INF Addison Smith (Liberty, 2023) has starred thus far in the 2022 summer circuit, an integral one for the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Oklahoma State recruit. Smith is one of Missouri’s top prospects and he’s played exactly like it, performing on a national scale at the NPI in Georgia before returning home and standing out at Creekside across two different tournaments as well. 

Smith’s long been a name-to-know prospect in Missouri’s talented 2023 group. He played for Team Select at the PBR Future Games in 2020 and followed that up by taking home a state championship with his high school squad during the 2021 season. 

We recently had the opportunity to discuss what the recruiting process looked like for Smith, what he ultimately looked for in his future home, and other baseball-related topics. You’ll find our brief conversation below.

Addison Smith SS / Liberty, MO / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 4 / POS: 2 OverallRank: 123 / POS: 28 Smith appears to be trending upward thus far into the summer. He was a standout at the NPI in early June, impressed again at the Creekside Summer Championships, and performed for the Royals Scout Team this past weekend as well. Smith’s knack for contact at the plate was evident yet again, rarely swinging-and-missing and consistently putting the ball in play with more authority towards the back-end of the weekend. He continues to show savviness defensively at shortstop and was one of the tournament's top defenders at the six spot. Smith is committed to Oklahoma state.

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Smith: My expectations We’re to find a place that felt like home and where I could develop my game. 

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

S: Not really 

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

S: Sophomore year the recruiting process started to heat up. Oklahoma State saw me play at one of my games. 

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

S: I love the coaches and how it feels like home and how they develop players. The key factor to commit was finding the right coaches. 

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

S: Vanderbilt, DBU, Texas A&M, Kansas State, Tennessee

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

S: INF Nazzan Zanetello (Christian Brothers College, 2023) 

P: 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?

S: My freshman year. 

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

S: Work as hard as you can and believe in yourself. 

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

S: Winning the 2021 state championship with my high school. 

P: Preview Liberty’s season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

S: Our team will be solid. 

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