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Commitment Spotlight- '17 Nick Hagen, C, Burlington

November 7, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa

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Nick Hagen

Name: Nick Hagen
Position: C
Class: 2017
Height/Weight: 5-foot-11, 195-pounds
High School: Burlington
PBR Rank: #37 in IA 2017 Class

Evaluation: 8/7/16- 5-foot-11, 195-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Quiet rhythm, quiet head, explodes through contact, good weight transfer, stays gap to gap, hard line drive and fly ball contact, 86 mph exit velocity. Works around the plate, clean transfer, keeps front side on target, solid carry, good accuracy- keeps throws down, 72 mph arm strength with 1.97-2.1 pop times. Receiving skills have improved, quiet behind plate, good mobility, solid blocker with quickness, occasional low set-up with runners on base.

PBR: Why did you choose Marshalltown CC? 
HAGEN: I chose Marshalltown because it was the best fit for me to develop and get to my highest potential. My goal is to play at the Division 1 level and I believe that Marshalltown can help reach that goal. They have a reputation for developing players and getting them to their full potential. The coaches really connected with me, especially Coach McLaughlin. The facilities were nice and I liked that the campus was not too big!

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 
HAGEN: I was also considering Johnson County, Southeastern, and Iowa Central.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them? 
HAGEN: Coach McLaughlin saw me play at the University of Iowa at one of my fall season games. I played well and he sent me a text the next week. After that we talked throughout the recruiting process.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school? 
HAGEN: Yes, it is a big relief. Now I can go out and have fun while playing the game that I love.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
HAGEN: Marshalltown has a history of getting players to the next level and that is my goal. They have good facilities and I really connected with the coaches.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today? 
HAGEN: My dad has helped me the most considering he has supported me all of my baseball career. He has taken me to tournaments and showcases along with being supportive in all of my decisions. Also, Cody and Jim Gabella, Rich Polak, and Derek Botelho have helped me to get where I am today as a baseball player.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult? 
HAGEN: I knew the recruiting process was going to be difficult hearing from friends that have gone on to the next level. You have to reach out to coaches and show them you are interested. The process is stressful at times but once I made my decision I felt I can go out and just play.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season? 
HAGEN: The coaching staff wants me to come in and compete for playing time my freshman year as a catcher and develop more arm strength.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date? 
HAGEN: Playing the Evoshield Canes in Jupiter, Florida. It was a lot of fun and the competition was unreal. Also, making new friends throughout the years will be a lasting memory.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against? 
HAGEN: Jarred Kelenic.

 

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