Prospect Q&A: Catcher Kace Garner
September 22, 2017
Ronald Sims
Mississippi Scouting Director
The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with Northwest Rankin catcher to discuss his recent commitment to Meridian Community College. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Garner: My plan from the beginning was to go to the school that showed the most interest in me.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Garner: Yes, it was important to me to stay in state for at least the first 2 years. I like the fact that my family will be able to continue watching me play.
PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Garner: My first contact with Meridian was last fall after a showcase at Southern Miss. Coach Brewer stayed in constant contact with me over the past year and came to watch me play a good bit. They let me know early on that they were very interested in me.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Garner: JT Ginn; his fastball has been clocked at 98 mph, and he will likely be a first or second round draft pick in June.
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Garner: I’ve always known I wanted to play college baseball. I believe elite players are the ones who get paid to play. I’m working hard every day to reach that level.
PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Garner: I believe strongly that junior college will give me the chance to play early and get a lot of at-bats. I really like the coaching staff at MCC and I know that they can help me get to the next level.
PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Garner: I think my work ethic is my best attribute as a player. I’ve learned that you can only play as well as you prepare. I like to lead by example. My teammates know how hard I work, and I try to inspire them to do the same.
PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Garner: I’m constantly working on my mental approach. I’ve learned from others that have played at a high level just how important this is.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Garner: Baseball is a game of failure. It’s all about how you respond to those failures that determine your potential.
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Garner: I play just about year round and I’m in the weight room just about every day.
PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Garner: I love the coaches and the facilities at MCC.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Garner: I had interest from Pearl River, Jones, Gulf Coast, and Southwest.
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Scouting Report
Athletic 6-foot-0, 175-pound frame, with room for added strength. Behind plate has solid catching skills with good rhythm in hands and flexibility in hips. Showed solid arm with some effort, around the bag with throws between innings, 1.95-2.12. Right-handed hitter starts slightly open, loading with a toe tap, getting in a balanced hitting position. Consistently found barrel with developing strength.