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Super 60 Spotlight: Keith Grieshaber (Marquette, 2014)

March 10, 2014

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Keith Grieshaber (Marquette, 2014) recently showed his skills and why is a top player in Missouri at Prep Baseball Report's Super 60 in McCook, Illinois on February 2.  He ranked among the top in arm strength with an 86 MPH positional velo, and posted a 97 MPH exit velo, squaring up pitch after pitch in batting practice.  The 6-foot-2 185-pound shortstop also showed off his speed, running a 6.81 60-yard dash. 

Last week PBR had a chance to ask Grieshaber, who is set to attend Arkansas in fall, about his experience at the Super 60. 

PBR: The Super 60 is a big event for senior prospects in the Midwest with dozens of scouts attending every year. What was your mental approach going into the event knowing a lot of eyes would be on you and that it was very early in the season?

Grieshaber: I had a positive mental approach going into the super 60. I knew that this showcase could help me in my draft stock if I do well. I focused on staying relaxed and just being the player I am. I didn't want to try to be someone different. I just stuck to my training, mechanics, and athleticism.

PBR: After you finished your workout, what were your immediate thoughts about your performance?

Grieshaber: After the showcase I thought I did a pretty good job. I wish my 60 time would have been better. I thought I showed well with my infield and batting practice. I loved the experience of the super 60. It was awesome being around the best players in the Midwest region; It was  an honor.

Was there anything about your performance that you wish had gone better or were you satisfied with it overall?

Grieshaber: I wish I could have done better in my 60 and I wish I could have some swings back in batting practice.

You are a two sport athlete, how has soccer helped or hindered your baseball career?

Grieshaber: Soccer has definitely helped me throughout my baseball career and just being an overall athlete. Soccer has helped me with my footwork especially. Playing shortstop and playing up the middle requires to be light on your feet, and I feel that soccer has definitely helped me in that area. The only thing that soccer has taken away from me is more time dedicated to baseball. I may not have spent as much time in baseball, but now that I'm only dedicated to baseball I feel that my skills will get a lot better. I feel like i have just scratched  the surface of my baseball talents. I wouldn't trade anything for my soccer experiences and soccer career.

PBR: What are your expectations for yourself in your final high school season?

Grieshaber: I have very high expectations for myself with the upcoming high school season. With working hard everyday I expect for myself to have a great year.  I feel that Marquette will be a great baseball team. We are are a team full of competitors. With that saying, I expect for us to win a district championship.

PBR: All prospects your age still have some improvements to make. You’re still maturing physically and will naturally be adding strength, but what are some of the finer points of your game or arsenal that you feel like you need to work on to continue progressing to the next level?

Grieshaber: I feel that some of the improvements I need to make to better myself is to have softer hands and work on my transfer from the ball to my hand.  Also, baseball is a mental game. The more I work on being more mentally positive and mentally relaxed when I play, the better my performance will be. No matter what level of baseball I play I will always have to make improvements to my game. My goal is to be the best player I can be.

PBR: What drew you to committing to Arkansas?

Grieshaber: There are many reasons why I committed to play baseball at Arkansas. I feel that their coaching staff is world class. They all know the game of baseball and I feel that they are very committed to making everyone on their roster a better baseball player and a better man overall. They demand excellence and I love that about the program. When I went on my visit i knew that Arkansas was the place for me. One of my dreams is to play in the college World Series, and I feel that I can accomplish that dream by playing baseball at the university of Arkansas. My ultimate dream though is to play professional baseball at the highest level.

PBR: Is there a hitter, whether it’s a big leaguer or someone you have played with, that you really look up to and like to model your game after?

Grieshaber: I don't try to model my swing after anybody. I have my own tools and own gifts that I work with to make myself a better hitter. My favorite player is Derek Jeter. I love everything that he does. He plays with his heart on his sleeve. His class on and off the field is perfect. He is a huge role model to me. Other than Jeter, I love the way Troy Tulowitzki plays. He is a big and powerful shortstop that plays the game hard. I love the way he swings and plays defense.

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