Q&A With Bethune-Cookman Commit Anthony Maldonado

September 3, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2016 RHP Anthony Maldonado from Palm Beach Central recently committed to Bethune-Cookman University. Here is a scouting report on Maldonado from this past February.

2/10/15 - Big, soft, old-school pitcher’s body. Fastball was 84 mph but with life and knows how to pitch. Soft curve ball at 68-69 mph with effective shape and threw it for strikes. Pitched in and out and showed poise with all the scouts there to see McKenzie. Not a pro guy, but I liked how he went about his business.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Maldonado: I was very excited for the recruiting process. The thought of playing college baseball was so exciting for me I couldn't wait for the recruiting process to start. It wasn't difficult but not necessarily easy either. I wanted to go somewhere that I felt comfortable and Bethune Cookman was exactly that.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Maldonado: I wanted a college where I could see myself attending and playing. Bethune Cookman's coaching staff and players was so welcoming I fit right in.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Maldonado: I wanted to stay in Florida so location definitely played a big role. Bethune Cookman is in Daytona Beach which is such a nice part of Florida it was hard to resist.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Maldonado: After the Orlando Scorpions tryout for the 2015 Summer was when the recruiting process really took off for me. Before that I didn't play for a big organization or attend any major showcases so my name wasn't really out there yet. That tryout was when I really started to get attention from schools.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Maldonado: Bethune Cookman first saw my in Georgia my sophomore summer. After the scorpions tryout was when they contacted me and showed interest in me as a player.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Maldonado: I think I like the reputation of Bethune Cookman the most. It is known as an excellent school and baseball program. The key factors were academics, location and how I felt I would fit in at the school.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Maldonado: Palm Beach State, Florida Gulf Coast, High Point and Winthrop

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Maldonado: Connor Power He is such a high level hitter, he is a very tough out. He can go the other way on offspeed and turn on an inside fastball. He is definitely among the best hitters In the state.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Maldonado: I always felt I had the ability to play baseball at the next level. After the scorpions tryout I knew I had what it takes to play college baseball.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Maldonado: Work hard and never give up. Nothing is out of reach.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Maldonado: I'd say the most memorable moment in my baseball career was officially committing to Bethune Cookman. I will never forget that day.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Maldonado: I'm really excited for this upcoming year. The team is looking great and we have a chance to go far and achieve something very special. I'd love to win the last game of the season and be State champs.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Maldonado: I played with the Orlando Scorpions 2016 South Prime. My most memorable experience with them was the two weeks in Georgia for the elite 8 round robin and the WWBA. Those two weeks were a lot of fun on off of the field with my team.

Q&A With Bethune-Cookman Commit Anthony Maldonado

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