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Inside the Recruitment: '16 OF Nick Howie commits to Eastern Kentucky University

November 9, 2015

By Chris Kemlo and PBR Staff
Ontario Scouting Director

With the Summer season coming to an end and the 2015-2016 high school sports season as well as fall ball getting underway, we would like to take a look at some of the top uncommitted prospects at each position.

Interested in attending a PBR Ontario event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

Ontario Inside The Recruitment: Nick Howie, OF

Nick HowieNick Howie, OF, Garth Webb Secondary, 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Eastern Kentucky University?
Howie: After my visit to EKU I really liked the campus, the coaches and players were all very nice, and I felt it was the right school to continue my development as a baseball player as well as my academics. They are also investing a lot of money in the baseball program for the stadium and clubhouse which is very exciting. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Howie: SouthEast Missouri State, High Point, University of San Francisco, Florida Gulf Coast, Canisius, Niagara

PBR: Where did Coach Thompson first see you and how did your relationship develop with them?
Howie: Coach Thompson first saw me the fall of 2014 at Tournament 12. He then saw me a couple more times in Jupiter as well as this past Tournament 12 in 2015. We stayed in contact, and once he got the job at EKU he called me as he thought I could be a great fit.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
Howie: My Dad has been the biggest influence in my baseball career. He was the one who introduced me to the game when I was 6, and he was my coach for a long time after that. He always told me to be the hardest worker in whatever I did which I think has really helped me in my baseball career as well as in school.

My hitting coach for the Ontario Blue Jays, Pat Visca has also really helped me develop as he started working with me as soon as I entered the Blue Jay program and we continue to slightly adjust my swing in order to compete at the next level.

PBR: How has PBR Ontario helped in your role to get recruited to the next level?
Howie: PBR Ontario has really helped me as they are at the majority of my games and at all of the big scouting events. They are always on top of the recruitment of players and have been in contact with several schools about me. They work very hard at getting players in Ontario noticed, which I am very grateful for.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
Howie: At first I was not really sure what to expect going into the recruiting process. It is very humbling receiving calls from schools that want you, and keep following you. It is difficult at times as there were some tough decisions I had to make such as staying back an extra year, but I am very glad I did so. 

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and how has that helped you prepare for the next level?
Howie: I play for the Ontario Blue Jays in the summer. The Blue Jay program has significantly helped the development of me as a baseball player, and I do not think I would be the same player without joining the program. The College fall trip we do is a great way to get noticed and see where you stand against the best competition in the U.S. The program and all of the coaches have really helped in preparing me to get to the next level.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff of EKU have in store for you?
Howie: They believe I can greatly impact the team early in my career. I will have a chance to play very early in my career which is all I could ask for. They expect big things from me as I continue to develop there.

PBR: What do you feel are the strengths about your game?
Howie: My speed is one of my biggest assets as I can put pressure on the defense, as well as helping my tracking ability in the outfield. I feel the combination of my speed and power is very important to my game. I have also greatly improved my throwing arm which helps in the outfield as opponents are more hesitant to run on me.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
Howie: The Perfect Game National Championship in Fort Myers.  I won with the Ontario Blue Jays this past 2015 summer. We were the first Canadian team to win a Perfect Game tournament which made it all the more special.

PBR: Now that you have committed to EKU, what goals have you set for yourself for 2016?
Howie: I just want to keep working hard in continuing all assets of my game to continue to make myself a 5 tool player. I will continue to work on my speed, throwing, and pitch recognition to enhance my skills and make me an all around player.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ontario?
Howie: There have been a lot of great pitchers who I have faced over the years. I would say one of the toughest would be Michael Brettell as he had some velocity as well as good offspeed to keep you guessing.

 

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