Q&A with Arkansas State Commit RHP Tristan Camp (Montgomery County, 2019)

Camp: My expectations about the recruiting process were that it would be a hard and stressful process. It was difficult because during the process you feel as though you must always perform at your best ability. The pressure that comes with the process is what makes it the most difficult.

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

Camp: Location played a factor into my decision as I wanted to be able to give my parents the opportunity to continue to watch my career in baseball since they have sacrificed so much. So with Arkansas State being five hours away it was very ideal and the town of Jonesboro did not overwhelm me since being raised in a small town I am not use to the city life.

PBR: Where did Arkansas State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Camp: With my summer team, the St. Louis Gamers, we have been to Arkansas State several times for tournaments. The first time that the pitching coach, Coach Hardy,  and the recruiting coordinator, Coach Guarno, really wanted to reach out to me was after the PBR Future Games. Shon Plack sent me their contact information and that is when our relationship began. Over the weeks of talking to the coaches we continue to develop our relationship by talking at least once a week. I also went to their showcase so that Coach Raffo, head coach, could see me.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Camp: The best player I have faced in my state would be Jimmy Obertop. I haven't played against him in awhile but when we were younger we played often. When we played he would always grind out his at bats and never giving up. When we were teammates at the Future Games I could still see that same grind in him.

PBR: Describe your experience at the PBR Future Games. 

Camp: My experience at the PBR Future Games was breathtaking and at first overwhelming. When I walked into Grand Park the first day, I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of scouts that were there.  At the end of the day though it was a great experience that I would recommend every player that receives an invite to the games to attend. It is worth your time for the exposure you receive due to the PBR staff.

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

Camp: The advice I have for the young baseball players striving for the D1 level of competition and offers would be to not let the stress and pressure get to you. Enjoy the game with all your heart while playing for yourself. Those young guys just need to focus on playing the game that they have loved since they were first starting and to workout. Hitting the weight room is a big part of making it to the next level. The attention from the scouts will come if you are good enough, just enjoy your time and spotlight of playing the game while making relationships with teammates and coaches.

PBR: What do you do in the off-season to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Camp: During the off-season the Gamers organization start winter practices in December and go through February. We practice two days a week and on one of those days we have a personalized workout planed for our needs. Then I also workout everyday at school and do a weighted ball program through the Gamers, Velocity Plus. 

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

Camp: My most memorable moment in my baseball career at this point would be getting interest shown in me from the Futures Games. Three schools were interested in me from there and that is something I won't forget. 

PBR: What do you like most about Arkansas State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Camp: The thing I like about Arkansas State was the coaching staff and particularly Coach Hardy, the pitching coach. With throwing from the lower arm-slot, a key factor for me was finding a pitching coach that knew about that particular arm angle. Since Coach Hardy had thrown from there himself and was in the minors I felt like he offered me the best chance of developing me as a player. Another factor into it was playing time, I want to be able to have a roll in the back half of the bullpen for Arkansas State. Coach Hardy told me I could have that opportunity but that he doesn't just guarantee innings, that everyone has to earn their innings ever year.

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

Camp: Other schools on my short list that I was having to decide from were the University of New Orleans, SEMO, and the University of South Alabama. Since I had offers from SEMO and UNO it was a hard decision to make but at the end of the day Arkansas State had the best opportunity for me.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Camp: The recruiting process really turned for me after making the transition to the lower arm-slot. Then the Future Games really set that process in motion for me.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Camp: I feel like my high school season will be good. We have a young but gritty team who won Conference last year. Our coaching staff really pushes us to compete and grind all the time. I believe our team should win Conference again this year and could make a push for Districts too. My expectations for the year are that we are always playing with a chip on our shoulder and not relaxing at all. The season is a grind and we have to keep that focus.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?