High school baseball fans in Tampa are keeping a close eye on the current Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) pitching trio of Kaden Waechter, Wilson Andersen and Samir Mohammed.
Already ranked among the top high school pitchers in the nation, this trio has the potential to be remembered decades from now as one of the most dominant groups of prep arms in history.
If all three reach the majors and enjoy successful careers, they could one day join the exclusive company of high school teammates whose combined MLB wins set the standard for excellence.
Jack Flaherty remains the only two-time MaxPreps National Player of the Year, earning the honor in 2013 and 2014. He has spent nine seasons in MLB and won the World Series with the Dodgers in 2024. (PHOTO: Vince Pugliese)
Players: Gaylord Perry (314 wins), Jim Perry (215)
At Williamston, brothers Gaylord and Jim Perry anchored the pitching staff in 1955 and showcased early glimpses of the dominance that would define their careers. Gaylord developed into a Hall of Famer, winning 314 games, earning a Cy Young Award and stimying hitters with his legendary deception and durability. Jim, though often overshadowed by his younger brother, was a reliable starter, compiling 215 MLB wins over a career that included an All-Star appearance and a Cy Young Award in 1970. Together, they represent the pinnacle of sibling success in high school and professional baseball.
353 — Fresno (Calif.)
Players: Tom Seaver (311), Dick Selma (42)
The Fresno Warriors of the 1960s produced both Dick Selma and Tom Seaver, forming a duo that would go on to dominate on the national stage. Selma, a lefty with a blazing fastball, enjoyed a solid MLB career as a starter and reliever while Seaver became a Hall of Famer, earning three Cy Young Awards and becoming one of the most iconic pitchers in baseball history. Their combination of talent highlights Fresno’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite arms.
250 — Central Regional (Bayville, N.J.)
Players: Al Leiter (162), Mark Leiter (65), Jeff Musselman (23)
At Central Regional, Al Leiter, his brother Mark and Jeff Musselman shared the mound, giving the team an imposing rotation. Al went on to a long MLB career, known for his consistency and postseason success with 162 wins. Mark carved out a productive career with 65 wins. Musselman had a brief stint in the majors, contributing 23 wins.
249 — Fresno
Players: Jim Maloney (134), Dick Ellsworth (115)
The 1958 Fresno Warriors are still celebrated as one of the greatest teams in California history led by Ellsworth and Maloney, who once fanned 25 batters in a nine-inning high school game. Ellsworth won his first Major League game for the Cubs just days after graduating. In the majors, Maloney spent 12 seasons, primarily with the Reds, and Ellsworth pitched 13 seasons across five teams.
226 — Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
Players: Max Fried (92), Lucas Giolito (71), Jack Flaherty (63)
At Harvard-Westlake, Flaherty, Fried and Giolito formed a rotation that drew national attention. Giolito was a top prospect who became an All-Star, Fried developed into a frontline starter with multiple postseason appearances and Flaherty emerged as a dominant starter highlighted by his 2019 season with the Cardinals.
209 — DeSoto (Mansfield, La.)
Players: Vida Blue (209), Jessie Hudson (0)
Blue and Hudson anchored one of Louisiana’s top high school pitching staffs. Blue went on to legendary status, winning the 1971 Cy Young and AL MVP while helping the Oakland A’s capture three World Series titles. Hudson reached the majors as well, pitching parts of two seasons with the Cubs.
207 — University City (San Diego, Calif.)
Players: Barry Zito (165), Mark Prior (42)
Zito’s curveball and command led him to a Cy Young Award in 2002 and a key role in the Giants’ 2012 World Series title. Prior dazzled as one of the most dominant young pitchers of the early 2000s, highlighted by an All-Star season in 2003.
194 — Hillsborough (Tampa, Fla.)
Players: Dwight Gooden (194), Vance Lovelace (0)
The Hillsborough pitching staff of the early 1980s featured Gooden and Lovelace. Gooden became an instant MLB sensation, winning the 1984 Rookie of the Year, the 1985 Cy Young and helping the Mets to a 1986 World Series title. Lovelace also reached the majors with the Cubs, contributing in relief.
183 — Lakeland (Fla.)
Players: Chris Sale (145), Drew Hutchison (38)
At Lakeland, Sale and Hutchison formed a dominant pitching duo. Sale went on to become an All-Star and elite left-handed ace for the White Sox and Red Sox. Hutchison contributed as a starter and reliever for the Blue Jays.
177 — San Luis Obispo (Calif.)
Players: Jim Lonborg (157), Mel Queen (20)
San Luis Obispo produced pitchers Lonborg and Queen, both of whom reached the majors with solid careers. Lonborg won the 1967 Cy Young with the Boston Red Sox and was a key figure in their pennant run that year. Queen played for the Reds and Angels.
