Pitt The Right Fit For Switch-Hitting Overbeek

Josh Overbeek 3B / C / Anderson, OH / 2021

CINCINNATI - As a 6-2, 210-pound switch hitter with a lot of versatility, Josh Overbeek did not lack for interest during his college recruitment.

“I had offers from a handful of schools that I was considering from all over the spectrum,” the Anderson High School junior said. “In the end I brought it down to four schools.”

New Mexico, Air Force, Wright State and Pittsburgh were the final colleges under consideration by the 21st-rated 2021 player in Ohio before a decision was made.

“After Sept. 1 came out of the blue I got a text from coach (Ty) MeGahee,” Overbeek said in reference to Pitt’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. “ We talked for a couple weeks before going to Fort Myers and Jupiter where they saw me in action. I played hard and that attracted them. They invited me on a visit and it went well there.”

That took place in late October.

“I really liked the overall school for a lot of reasons,” Overbeek related. “It has a great program and they play in a conference I want to compete in. The coaches were outstanding, I loved talking to them. I really loved talking to coach MeGahee about hitting.

“It all added up,” Overbeek said about making it official with a commitment to the Atlantic Coast Conference school. “There is a new excitement there, something I want to be a part of. Personally, I feel it’s a great fit for my personality and there’s a chance to play right away. Hopefully, I can come in and play a couple positions with an opportunity to develop at the max against the best competition in the country.”

A shortstop in high school, Pitt views Overbeek as mainly a third baseman with the potential to help out elsewhere.

“First base and left field spots will open up the year I get there so I hope to compete for a spot,” Overbeek noted.