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Q&A With Southeast Missouri State Signee Tank Sims

January 9, 2024
By: Diego Solares
Central Region Media Director, Area Scout

C Tank Sims (West Plains, 2024; Southeast Missouri State) is one of the top prospects in the state's senior class - he's slotted within the top-20 on our current board, and sits as the second-highest backstop in our rankings as well.

We've become increasingly familiar with the southwest Missouri native over the last few years. He attended the Midwest Mavericks Scout Day in 2022 and was a standout, earning himself an invite to represent Team Select at the PBR Future Games as a result. There, Sims performed at a high level at the nation's premier event and generated plenty of buzz for himself within collegiate circles. Shortly afterwards, Sims announced his commitment to Southeast Missouri State, a regular contender in the Ohio Valley.
2022 PBR Future Games

We saw Sims twice this year as well, starting in the winter at the St. Louis Preseason ID, and again at the Midwest Mavericks Scout Day. He performed well in both of those looks, enhancing his tools from the year prior, with a more polished and authoritive left-handed barrel to pair.

From 6/14/23: “...Sims is one of the top prospects in the state’s 2024 class, representing Team Select at the Future Games last summer and committing to Southeast Missouri State shortly afterwards. The left-handed hitting backstop offers plenty of projection attached to a 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame and he continues to show lean barrel strength at the plate. Sims’ furthest ball traveled 357 feet and his hardest barrel registered at 97 mph, both of which are well above-average marks for someone his age. Defensively, Sims topped at 79 mph from the crouch and popped at 1.94-to-2.00 in his workout.” 
6/14/23

We spoke with the SEMO signee on his overall recruiting process, who his toughest opponent to date is, his advice to young baseball players, and more. You'll find our full chat below.

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?

Sims: The goal was always to play D1. As we started visiting schools, I wanted to stay within four hours of home if at all possible. 

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

Sims: Absolutely, 4-6 hours from home is as far as I wanted to go. If it didn’t work out I would of went farther but fortunately it worked out. 

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

Sims: It started my sophomore year from a few schools that I had done camps at. But I was fortunate enough to be selected to play in the Prep Baseball Future Games and then it skyrocketed. After participating in the Future Games, I was talking to schools on the regular, it was almost overwhelming after that weekend. SEMO had originally seen me in Indy at a tournament we went to and they where able to get a really good look at me in Atlanta at the PBR FG. 

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

Sims: Like I said, it was overwhelming at first but my travel ball coach Jon Gibbens helped so much on every level, answering questions and giving me advice, I really believe that it wouldn’t of been possible without him. After the first time stepping on campus at SEMO the atmosphere felt amazing from the initial visit. After meeting the coaches and current players, I had made my mind up. All that was left was convincing my parents this was the best place for me. 

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

Sims: The last discussion I had with my family we narrowed it down to five schools to discuss. It came down to SEMO, Indiana State, Kansas State, Wichita State and Kentucky. 

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

Sims: Man, I have faced so many but probably INF Brooks Kettering (Glendale, 2023; Southeast Missouri State) from Glendale high school. He always seemed to have our number when we played Glendale. He can hit off speed in all parts of the zone, so he was always hard to call pitches on. But luckily we are travel ball teammates and both going to SEMO and he is a great friend, although that doesn’t make the high school game losses any easier. 

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?

Sims: 11U I would say. That is when my Dad really started working with me heavily on my swing and I honestly believe there is no swing coach that is better on any level. He helps me and my friends so much. 

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

Sims: Work, Work, Work. Attitude, Effort and Focus are what it takes. Set goals on your Velo, Exit velo, pop time or whatever fits your position and get there and be patient. You are going to grow and get stronger even if doesn’t feel like it right now. 

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

Sims: No question, it is getting to play in Atlanta at the PBR Future Games in 2022. The level of baseball and baseball players was on another level. I have no doubt, I got to play with possible Hall of Famers. Awesome Baseball! 

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Sims: For West Plains High School, this is our year. We already have three college commits and I know more are coming. Coach James Sharp is an amazing coach that has been a major influence on me and my game - he has put me in the position to succeed. He has formed a solid team and we owe him a big year! We have a sophomore class that made a big impact last year that stepped up for injured upper class men and they are only getting better. We have pitching and we have big bats and a solid field, so the key is to keep our arms strong and everyone healthy, hungry, and focused. This year we are going to leave it all out there.

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