Q&A with Iowa Commit Zion Pettigrew

December 3, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2017 SS Zion Pettigrew of Mount Carmel recently committed to Iowa. He is the 12^th member of Team Illinois to commit out of the 2015 PBR Future Games. Here is a report on Pettigrew from the event.

Zion Pettigrew Future Games 2015 - 6-foot, 165-pound, toolsy, athletic right-handed hitting shortstop seems to do everything well on the baseball field. He ran a 6.91 60, clocked at 88 mph from across the infield, defends, and looks to be a force at the plate. Defensively, has plenty of arm strength, range and hands to stay on the left-side of the infield at the next level. Flashed a quick arm from an over-the-top arm slot. Plus carry on his throws especially from deep in the hole. Plays tall with body control and a plus transfer. Offensively, the right-handed hitter had an exit velocity of 91 mph. Loose, really athletic hands, and lots of whip in swing. Pull-side hitter, attacks the baseball. Hands work above the ball as he enters the hitting zone. Utilizes the lower half; routinely up off his back toe and contact. Pettigrew has an extremely high ceiling and should be a high follow in the 2017 class.

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

Pettigrew: I expected the process to go fairly slow. I thought that I would have to take a lot of time deciding which school I would want to continue my baseball career at. But once I knew, it was an easy decision to make.

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

Pettigrew: When I was considering schools I wanted to make sure I had a good fit academically. I wanted to make sure that I liked the coaches and that I would be able to develop there. I also wanted to make sure that I was in a challenging environment where I could also win.

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

Pettigrew: The location did not matter when I was considering schools. But Iowa only being three hours away was an added bonus.

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?

Pettigrew: I had been in contact with a couple schools after an event with the Wisconsin hitters. Things really started to heat up after the PBR Futures Games. It was a great event and I got a lot of exposure there.

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

Pettigrew: Iowa first saw me a couple years ago at a showcase ran by the Wisconsin Hitters. After the PBR Futures Games we started talking once a week and developed a good relationship.

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

Pettigrew: I really liked the coaching staff. The key factors in my decision were the coaching staff, the education, and being at a program where I could develop as a player.

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

Pettigrew: Iowa, Michigan, Missouri State, University of Texas RGV, and West Virginia.

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

Pettigrew: The best player I have faced in my state would probably be Jeremy Houston. I was able to play against him over the summer and I am able to have him as a teammate during the high school season. He’s a great defender, he can run, and he can hit. I always try to up my intensity when were on the field together.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Pettigrew: From early age I had always dreamed about playing baseball at the next level. Things really started to get serious when I entered high school. I saw guys committing to schools and I knew I wanted that to be me someday.

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

Pettigrew: I would suggest that they find a balance between school and baseball. To achieve theirs goals they have to work hard in the classroom and on the field.

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

Pettigrew: The most memorable experience I had was winning the Kernels tournament in Iowa. I was on a great hitters team and got to play with a lot of high caliber athletes.

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

Pettigrew: I feel Mt. Carmel will come back with a loaded team for two years in a row. We’ve got a lot of talent. I expect this year that we can get another trip back to state.

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

Pettigrew: I play with the Rawlings hitters during the summer. The most memorable experience I had, again, was winning the Kernels tournament in Iowa. It was a great team and a lot of fun to be on.

Q&A with Iowa Commit Zion Pettigrew

Related Content