Commitment Spotlight: '19 Hunter Smith, SS/RHP, Anoka
November 30, 2018
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PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?
Smith: I chose Saint John's mainly because of the amazing campus and great academic programs they offer, also I want an opportunity to study abroad and they really encourage every student to do so.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Smith: Gustavus Adolphus, UW-Lacrosse, and Winona State
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?
Smith: I believe they first saw me at some high school games during my sophomore and junior seasons, and then they contacted my Head Coach Blansette and then we kicked it off from there.
PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
Smith: Yes, I am extremely excited to be done, it's a like a weight lifted off my shoulders.
PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
Smith: I just immediately got the vibe when I was on campus that I want to spend the next 4 years of my life here.
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
Smith: My parents both have helped me so much ever since I was little, to become a better baseball player and a better young man.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
Smith: I didn't ever realize how important the showcases are, especially just to get your name out there and get noticed. Overall it wasn't too hard, just trying to make connections everywhere I went.
PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
Smith: Hopefully see what I can do, I would love to be able to pitch and play in the field.
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
Smith: Most memorable moment was last year when I pitched a complete game against Forest Lake, only giving up one run, to move on to the section finals.
PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
Smith: Matt Wallner of Forest Lake
Scouting Report
3/18/18- 5-foot-10, 175-pound left-handed hitting 2-way player. 7.65 runner. Square stance, short leg kick trigger, stiffer hands, line drive swing plane, spray contact, works both sides of field, 79 mph exit velocity. Solid/avg. footwork, sure hands, long release on throws, works through ball with accuracy to bag, 76 mph arm across infield. On mound; long rocker step, high tuck and turn balance point, short arm action, lands inline to catcher, upright on release. Fastball had flat action at 74-77 mph. Slower breaking ball with loopy shape. Abov avg. changeup with feel for zone and late fading action.
7/5/17- 5-foot-9, 180-pound left-handed hitting 2-way player. 7.97 runner. Athletic balanced stance, aggressive swinger, shows extension through contact, flashes pull power in bat, 83 mph exit velocity. Tends to sit back on ball, avg. hands and feet, adequate range, accurate to bag, 74 mph arm strength across infield. On mound; travels across rubber, pauses in delivery, longer arm action, with upright finish to plate. Fastball was 74-75 mph with flashes of arm-side run. Small break on 12/4 curveball. Occasional run on straight changeup at 66-68 mph.