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Commitment Spotlight- '17 AJ Shaw, RHP, Waukee

December 7, 2016

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By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa

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AJ Shaw

Name: AJ Shaw
Position: RHP
Class: 2017
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 160-pounds
High School: Waukee
PBR Rank: #28 in IA 2017 Class

Evaluation: 9/18/16- Athletic right-handed pitcher. Wiry strength with fast twitch actions. High front leg kick, front foot far outside frame of body, loose extended arm action from high ¾ slot. Sat 82-85 mph with solid command of zone with fastball. Breaking ball can be inconsistent; but easy to dream on body that should add strength and athleticism.

PBR: Why did you choose Johnson County CC? 
SHAW: There were many factors that went into my decision to commit to Johnson County Community College.  When I consider my goals both educationally and as a baseball player, it was the best match for me.  The head coach, Kent Shelley has been there 29 seasons. The assistant coaching staff have been a part of the baseball program for a long time as well. The team has a history of success. Many former players for JCCC improve their game and continue their baseball careers at D1 schools and 7 players in the last 5 years were drafted or signed by the MLB.  The coaches seem to really connect with their players.  The field and training facilities are well equipped. The specific training offered to me as a pitcher will help me improve. The school has a strong business program.  I will have opportunities to pitch against strong competition my freshman year.

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 
SHAW: DMACC, South Dakota State, Augustana (SD).

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them? 
SHAW: They first saw me pitch in a fall tournament at JCCC Complex. The made contact with me after my first game, and took me on a tour of their campus on the 2nd day. They kept in contact with me and invited me down for a formal visit where all the coaches could see me pitch and to show me the campus, school, and talk to me about the baseball program there. I was impressed with their baseball program and their enthusiasm.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school? 
SHAW: Yes, it is good to be able to just focus on playing ball and getting better as a player.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
SHAW: No, it was several factors combined.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today? 
SHAW: There are several people that have helped me along the way. The people that have helped me the most are my parents and pitching coach, Jason Pearson, from the Iowa Sticks.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult? 
SHAW: I didn't know what to expect going into the process.  It was easy after doing some key showcases and playing fall ball where there was a lot of exposure to college coaches. The hardest part was probably narrowing down the best match for me as a player. I had a lot of visits to schools and communications with coaches.  There are a lot of impressive baseball programs to consider.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season? 
SHAW: From the feedback they have given me, I am anticipating they will use me as one of their starting pitchers.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date? 
SHAW: Waukee making it to State this year was very memorable. For me personally, a memorable moment was ending the 2016 season with a 1.25 ERA and an Opponent batting average of .192.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against? 
SHAW: I have competed against a lot of talented players over the years.  A player that stands out is Peyton Williams from Johnston.  He was very competitive as a freshman in a tough high school conference.

 

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