Player Spotlight: 3B Hayden Cooper (Holt, 2018)
June 26, 2017
Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director
Hayden Cooper (Holt, 2018) Cooper is a 6-foot-3 180-pound right-handed hitting third baseman in Missouri’s 2018 class. He recently attended the Top Prospect Games - St. Louis and showed well at the St. Louis Invitational over the winter. 
He runs a 4.00 home to first and has an exit velocity of 93 mph. At the plate, open stance, short stride, has bat control, quick hands generating bat whip, consistent hard contact gap-to-gap, body stays under control.
On the infield, 77 mph positional velo, smooth action, feet in sync with hands, field ball in athletic position ready to throw, soft hands, loose high three quarters arm slot.
Here is a look inside the recruiting process for Hayden Cooper.
PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)
Cooper: I want to continue playing baseball at a school with a great team atmosphere that strives to be competitive. A team where we grow and learn from each other is important and I want to excel with my individual goals as well as the team’s goals. I plan on majoring in Business so a school with a strong School of Business is desirable.
PBR: How did you do your junior year? What were your high school statistics? And how did your team do?
Cooper: Holt had a good year. We won our conference but lost to a really good FZW team in Districts. Overall I had a pretty good year. I finished the season with a 365 batting average, 3 hrs, 31 total hits with 15 RBIs. We finished with a 21-7 record. Additionally, I was selected 1st Team All-Conference (Infield) as well as Academic All-Conference.
PBR: What are your goals for your senior season?
Cooper: Our team goal is to compete for a State Championship. My personal goals are to finish in the Top 10% academically and improve on my junior season.
PBR: What travel team do you play for? Are you playing fall ball with a team?
Cooper: St Louis Games 17Blue. The past 3 years I have played fall ball with the St Louis Gamers. Currently I am not sure what my plans are for this fall. I will work that out with Coach Whiteside.
PBR: Do you play any other sports?
Cooper: I play indoor soccer with several of my teammates in the winter. Additionally, I have a passion for fishing.
PBR: What are your ACT and GPA?
Cooper: I have a 3.98 cumulative GPA and I received a 24 on my ACT. My class rank is 42 of 447