By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2019 OF Greg Ziegler (Joliet Catholic) recently committed to Missouri State. Ziegler shined at the PBR Future Games for Team Illinois running a 6.61 60-yard dash and throwing 88 mph from the outfield. His true talents show in game play where his plus speed plays and shows an advanced approach at the plate. Here is a report on Ziegler from the Future Games.

2017 Future Games (8.2.17) - Recent Missouri State commit. 6-foot-1, 175-pound, athletic, strong build, two-way prospect. Hard-nosed, high-motor player and aggressive on the base paths; ran a 6.61 laser-timed 60 on workout day and recorded multiple sub 4.2 times down-the-line during game play. Impressed with quality at-bats throughout the week; finished 3-for-8 with a double, triple, BB, HBP, 2 RBI, 2 SB's and a run in three games. Right-handed hitter, open, relaxed setup, stride gets back to even, and smooth rhythm throughout. Highly repeatable, loose swing, controls the barrel and makes a lot of hard contact. Gap-to-gap approach and slight lift in swing; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, quick feet, covers ground, quick first step and plays through the baseball. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot, throws clocked at 88 mph. Right-handed pitcher, got on the mound for an inning during the final game of the weekend. Struck out two and did not allow a hit in the inning. Highly-efficient, repeatable delivery, stays on-line and works with rhythm. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Flashed feel for three pitches and mixed effectively. Fastball works straight, tilt when down in the zone, ranged between 82-86 mph. Changeup, maintains fastball arm speed, fade action, feel at 77 mph. Curveball, tight spin, 12/6 shape, good depth, sat 71-73 mph.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Ziegler: My expectations on the recruiting process were that is was going to be fast, and of course it was. A lot of teammates and friends were committing in no time and I just kept my eyes on my own path. It is easy to get off track but you have to be patient. My coaches at Team DeMarini and JCA did a great job preparing me for it and helped make it a lot easier.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Ziegler: I was looking for a program who has a winning history and great coaches who I felt comfortable around. Also a good track record of professional players and I found that when I visited Missouri State, I knew it was the right fit for me quick.

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

Ziegler: Location played a small role, being that I wanted an area not too small and not too big. Springfield is a nice town with a good amount of people. Missouri State is about 7 hours from where I live so distance from home is not that big of a deal , and it's also a pretty good weather difference from Illinois.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Ziegler: The beginning of this summer is when it started to heat up, our second tournament at Grand Park is where the recruiting process started and continued in Nashville. The event that really turned the corner was the PBR Future Games. I feel like I did very well showcasing my skills in a great event in front of a lot of people.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Ziegler: Missouri State first saw me at Grand Park in the beginning of the summer. I started talking to one of the coaches then and I felt comfortable as I kept in touch with him throughout the whole summer, making the decision a lot easier.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Ziegler: What I like most about the college I committed to is the coaching staff and also how much they win. Coach Guttin and Coach Evans have been coaching the Bears for awhile, and posting winning seasons mostly every year. Also the stadium and facilities are another plus. Not many people get even play on fields like Hammons Field.

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

Ziegler: The other schools on my short list were Mizzou, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Ziegler: The best player I have faced in my state was Ryan Sublette. We faced Lemont in the regional championship last season and he dominated our team from pitch 1. He worked the corners really well throwing majority fastballs and missing a spot maybe 2 times throughout his 7 innings.

PBR: 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?

Ziegler: About freshman year is when It hit me. I played against the best competition throughout the whole season and saw what it takes to be a D1 athlete. Putting in the work in the weight room has been the biggest thing in taking my game to the next level.

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

Ziegler: My advice would be to never take a day off, and be patient. You have to work to what you want and keep your eyes on your path. It's not always going to be a straight path, there will be many ups and downs, but if you work for it you will get great things in return.

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

Ziegler: The most memorable moment in my baseball career so far is the PBR Future Games. Being able to play with and against the best uncommitted talent was a lot of fun. I made a lot of good memories that week.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Ziegler: I feel that our high school team is going to be a top team in the state. We have many Division 1 athletes and also with a lot of varsity experience. This year is going to be a good one. My expectations are to win a lot of games, and achieve our main goal which is a state championship. My goal is also to light it up in the box.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Ziegler: In the summer I play with Team DeMarini. I have many great experiences , but My most memorable experience with them has been Nashville. We played great competition and had a lot of fun while doing so.

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