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Player Spotlight: SS Christiano Leonardi (Joplin, 2015)

January 19, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Christiano Leonardi (Joplin, 2015) is an uncommitted 5-foot-8 165-pound right-handed hitting 2B/MIF.  At the plate he starts with a wide base and athletic set up. He has no wasted movement in load, and lands square in his stride.  Leonardi has quick bat speed that is level to extension. He has an 84 mph exit velo with a line-drive approach gap-to-gap.  Leonardi has pull power, with repeatable swing mechanics.  He runs a 4.34 home-to-first, and a 7.19 60. Defensively,  he shows fluid footwork, good fielding position, soft hands, quick transfer, short release, plays through the ball, accurate throws at 81 mph across infield.

Leonardi is entering his final year at Joplin as a four-year letterman. He is currently preparing for a spring season.  Here is a look into the recruiting process for Leonardi. 

PBR: What schools have expressed interest in you?

Leonardi: Delgado, Cisco, Drury, MSSU, Longview, Pittsburg State, Independence, Johnson County

PBR: Have you taken any visits, or have any visits scheduled in the near future? If so, what schools, and how recently?

Leonardi: Independence, Longview, Johnson County

PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)

I am interested in coaching baseball for high school or college. Also sports broadcasting and sports medicine.

PBR: How did you do your sophomore/junior year?  What were your high school statistics?  And how did your team do? 

Leonardi: I lettered on varsity my freshman and sophomore seasons, earning All-Conference Honorable Mention at shortstop my sophomore year.  After my junior year, I received an Unanimous All Conference Shortstop Award, All District Infielder Award, Defensive Player of the Year for the Joplin Eagles High School Award. The Team was 22-2, I batted.432, and led the team with a .538 on-base percentage, and stolen bases.  I was 23 for 24 on stolen base attempts. I also had 12 sacrifice hits and 16 walks, both the team.  I also hit leadoff for the Eagles. 

PBR: What are your goals for your senior season? 

Leonardi: I would like to continue leading my team in on base percentage, stolen bases, and have a batting average of over 500. I also would like to have 5 or less errors for the season.

PBR: What travel team do you play for?  Do you play fall baseball?

Leonardi: I travel with the Miners Legion baseball team. I will play fall-ball for Joplin High School.

PBR: Do you play any other sports?

Leonardi: Not at this time.

PBR: What are is your ACT score and GPA?

Leonardi: My GPA currently is a 4.10. My ACT score was a 17, I do plan on taking it again in February as I am studying for the test.  I will take it repeatedly throughout my senior year until I reach a good score.

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