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Player Spotlight: SS Joe Kinder (Liberty, 2016)

July 6, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Joe Kinder (Liberty, 2016) is 6-foot-3 170-pound SS.  Kinder ran a 7.25 60 and posted an 86 mph exit velo at the Class of 2016 Games on June 9.  He takes and aggressive swing at the plate, with feel for the barrel, He has a short stride, with some hand load, used the whole field, and has level path to extension.  On the infield, Kinder has a three-quarters release, makes accurate throws with momentum towards first-base. He has a 77 mph positional velo and went 2-for-3 in game action with a pair of singles.

Kinder led the Blue Jays to a 28-5 record this season and was named First-Team All-State on the infield in Class 5.  During the summer, Kinder plays for Prodigy Baseball Academy and recently gave a chance to see inside his recruiting process. 

PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)

Kinder: I am not sure what I want to study yet, so I'm not sure of certain academic standards. I would like to play at a high level program, where I am wanted, and could compete for a spot my freshman year. I would prefer to play closer to home, but if the right opportunity came up to go to school farther away I would consider.  

PBR: Recap your junior season for us at Liberty.  Name some players that played a key role for Liberty in 2015.

Kinder: This year we went 28-5. We were district runner-ups and conference champions. I won First team All Conference short stop, Conference Player of the Year and First Team All State Infielder. I had.a 405 batting average, with 12 extra base hits, 16 stolen bases, and had 73 total assists. Everyone on this year's team played a role so it is hard to just name some of them. All of the seniors played key roles for us this year including, on the mound Josh Mapel was big all year for us, he ended the year 10-1 with a 1.78 ERA. Offensively, Jason Volkmann was always in the middle of things, whether it was getting a hit, or swiping a bag.

PBR: What are you goals for your senior season?

Kinder: My goals for my senior season is to win another conference championship, win districts, and ultimately win state.

PBR: What travel team do you play for? Are you playing fall ball with a team?

Kinder: I play for Coach Michael Younghanz and Prodigy Baseball Academy. I plan on playing with the same team this fall.

PBR:  Do you play any other sports?

Kinder: I play basketball at Liberty High School.

PBR: What are your ACT and GPA?

Kinder: I have an ACT score of 23 and plan on taking it again in the fall. I have a 4.0 GPA. 

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