Connolly has consistently clocked 94 to 96 MPH on the radar gun and has above-average breaking pitches to complement the heater. A large contingent of scouts were behind the backstop at Max Bishop Stadium whenever the 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-hander started over the last two seasons.
One veteran area scout said Connolly more than likely would have been selected in this year’s Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, being held June 11-13 and lasting 20 rounds. The scout, who works full-time for a major league organization, said Connolly projected as a reliever and had proven his fastball velocity was repeatable.