By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

No prospect made a bigger splash or drew more exposure as a result of his participation in the 2013 Fall College Prospect Program than LHP Zach Guth (Franklin Area HS). The 6-foot-3, 170-pound lefty made six appearances in the Fall Program logging a total of 18 innings of work. He put up eye popping numbers with 40 strikeouts, more than two an inning, while sitting 84-86. He also touched 87 mph on a number of occasions while displaying run and cut fastball options. 

Guth's performances early in the fall led to a steady stream of Division I schools making appearances during the latter half of the program to see him throw. One of the schools that expressed interest in his abilities, but failed to get a chance to see him throw prior to the program's end was the Indiana Hoosiers. According to Guth, "I began talking to Indiana in early September after their coaching staff saw my profile on the Prep Baseball Report website. After exchanging emails and several phone calls I made a visit to Indiana in October and participated in their prospect camp. I knew right away that Indiana was the right place for me. The school is amazing and they have a top notch baseball program."

Indiana head coach Tracy Smith and the bulk of his coaching staff departed Bloomington following the completion of the 2014 season to take over the Arizona State program. Guth weighed his options, including remaining an Indiana commit or switching his commitment to Arizona State, but ultimately switched his commitment to Maryland this July.

In looking back on his experience during the inaugural Fall Program last September Guth talked about the benefits of showcasing in front of college coaches across the state. “That was a great experience,” Guth said. “I met a ton of good ball players and made a ton of friends. It really gave me a chance to show how I play outside of high school ball. It definitely got me the exposure I needed.”

With short outings each week, Guth focused on making the most of his appearances and reaped the benefits.

“I only got three innings to throw so I gave it everything I had,” Guth said. “The same goes for everything. I pitched maybe 18 innings over the course of the fall program. So I only had 18 innings to throw in front of coaches so I had to go for it.”

Guth said because he played loose he saw his control improve over the course of the program and in mid-November he made his original verbal commitment to Indiana. The lefty sits 84-87 with his fastball and showed feel for his secondary pitches—a 75-77 curveball and 72-74 changeup.

Complete fall schedule

Showcase	State	Date	Location
2014 Fall College Prospect Program (Week One)	PA	Sep 7	Seton Hill University (Greensburg, PA)
2014 Fall College Prospect Program (Week Two)	PA	Sep 14	La Roche College (Pittsburgh, PA)
2014 Fall College Prospect Program (Week Three)	PA	Sep 28	Widener University (Chester, PA)
2014 Unsigned Senior Showcase	PA	Oct 18	B2B Baseball Academy - Manheim, PA