C/RHP Donald Timon (Mascoutah, 2023; Eastern Illinois commit) easily put together one of the more impressive two-way showings at the inaugural Illinois State Games this past summer. He came away from the event as a high-level catching prospect, recording pop-times as low as 1.86 seconds with clear arm strength and a quality right-handed stroke at the plate. His arm strength easily translates to the mound, reaching up to 89 mph with above-average spin (2500+ RPM) and a knack for spinning the breaking ball. The two-way capabilities of Timon make him an extremely valuable asset for Mascoutah this coming spring, and he will likely be relied on heavily to help lead them into a deep playoff run. 

We recently caught up with Timon to talk through his recruitment process, as well as some other interesting topics along the way. 

Our Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Timon: I was looking for a high level team that works as a brotherhood to compete and win games.

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

T: Location and distance didn't matter, all I knew is that I wanted to ball out.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

T: Recruiting really started to heat up towards the end of junior summer season.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

T: I liked how EIU keeps a strong, healthy relationship while winning games and being competitive.

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

T: I had multiple schools on my list to pick from but after I visited EIU it was a sealed deal.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

T: Zander Mueth; him and I go way back and have been good friends for a while and have always competed against each other since a young age.

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

T: I knew I could be a college caliber player whenever I had a coach reach out asking if I wanted to take lessons with him because he believed in me.

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

T: To believe in yourself and trust that anything is possible but to work, work, work - it doesn't come easy and get exposure.

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

T: Every single game with all my best friends will always be something I remember for the rest of my life.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

T: I believe our high school team will be excellent and a team to look forward to. We have multiple high tier arms ready to work at any time this season, starting with me touching 90 mph and increasing, Wyatt Beer '24, touching 88 mph with really good accuracy, Austin Musso '25, touching 90 mph and increasing, top tier accuracy with some movement, and further more arms and high level athletes such as; Trevor Geis, Gabe Vojak, and Tyler Ballor. Definitely keep us in mind when looking for a highly competitive, really athletic team trying to take away a state championship.

P: How did the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event?

T: The Illinois State Games gave me exposure to schools that would have never seen me on a diamond outside of that event.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

T: Wyatt Beer '24, or Austin Musso '25, are two very talented educated men who have a bright future ahead of them for baseball.

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