Latimer Finds Exposure Hard To Come By

DELTA, B.C. - The inability to be seen has put a big hit on the recruiting process of Carson Latimer, but the second-rated uncommitted 2022 right-handed pitcher in British Columbia is hoping to get his name out there more in the near future.

“Covid has made everything very restricted over the last year,” explained the Sands High School junior. “I was attending showcases and talking to coaches last February (2020), but it’s been tough to contact them since with all the restrictions.”

So Latimer, who just turned 17 on Feb. 11, has been focusing on becoming a better overall player.

“I’ve been practicing on my own, doing strength training inside and adding things for my online presence,” Latimer noted. “I haven’t had much response so I need to put more online and get videos out there. I’m hoping to have more games this year in order to add more content to those profiles.”

While exposure has been limited, Latimer feels coaches are missing out on seeing his development over the past year.

“I’ve gained about 10 pounds and my velocity has changed,” pointed out the 6-3 180-pounder. “Last February I was sitting 83, in July it was 85 and now I’m sitting 86-87. I’ve just been focusing on my end goal of playing baseball at the highest level, working out when I can and practicing when I can.”

Four-seam and two-seam fastballs are in his repertoire along with a slider and curve, with a changeup the most recent addition.

“I’m accurate but I’m still working to get more velocity,” Latimer said about where he feels improvement could come.

John Haar is credited with helping in his development along with last year’s head coach Dave Empey and current head coach Jack Thompson.

“John Haar has helped with batting and throwing, Jack Thompson with recruiting and Dave Emprey is my pitching coach and helps with velocity and mechanics,” Latimer explained. “He’s been a driving force in why I’ve done so well over the last year.”

It has been a year-and-a-half since the fifth-ranked 2022 in British Columbia has played a league game which Latimer hopes will soon change.

“Exposure is definitely down,” Latimer related. “I was asked to go to Jupiter (Florida) and Arizona last year but that was all canceled. Those would have been big for me. I’m hoping to get more invites this year.”

Applied science and engineering are majors being looked at by Latimer, who carries a 3.7 GPA.

“I will bring a good work ethic and a good GPA wherever I go,” Latimer said. “I’ve really been focusing on my school work and strength training. It’s all I’ve been doing since I’m not able to practice with my teams or play games.”

It was two years ago when college baseball became a possibility to be part of his future according to Latimer.

“That’s when I came to the realization it could happen,” Latimer said. “I got picked up by a team in Arizona. I’m a bit ahead of my peers and have been playing with the older kids.”

While hoping to get back out on the field soon, the top-rated junior pitcher in British Columbia has an understanding of what must happen now in the recruiting process.

“I’ll be sending out more video once I’m in games, as well as practicing on my own and sending out video,” Latimer noted. “Unfortunately, I can’t get out right now and play where coaches can see me in games and practices to see what I’m about.”