Cameron Appenzeller, LHP, Glenwood (IL): Rising Pitching Prospect Shows Promise on the Mound
Cameron Appenzeller is turning heads across the baseball landscape. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound left-handed pitcher from Glenwood High School in Illinois has established himself as one of the premier prospects in the 2025 class. Recent rankings place him as the No. 3 overall prospect nationally.
His combination of size, projectability, and current stuff makes him not just the top southpaw in the country but also the No. 3 overall prospect nationally according to recent rankings.
Already committed to Tennessee, Appenzeller’s draft stock continues to rise as MLB scouts flock to his outings. The two-way talent also plays outfield and first base, but his future clearly lies on the mound where his frame and left-handed delivery create significant appeal. His lanky build suggests there’s plenty of physical development still ahead, which should excite both college coaches and professional evaluators alike.
| Player Stats | Cameron Appenzeller |
|---|---|
| Class | 2025 |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″ / 185 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | L/L |
| School | Glenwood HS (IL) |
| Commitment | Tennessee |
| Positions | LHP, OF, 1B |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Cameron Appenzeller’s journey from Springfield, Illinois to becoming one of the state’s premier left-handed pitching prospects has been marked by impressive athletic achievements and academic dedication. His towering 6-5 frame and natural talent have made him a standout at Glenwood High School and caught the attention of major college programs.
High School Career
At Glenwood High School, Appenzeller has developed into an exceptional two-way player, though his pitching has particularly turned heads. The southpaw put together a remarkable junior season, going a perfect 6-0 with 85 strikeouts and a microscopic 0.64 ERA across 43 innings.
His physical tools are impressive. Standing at 6-5 with a 180-pound frame, Appenzeller possesses extra large build with long limbs that give him natural leverage on the mound. His projectability has scouts envisioning even more velocity as he continues to mature physically.
Beyond baseball, Appenzeller has also showcased his athleticism on the basketball court, with highlight-reel dunks becoming part of his athletic repertoire at Glenwood.
Commitment to Sports and Academics
Appenzeller’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he committed to the University of South Carolina for his collegiate career. His decision came after careful consideration of academic programs alongside baseball opportunities.
The lefty’s draft prospects continue to rise with each dominant outing. MLB scouts are increasingly viewing him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 draft, though his strong commitment to South Carolina means it would likely take a significant bonus to lure him away from the college route.
Player Profile: Cameron Appenzeller
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | LHP/1B/OF |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Left |
| Height/Weight | 6’5″/180 lbs |
| High School | Glenwood HS (IL) |
| College Commitment | University of South Carolina |
Balancing his baseball development with academics has been a priority for Appenzeller. His discipline in the classroom mirrors his work ethic on the field, making him an attractive prospect for both college programs and professional organizations alike.
Career Highlights
Cameron Appenzeller has established himself as one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in the 2025 class with remarkable performances on the mound. His combination of size, skill, and results have put him squarely on the radar of college and professional scouts alike.
Notable Performances
The 6-foot-5 southpaw from Springfield, Illinois enjoyed a flawless 2024 campaign on the hill. Appenzeller compiled a perfect 6-0 record with a microscopic 0.64 ERA for Glenwood High School. His dominance was most evident in his strikeout numbers, as he fanned 85 batters in just 43 innings of work.
The tall lefty’s frame and mechanics have drawn significant attention. Prospect videos highlight his 3B-style mechanics, which help him generate impressive velocity despite his still-developing frame. Scouts particularly note his ability to maintain consistency throughout his outings.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 6-0 |
| ERA | 0.64 |
| Innings | 43.0 |
| Strikeouts | 85 |
| Height | 6’5″ |
| Weight | 180 lbs |
Recognition and Awards
Appenzeller’s performances have earned him recognition as one of the top profiles in Illinois baseball. Prep Baseball Report ranked him No. 2 in their Top-10 Profiles of 2024, signaling his rising stock among evaluators.
Beyond statistical accolades, the Glenwood senior has showcased his athleticism in clutch moments. In a sectional championship victory, he capped off the win with a steal and slam that earned recognition from local media.
MLB scouts have taken notice of his projectable frame and current production. While still developing physically at 180 pounds, his 6’5″ frame offers significant upside. Most evaluators project Appenzeller as a potential Day 2 selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, though a strong senior season could elevate his stock further.
Professional Development
Cameron Appenzeller’s growth as a pitcher has been marked by significant technical refinements and physical development. His dedication to mastering his craft has positioned him as one of the most promising left-handed pitching prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class.
