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Q&A With Mercyhurst University Recruit Collin Fantaskey

November 29, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Collin FantaskeyCollin Fantaskey is an athletic OF/IF/RHP with the potential to develop into an impact player at the next level. The Mercyhurst University recruit is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound prospect capable of playing nearly every position on the diamond. His versatility and his 6.75 foot speed will give Mercyhurst coaching staff plenty of options of how to best utilize him during his four years in the PSAC.

Fantaskey hit .406 and went 4-2 on the mound in 2013, getting the win on the mound in the District 10 AAA title game. The long strider is probably best suited as an outfielder where he glides to baseballs and has the ability to cover a substantial amount of ground. He gets out of the box and down the line as well as any right-handed hitter we have seen in Pennsylvania. Fantaskey registered four infield base hits in one summer tournament alone in 2013.

Prep Baseball Report spoke to Fantaskey about his college choice and the process that led to his decision.


PBR:  Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?

Fantaskey: I have decided to attend college at Mercyhurst University. I really made up my mind when I made an overnight visit on the campus. I really fell in love with the school and the coaching staff so it made my decision a lot easier. Mercyhurst is also one of the only universities in our area that has my intended major so it worked out really well for me

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?

Fantaskey: I was also considering Pitt-Johnstown, Seton Hill and Pitt-Bradford.

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?

Fantaskey: No, it wasn’t really a factor for me, but it will be nice being close to home so that it is possible for my parents to come watch my games.

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Fantaskey: I believe the coaches first saw me at a prospect camp at their University in September. I had made contact with them prior to that but I don’t think they really considered me as a recruit until they saw me at their camp. I really liked the coaching staff. They do a great job developing players and they have been a very successful program in the PSAC.

PBR:  What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Fantaskey: I think the coaches would like for me to compete for a position in the line-up. Obviously they will expect me to work hard and improve as a player. I hope to increase my strength in the next year which translates into increased bat speed, arm strength and overall athleticism. I will do whatever the coaching staff feels is in the best interest of the team.

PBR:  What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?

Fantaskey: My biggest strength is my speed and knowledge of the game. I personally feel that I can change a game by getting on base, stealing a base, and putting myself in scoring position.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?

Fantaskey: I played my summer ball with the B2B Bombers for Coach Shaun Vernesoni. My most memorable moments include the game that I beat out four infield singles in Johnstown, PA. I also enjoyed all of the traveling, and playing with a great group of guys from around the state. I also played with a high school travel team that will basically be my high school team in 2014.

PBR:  What is your current GPA?

Fantaskey: My current GPA is 3.2.

PBR:  Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Fantaskey: As a senior I want to improve as a player on the field but I also would like to improve as a teammate and leader. My goal for my team this year is to win a District 10 Championship and make a run through the state tournament. Warren has a history of being a very strong baseball team in District 10 and I want to continue that tradition.

PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?

Fantaskey: I can't stress enough how important PBR has been for me in the last two years. They really helped my recruiting process get off the ground and gave me a head start in the process. They did a great job of helping me narrow down my search based on my abilities and where they felt I could play collegiate baseball. The first time I realized how helpful PBR was when I was invited to the Midwest Future Games in 2012 at the University of Illinois. I was amazed at how many college coaches were in attendance and the exposure my teammates and I received. The PBR staff has talked to many coaches about my skill set. I appreciate everything that they have done for me. I would encourage upcoming players to get involved with PBR if they truly want to play college baseball.


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