Winning And Improving Crucial For Thompson

WADSWORTH - Matt Thompson has a clear understanding of what the recruiting process means to him.

“It’s cool to have them reach out and to hear their feedback,” the Wadsworth junior said. “It’s not the end of the day if they don’t like where I’m at. I’m just grateful they recognized me and to be able to talk to them.”

Houston was the first school that initially showed an interest in the 42nd-ranked 2022 in Ohio.

“It started the spring of last year when they saw a video with Brownlee,” Thompson reflected. “I talked to them again in the summer.”

Attention heated up more after Thompson played with Team Select at the PBR Future Games in early August.

“After the Future Games is when I started talking with Toledo, Akron and Columbia,” noted Thompson, who has also been in conversation with Kent State among others. “That was a really cool experience to meet kids from other states. It was one of the best environments I’ve ever been in. It was fun to meet and talk to them while playing with and against the best competition in the country.”

There was a lot for college coaches to see in the 6-1 180-pounder, who recently turned 17 years of age.

“They like my defense, my arm and the athletic swing,” explained Thompson. “They can see me playing anywhere in the infield. I played shortstop in the summer the past two seasons, but the left side, shortstop and third base, are what all the schools I talked to said.”

Improvement has come with knowing what needs to be done according to the 13th-rated junior shortstop in the state.

“I’ve improved in everything,” Thompson related. “It’s about trusting my lifting and doing really quality lifting and understanding my body in order to stay injury free. It’s getting strong in the right ways and understanding my body.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, sees Thompson as a player with an abundance of potential.

“He is one of the toolsiest players left on the board,” Chiero said of the fourth-ranked uncommitted 2022 position player in Ohio. “The defensive profile is impressive, with a left side of the infield skill set considering advanced ball skills and 90-plus mile-an-hour arm across the diamond.

“The hit tool continues to come along and he has the athleticism and bat speed to hit at the next level. If he can prove to barrel quality arms this spring and summer, he will have checked all the boxes in my opinion.”

A strong desire to play at a high level has been there since a young age for Thompson.

“I’ve always wanted to play in college, but even so I was obsessed on a certain level,” Tompson admitted. “I’d like to play Division I, but just want someone that can invest their time and make me a better player.”

The realization college baseball was in his future hit home at the start of recruitment.

“When I first talked to Houston I’m like ... I really have a chance to play at a good school,” Thompson said. “That opened my eyes and I began working even harder to maximize myself to be the best player I can be.”

Thompson points to Ben Simon and Tyler Mitchell as being critical in his development, with his parents playing a vital role as well in becoming the type of player he is today.

“Hitting-wise, I get on base,” Thompson said about what he brings to the table, then listing off strong traits he owns. “I just produce runs. I’m a competitor. I love to be out there with friends.

“All the skill sets are there,” Thompson added. “But the biggest thing I offer is I like to win.” 

No time table is there when it comes to making a decision for Thompson, a 3.4 student looking at a major in business.

“I’ll go to the other side of the country if that’s what it takes,” Thompson said. “The first thing I’m looking for is the atmosphere to win, have fun and get better most definitely. It comes down to how I’m going to fit in there and my relationships with the coaching staff.

“Right now I’m looking to go out there this spring, perform and play well in high school and see what other interest I can get.”