Pitching Style
Appenzeller’s pitching arsenal is headlined by his fastball that typically sits in the 91-94 mph range with occasional touches of 95-96. What separates him from other high school lefties is his exceptional slider, which features tight spin and late break.
His mechanics leverage his 6-foot-5 frame effectively, creating a difficult angle for hitters. The deception in his delivery makes his pitches appear even faster than radar readings suggest.
Pitch Arsenal:
| Pitch | Velocity | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 91-94 mph | 60/80 | Touches 96 mph |
| Slider | 83-85 mph | 65/80 | Plus pitch with swing-and-miss potential |
| Changeup | 82-84 mph | 50/80 | Developing offering with sink |
| Curveball | 75-77 mph | 45/80 | Work in progress |
Training and Conditioning
Appenzeller’s physical development has been impressive since his sophomore year. His 180-pound frame on a 6-5 build has filled out to a more sturdy 185 pounds of functional strength.
His conditioning program focuses on lower-body explosiveness and core stability, essential elements for generating power from his tall frame. Appenzeller works with specialized pitching coaches to refine his mechanics while minimizing injury risk.
Originally committed to South Carolina, he made headlines when he flipped his commitment to Tennessee. This move put him in one of college baseball’s premier development programs, though MLB scouts project him as a potential first-round selection who might never step foot on campus.
Art and Community Involvement
Beyond the baseball diamond, Cameron Appenzeller has cultivated a well-rounded personality through his artistic pursuits and dedication to community service. His commitment to these activities shows a maturity that scouts and college recruiters find particularly appealing.
Participation in Music
The 6’5″ lefty isn’t just hitting high notes with his fastball—he’s doing it literally as a member of Glenwood High School’s jazz ensemble. Appenzeller has played saxophone since sixth grade, performing at school concerts and local community events.
“Music helps me with rhythm on the mound,” Appenzeller told reporters during a recent showcase. “There’s a lot of similarities between timing in music and pitching mechanics.”
His band director notes that despite his busy baseball schedule, Cameron rarely misses rehearsals. The discipline required for musical proficiency mirrors the dedication he brings to baseball, creating a positive feedback loop between his artistic and athletic pursuits.
Volunteering and Local Impact
Appenzeller’s community service record stands as impressive as his pitching statistics. The Tennessee commit spends summers volunteering at Memorial Park, helping maintain the baseball fields where younger players develop their skills.
His most significant community project involves the City Cemetery restoration initiative, where he coordinates fellow student-athletes in cleaning veterans’ gravestones at the Veterans Memorial section.
| Community Service | Hours | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Park Maintenance | 120+ | Improved 3 youth fields |
| Veterans Memorial Cleanup | 85+ | Restored 200+ gravestones |
| Youth Baseball Clinics | 65+ | Mentored 150+ young players |
“I believe it’s important to give back,” Appenzeller explained after a recent Pro Day event. “These community connections keep me grounded even as the draft attention increases.”
MLB scouts have noted this maturity as a significant plus in their evaluations, with several organizations viewing his character as an asset that complements his top-ranked pitching talent.
Personal Life
Beyond the mound, Cameron Appenzeller balances his athletic pursuits with academic goals and personal interests that shape his character and drive his success.
Interests Outside of Baseball
When he’s not dominating batters with his left-handed heat, Appenzeller has shown a genuine interest in healthcare careers. The Glenwood standout has mentioned nursing as a potential academic path, showing his commitment to helping others extends beyond just being a good teammate.
His academic focus shouldn’t surprise anyone who knows him. Teammates describe him as methodical and detail-oriented – qualities that serve him well both on the mound and in the classroom.
Appenzeller makes time for community service projects in the Springfield area, particularly those involving youth baseball camps. He’s often seen working with younger pitchers, passing along the techniques that have made him the #1 ranked left-handed pitcher in his class.
Role Models and Inspirations
Appenzeller cites several MLB southpaws as his professional inspirations. He studied their mechanics and approach, particularly pitchers who rely on precision and movement rather than just overwhelming velocity.
His coaches at Glenwood have played crucial roles in his development. Their influence shows in his composed mound presence and mature approach to the game.
The decision to commit to South Carolina didn’t come lightly. Appenzeller “fell in love with everything” about the Gamecocks program during his visit, particularly the coaching staff’s development plan for his talents.
His family remains his strongest support system and inspiration. Though he avoids the spotlight off the field, those close to him note his family’s unwavering presence at games. They also mention their role in keeping him grounded despite his rising draft prospects.
