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Q & A with Lindenwood Commit RHP Elijah Patterson (Park Hill South, 2015)

August 21, 2014

Shon Plack
Prep Baseball Report-Missouri

RHP Elijah Patterson (Park Hill South, 2015) committed to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri shortly after attending the Class of 2015 Prospect Games on August 17.  Patterson led Park Hill South to an appearance in the district championship and a 19-12 record.  During the summer, Patterson is a member of the KC Barnstormers Academy and works out with EPPKC Program in the winter.  

Patterson sites an outing at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas as the time when his recruiting process started to make schools take notice.  He talks about the entire recruiting process in an interview below.   

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

Patterson: My expectations changed drastically from the beginning of the year and towards the end regarding the recruitment process. At first I was so uptight and trying to focus on contacting people. It was difficult at that time because I was stressing about every thing that I did. Towards the end I realized that I just need to play my hardest on the field and the way I play will get me noticed. I needed to just have a good season the rest would come and thankfully it did!  

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

Patterson: The location did play some part in my decision. I wanted to see new things. That's why I decided to go far out, but not too far, so I could still have support from back home.
PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Patterson: Lindenwood first saw me at a showcase. We were playing at KCK community college. My relationship with the team just shot off like a rocket. It happened fast. I went on a visit and saw everything. I got to know the coaches very well in this time though. I had a little prior knowledge about my coaches and team before any of this because I know alumni from there. 

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

Patterson: The best pitcher I've faced was actually on my team his name is Garret Hutson (St. Thomas Aquinas, 2015), who is attending Oklahoma State. I have faced many tough hitters over the last few seasons. It is hard to narrow it down to a few.  

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

Patterson: My best advice I can give the younger players is that you need to constantly put work in. You need to practice like it's your job. A saying I go by is "No matter how much you practice there is always someone who is trying to do it more than you".  Always think that someone is doing more than you and you need to beat them. 

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

Patterson: During the off-season I hit and lift every day. I throw on selected days because I don't want to throw my arm out. I also do the EPPKC program in the winter. It is a great program that got me where I am now and is going to get me where I need to be in the future.   

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

Patterson: The most memorable point in my baseball career has to be the moment I committed. It was such a good feeling. That and just being with the KC Barnstormers organization. I have grown a bond with the team and coaches. They have all helped me through this whole process. I couldn't thank them enough. 

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

Patterson: Missouri Western was in my short list and a lot of others but the communication between those others didn't heat up enough. I'm glad I am a Lindenwood Lion.  

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? 

Patterson: The recruitment process really heated up towards the end of my summer season. I pitched at Baum stadium in Arkansas and threw a really good game. I think that was the turning point that got a lot of people interested. 

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

Patterson: This season with Park Hill South is going to be awesome! I have high expectations. We lost a lot of seniors last year, but our returning letterman are leaders and we will do everything we can to lead the team to victory. I'm impressed with our talent and we will be a team to beat!  

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

Patterson: I play for the KC Barnstormers in the summer. The whole organization is just amazing. They have developed me and worked me out a ton! No matter where I go with my baseball career I will always keep them on speed dial. That team is like my second family and the facilities are like my second home. The best memory I have with the team is just all the bonding we had. We were like a family! 

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