ELKVILLE, IL - In 2017 the Prospect League had it's own "Ryan Express" with the Lafayette Aviator's right-handed pitcher, Brad Deppermann, out of the University of North Florida, striking out batters at a record pace, leading the Aviators to their first Prospect League Championship in franchise history.

On the mound, the 6'1", 190-pound Deppermann was flying "First Class" all season, dominating all year, setting two single-season records in the tradition of a Chris Sale or Hall of Famers, Nolan Ryan, and Bob Gibson. Deppermann struck out 108 batters eclipsing the previous record of 89 set by Lorain County's Rusty Shelhorn in the first year of the prospect league in 2009. Deppermann struck out an average of 16.4 batters per nine innings and has set a record that may stand for a decade or more. To put Deppermann's strikeout record in perspective, the Boston Rex Sox star, Chris Sale, who is Major League Baseball's all-time strikeout per nine innings record holder, Sale has struck out an average of 10.86 batters per nine innings throughout his career.

Deppermann finished the 2017 season with a 4-2, 2.11 ERA with 1 save, striking out 108 batters, walking only 12 in 59.2 innings pitched, Sheldon also picked up a win the playoffs, striking out seven batters in six innings, to lead his team to the Prospect League Championship title.

During the 2017 season, the Kansas City Royals sent a scout to watch Deppermann pitch against Springfield and he sat at 92-95 the entire game and he flashed a 97 MPH fastball in a game at West Virginia.

Among his awards & honors;

• ASUN Pitcher of the Week  (5/14/18)
• ASUN Conference Academic Honor Roll
• Baseball America #29 ranked prospect in Florida
• 500 Nationally Rank - #130
• Previously drafted by out of high school by the Chicago Cubs in the 31st round of the 2014 Draft

Deppermann has had some health issues over the years that have stalled his progress, but obviously, when he is healthy he can be dominating on the mound. He as a fastball in the 90-94 MPH range and keeps the ball down in the zone, with a plus late-breaking slider that induces a lot of strikeouts, he should draw some draft interest from Major League Baseball in next year's draft.