Player Spotlight: RHP Cole Gacke (Liberty North, 2016)
November 9, 2015
Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director
Cole Gacke (Liberty North, 2016) Gacke is a 6-foot-1 225-pound right-handed pitcher.
Gacke touched 86 mph with fastball, sat mainly 83-84 mph at the Top Prospect Games in August and was 83-85 mph at the Class of 2016 Games in June.
Gacke has an over the top release, downhill plane, inline stride, aggressive down the mound, strikes at bottom of zone, 11-to-5 curveball at 69-71 mph, late/sharp action. Change-up at 72-75 mph, near fastball arm speed, arm side sink.
Gacke walked two and struck out three in game action the Top Prospect Games in August, and was a big part of Liberty North's 27-7 team that won the District Championship. Currently Gacke is preparing for his senior season and taking visits to area colleges. Here is a closer look at Cole Gacke's recruiting process.
PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)
Gacke: I am looking for a school that has an academic program that will allow me to pursue a degree in education. I am also looking for a school with a reputable baseball program. My hope is to find a program with strong coaching that allows me to grow as a pitcher and player.
PBR: How did you do your junior year? What were your high school statistics? And how did your team do? Name some players that will play a key role for Liberty North in 2016.
Gacke: I was a starting pitcher for the Varsity team. I went 6-0 with a .41 ERA. I pitched 25 consecutive innings without giving up a run to start the season. I averaged more than 1 strikeout per inning. I earned 2nd Team All Conference as a Pitcher. As a team we exceeded expectations by winning districts. Jake Bartshe, Josh Winkel, Jack DeGarmo, James Parry, as well as myself will play key roles for the team in 2016.
PBR: What are you goals for your senior season?
Gacke: I believe that with the returning pitching staff that we have we should have the opportunity to make a run at state. My personal goal is to work hard, refine my pitching skills, be a team leader, and earn 1st Team All Conference.
PBR: What travel team do you play for? Are you playing fall ball with a team?
Gacke: KC Rage. We completed our fall ball season in October. My head Coach is Kyle McCune (assistant baseball coach at Staley HS).
PBR: Do you play any other sports?
Gacke: No. I am a student coach for the Liberty North Varsity Basketball Team
PBR: What are your ACT and GPA?
Gacke: My GPA is 2.8. I took the ACT on Oct. 24 2015 and waiting on these results.
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