Sean McCann
PBR Kansas Scouting Director

Last Spring, Pittsburg St. Mary's Colgan High School captured the Kansas 3A State Baseball Championship riding the left-handed arm of ace Christian Cedeno. Along the way, the 6-foot-1, 190, Class of 2014 product also captured the KABC 3A Pitcher of the Year Award. Cedeno finished the season with an impressive 7-1 record, a 1.58 ERA, with 80 K's in 57 IP. 

We had an opportunity to visit with the St. Mary's Colgan three-sport star for a quick Q and A session:

PBR Kansas: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player? Why?

Cedeno: No doubt my dad has had the biggest impact on me not only as a person but as an athlete. He pitched on the 1989 Wichita State National Championship team. He's taught me the fundamentals of pitching and all other aspects of the game. His work ethic, competitiveness, and passion for baseball has inspired me to always strive to be the best player I can be.

PBR Kansas: At what point did you realize that you had a chance to be an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Cedeno: The summer after my freshman year, I was fortunate enough to play on an 18 and Under American Legion team. We competed against elite teams from across the region in showcase tournaments and I was able to have success pitching against those teams. At that point, I realized that if I kept working hard, I may have the opportunity to continue playing baseball at the next level.

PBR Kansas: How is the recruiting process going for you so far?

Cedeno: It is truly a learning process but I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of it. I am looking forward to letting it play out and finding the best overall opportunity for myself academically and athletically.

PBR Kansas: What are you looking for out of a college and baseball program to continue your academic and baseball career at?

Cedeno: I am looking for a school that fits me both academically and athletically. I have goals for myself in both areas so as I look at various schools, I want to make sure that my goals are attainable in both areas. I also want to feel comfortable with the coaching staff and players because that is who I will be spending a majority of my time with.

PBR Kansas: Who is the best Kansas high school pitcher you have faced in your career?

Cedeno: This past summer I faced Henry de Noble of Manhattan HS at a tournament in Springfield, Missouri. He is a tall 6'4" right hander who threw mid 80's, effectively spotted his fastball, had a sharp breaking ball and a good change up.

PBR Kansas: Who is the best Kansas high school position player you have faced in your career?

Cedeno: I've had the opportunity to play against many exceptional players in the last few years. One that stands out is someone I've gotten to both play against during my high school season and have as a teammate on summer teams. Brett MaCary, Frontenac High School, class of 2014, is the most natural hitter I've seen - he hits for both power and average, is able to handle fastballs as well as off speed pitches. As an infielder he has soft hands at 3B and can really pick it over at 1B.

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

Cedeno: This past spring I got to experience the unique feeling of pitching a perfect game - it was unreal feeling that was unmatched in my playing career up until that time. Later on that spring as our team made the final out of the state championship game - that feeling was exceeded because I was able to experience it with my teammates, some of whom I've played with since I was eight years old.

PBR Kansas: What are your immediate and long term goals in baseball?

Cedeno: A short term goal is to prepare myself mentally and physically for this season and help St. Mary's Colgan repeat as state champions. Long term I want to find the best fit for myself from a college perspective and work to become the best baseball player that I can. It is one thing to have the opportunity to play, but it is my responsibility to make the most of that opportunity and that is my ultimate goal.

PBR Kansas: Is there an MLB player you model yourself after? If so, what do you like about them?

Cedeno: I admire Mariano Rivera because of his consistency over the years and his ability to perform in pressure situations.