While it’s difficult to compare a high school senior to a Hall of Famer and a generational talent, Hendrick does possess some of the elements he admires