By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting

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Riverdale Baptist senior Brody Cook committed to Virginia Commonwealth University in 2014.  The athletic infielder heads up the top of the order for the Riverdale Baptist baseball program. He was kind enough to take time out for PBR Maryland and let us all get to know him better. 

Why did you choose VCU?

+VCU has an experienced and knowledgeable coaching staff, and believe in the same baseball philosophies as I do. Philosophies such as aggressive base running, gap to gap hitting, and sound efficient defense. On top of this, the University has both of my interests which are Communications and Business. 

What other schools were you considering?

+Maryland, William and Mary, Penn State, and Florida.

Now that your commitment is over, what are your goals for your senior year?

+This year I plan for our team to win 30 games in our schedule. We have some of the best bats in the state, and as the captain of the team, I want to motivate everyone to utilize their potential, and strive for greatness. Personally, I would like this year to be even better than my last year! As I was just named to the Pre-Season All-American list, I would like to be named to the postseason All- American list. I would like to keep over a 3.6 which I have done my entire high school career.

What would you like to get accomplished before you step on campus at VCU?

+I would like to gain five to seven pounds of lean muscle. Gain three to five mph on my throw from short, and to become a member of the National Honors Society.

What are you looking forward to the most about VCU?

+I am mainly looking forward to the training VCU has in store. They specialize in building fast and smart base-stealers, and this greatly attracts me. Also, I am looking forward to playing with coaches that are fully committed to making me a better ball player, physically and mentally. It is the type of environment that will get me ready for the pros.

Who did you play for over the summer and what was your most memorable experience?

+I played for the 18u Evo Shield Canes National team. My most memorable experience was my very first at bat. A homerun over left field, along with three other hits.

Who has been the most influential person over your baseball career and why?

+My father by far has been THE MOST influential person in my baseball career. He has taught me what it means to be dedicated through his own life and work. He has taken me to about every game since I first started playing baseball! My swing, my fielding, and my speed, is mainly due to him. He has been my mental and emotional coach my whole career and has made me the type of player that leads vocally and by example! The lessons he has taught me go past the field, they will help me in my life after baseball. For that, I am forever grateful.

Who is your favorite MLB player and why?

+Xander Boegarts is currently my favorite pro player because he is a shortstop who displays, speed, power and finesse. Those three things define me physically when I play the game.

What are you going to bring to VCU as a freshman?

+I will give my new team energy, effort, a determination to win, and a relentless work ethic.

What is your goal by the end of your freshman year?  By the end of your college career?

+The goal by the end of my freshman year is to be on the All-Conference team. I want to solidify my name as an everyday starter that contributes a great bat and great defense! By the end of college I want to be known as one of the top players in the country. Along with this I would like to get drafted. I would also like to have a high enough GPA in my communications and business major where that I can have a career after baseball.

Random question:  What is your favorite movie and favorite follow on twitter?              

My favorite movie is Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee.