BAEL Players of the Week: May 31 & June 1


Tighe Haughton | 2026 | RHP/1B | Webber Wildcats | Uncommitted

Haughton’s dominance on the mound continued this past weekend against the Red Deer Rangers. Over 6.2 innings he struck out 10, giving up just one earned run and walking two. As soon as you see Haughton step onto the mound his 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame immediately stands out. It’s high waisted which allows him to create extension down the mound. He commands the fastball well, particularly up in the zone which generates plenty of swing and miss and pairs it well with a tight curveball that's effective when located down. He generally sits in the low-80s in-game, but has been up to 86 mph. As Haughton continues to add strength to his frame, he’ll be an arm to keep an eye on through the rest of this year and heading into his senior season.


Jacob Austin | 2025 | SS/P | St. Albert Cardinals | Northeast Iowa CC

It didn’t take long for Jacob Austin to make an impact for the Cardinals since joining them this season. In his first full weekend in the BAEL he went 6 for 10 with 3 doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBIs. He also contributed on the mound, throwing 4.1 innings, giving up 2 earned runs, and striking out 4 while securing the win. There’s plenty to like with Austin, his athleticism is evident in all aspects of his game, there's feel for the barrel at the dish while also being strong defensively at the SS position. The Northeast Iowa CC commit will look to continue having an impact for the Cardinals before heading off to school in August.


Nathan Vennard | 2026 | OF/P | Red Deer Rangers | Uncommitted

There aren’t many players who have improved as much as Nathan Vennard has over the last year, particularly his bat. So far he’s slashing .444/.574/.806 and is tied for the league lead with 3 HRs. He added to his home run total this weekend with a blast against Webber, adding 6 runs and 3 RBIs as well. He’s a 6.7 runner and is 87 mph from the OF. Although it’s been a bit of a struggle for Vennard on the mound so far, there’s plenty of upside with his loose arm and 6-foot-0, 175-pound frame. He’s been up to 83 mph and can spin his breaking ball north of 2400 rpm. The uncommitted 2026 is one to watch on both sides of the ball.


Jacob Bliele | 2026 | INF/P | Webber Wildcats | Uncommitted

The hit tool has been on full display for Bliele all season long, and that continued this weekend going 5 for 11 with 3 doubles and 6 runs. It brought his slashline up to .395/.509/.535. Bliele has a contact first approach, having only struck out 5 times in 57 plate appearances this year. He’s a 7.1 runner and that speed is evident on base paths utilizing strong reads to advance when he could. At 5-foot-11, 150-pounds, there's room to add strength which will go a long way with his current ability to constantly make contact with the ball.


Ronan Johnson | 2027 | OF/P | Parkland Twins | Uncommitted

Johnson has been one of the most impactful players in the BAEL on both sides of the ball. He’s currently slashing .395/.531/.526 and is a sub-7 runner who’s only struck out 3 times in49 plate appearances. Despite this, his effectiveness has really come on the mound. This poast weekend against the Cardinals he threw a complete game, giving up 2 runs, walking no one, and striking out 4. His pitchability is advanced for his age, as he’s capable of throwing 4 pitches for strikes in any count and has only walked 5 batters in 28 innings. He’s also been up to 82 mph with the fastball. As a first year player in the BAEL, the 6-foot-0, 160-pound 2027 will be a two-way player to keep tabs on in the years to come.