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Prospect Q & A: Morgan Park's Christian Bullock

December 10, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

Christan BullockMorgan Park’s Christian Bullock, a left-handed hitting outfielder/first baseman/left-handed pitcher was recently named the Top Overall Prospect at this October’s Class of 2016 Showcase. The University of Michigan commit impressed with his all-around game, and also ran the top 60-time of the event at 6.75 seconds. Bullock possesses a fluid swing from the left-side, with above average bat speed and 84 mph exit velocity. His performance this fall, both at showcases and on the tournament circuit vaulted him from from No. 45 in the Illinois Class of 2016 rankings all the way to No. 13. Bullock also entered the PBR overall 2016 rankings at No. 94.

We sat down with Bullock to discuss the recruiting process (he committed to Michigan in the fall of his sophomore year), his summer/fall travel circuit, and his upcoming spring season with Morgan Park.

What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

If I worked hard, played well, and made a totally commitment to my game I believed that doors would open up and schools would give me opportunities. What I didn’t expect was to be recruited so early. It was difficult, but easy because of my lover for the game.

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

Location and distance was never a factor because I knew that wherever I committed my family would make every home game to support me.

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

Michigan first saw me in Florida, then at the Kroc Center on the South side of Chicago during the summer and fall of my sophomore year. The relationship developed by meeting and speaking at several showcases and camps. We exchanged information and we started getting to know each other on a coach and player relationship. 

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

The best player I faced in Illinois is Ako Thomas. He attends Mt. Carmel. Ako has a great swing, fluid through the zone and puts the ball in play. He also doesn’t strike out a lot. Ako has speed and his defense is the best part of his game.  

At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

My sophomore year is when I realized I was an elite ball player and I then became real serious about my future as far as the next level. I always gave 100% and I noticed at the age of fourteen that I was serious. When the first college coach (Coach Jackson, Missouri) confirmed what I had already believed, I started to feel like an elite baseball player.  

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

I was looking for exposure and a winning program to continue my baseball career. Also a coaching staff that would care about me first as a person and would make me mentally, physically, and socially prepared for life.

What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

My work ethic and my competiveness on and off the field. I believe these attributes would help my teammates and I realize that every time we step on the field, we should win. I believe that my teammates and I should always out-work the competition. Sometimes people get confused with my passion for the game as being cocky. I just love to compete.   

What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

The biggest improvement I need to make is my arm strength. When I get my arm strength up, I believe that I would be above average in all facets of the game. Every day, I am either running, doing push-ups, crunches, squats, or long toss.

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

Stay committed to the game, don’t think your bigger than the game, always be a positive team player, always give 100% when you step on the field because you don’t know whose watching, and thank God for your blessings every day. 

What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

I work out multiple days with a speed and agility coach. I have a health club membership, and I do my daily mini work-outs on the side at home. I also receive tutoring two days a week after school, which really helps me stay balanced academically.

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

The most memorable moment in my baseball career was winning the first City Championship in Morgan Park’s school history with my father as the coach. (Morgan Park defeated Taft 9-5 this spring for their first Public League Title in baseball.)

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

Michigan has a top of the line education. The success rate for my major is really high (Sports Medicine). Michigan is a beautiful university. The coaching staff is by far the best that I’ve personally experienced. The coaches are more concerned about me as a person and they make you feel like family. I love to be around great people and University of Michigan has a history of having great and successful people.

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

Missouri, Houston, and Iowa.

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?

My sophomore year. The recruiting process started to heat up after the Hitters showcase in Wisconsin in 2013.

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

I feel that Morgan Park High school is one of the top teams in the state. We are a complete team with a few weakness, but a lot of strengths. We have speed, defense, hitting, and hitting for power. There is one question (Pitching), but we are working daily to get better. One of my goals is to win back-to-back city championship, and ultimately a Class 3A State Championship.  

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

I played for the White Sox Ace program. One of my most memorable experiences is when we were playing in Iowa and everyone was playing well and as a team, we saw that when we work together that the sky is the limit. (The White Sox Ace program made an incredible run this fall to the Final Four of the Perfect Game Kernels Invitational).

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