Commitment Q&A with Mississippi State Commit Richie Swain
March 28, 2024
RHP Richie Swain (Timberland, 2025; Mississippi State commit) is a top-5 arm in Missouri's 2025 class and a top-10 player overall in the state.
With tons of upside on a 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame, Swain uses his long levers to run his fastball up to 94 mph with natural arm side run. He also shows advanced feel to land a tight hoizontal slider at 76-80 mph, changeup at 81-83 mph, and loopy curveball at 71-73 mph for strikes consistantly.
Recently we spoke with the future Bulldog on his recruiting process, why he chose Mississippi State, his favorite baseball memory, and more.
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?
Swain: I didn’t have many expectations I was just trying to enjoy the process. I wanted to be in a SEC school with a great pitching development program.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Swain: In the beginning yes, but you realize it isn’t a huge thing anyway because you will be traveling and constantly training.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Swain: As soon as recruitment opened up for the junior class I received a lot of interest. Mississippi State texted me around the time of area code.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Swain: I loved the whole coaching staff. The facilities were amazing, and the training is what I was looking for.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Swain: Arkansas/Mizzou.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Swain: Sebastian Norman (Glendale, 2025; Oklahoma State commit), I faced him in an event over the summer and I was in a bind on the mound and he got a solid hit of me for him and his team. He knew what to look for, can’t wait to face him again.
PBR: 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?
Swain: It’s always been my dream, but when I started doing events I realized where I was skill wise and gave myself goals on where I wanted to be.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Swain: You need to have fun with the game, the harder you work the more fun you will have. You need to surround yourself with likeminded people.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Swain: Being able to bring my dad and grandpa to an event with me at Kauffman Stadium. Wasn’t the best performance but being able to see them in the crowd while on a big league mound is unforgettable.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Swain: We lost some very important players from last year. Big arms and some solid bats and gloves in the field. I know we will be fine, we have good talent coming up. I believe Carson, Hayden and I will work hard to step up and help lead.