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Prospect Q & A: Oak Park River Forest's Jeremy Gaines

December 11, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

 

Jeremy GainesJeremy Gaines, a 5-foot-9, 155-pound speedster from Oak Park River Forest committed to Missouri last winter as a sophomore. The junior outfielder impresses with his speed (6.70 60) and defensive ability in the outfield. Gaines had a solid fall at several tournaments and sat down to discuss the recruiting process with us. He also previews his 2015 season and what he’s doing in order to get better.

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

My expectations were that it was going to be a long and hard decision if it came down to multiple universities looking to recruit me. No, it was not difficult, because Missouri was the top school on my short list, so when they showed interest it made it much easier to make a decision.

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

Yes and No. Yes, because one of the schools on my short list showed interest in me; which was not very far from home. No, because if other schools on my short list that were farther away wanted to recruit me, distance wouldn’t have been an issue.

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

Missouri first saw me at a showcase I went to hosted by Top Tier at the MAX. My relationship with Missouri developed first with the pitching coach who was at the showcase. I attended the Missouri camp, which I had previously registered to attend prior to being noticed by the Missouri pitching Coach.

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

The best player I have faced in my state is Drake Fellows. He is a powerful pitcher who has all the attributes that make up a good pitcher. His fastball is 90-92 mph. On top of that he has great off-speed pitches. 

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?

I realized I was an elite baseball player when I was starting to be recruited by multiple travel teams. In addition, it helped to be a ranked player by PBR and I realized that I had the skill-set to play multiple positions. 

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

First and foremost, I was looking for the right coaching staff that I was going to have a connection with, who wanted the best for me, and a competitive program. Missouri is in the SEC conference, which is very competitive. 

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

My best attribute as a baseball player would have to be my speed because it gives me offensive and defensive advantages. Also my basic fundamental leadership skills and competitive nature helps my team.

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

Actually, there are two areas in which I want to improve my game; arm strength and my hitting. To assist me in these areas, I long-toss as often as possible, and I try to hit every day of the week.

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

I would say stay focused academically because grades are the most important, following your character then baseball skills. In addition work on your baseball skills every day, and allow your character to determine who you are. 

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

In the off-season I lift weights three times a week. I also try to get ground balls as often as possible, hit and long toss as mentioned earlier. I condition myself so that I can stay in shape.

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

I have many good memories, but my most memorable moment in my baseball career wasn’t a good one. It was when I was twelve playing with Jackie Robinson West, in the Little League State Championship and we lost in extra innings, which ended our run in competing for a trip to the Little League World Series. 

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

I like the connection I felt with the coaches. I also like the fact that Missouri has an Astropheric/Meteorology program. Missouri is also not far away from home, so my family and friends will be able to come and watch me play. They are also in a very competitive conference in the SEC.   

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

TCU, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Miami, Creighton.

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?

The recruiting process started to heat up for me in the middle of my sophomore year. When I went to the showcase that Top Tier hosted at the Max. I consider this the turning point in the recruiting process for me.

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

This year we are pretty young with only five returning starters. But I do believe that we will be good and have enough chemistry and talent to compete for a state title.

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

In the summer I play for Top Tier. My most memorable moment with the team would have to be when we went to Georgia this past summer and played on those nice fields. In addition, it was fun just hanging out with my teammates, and being able to talk to my teammates about life and the recruiting process in general.

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