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Q&A with Mizzou Commit SS Mark Vierling (CBC, 2017)

October 29, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Mark Vierling (CBC, 2017) has had a memorable year.  After seeing his brother, Matt, get drafted by St. Louis Cardinals in June, Mark began to make his stamp on the baseball scene. 

Mark helped lead the Cadets to a 32-7 record last spring that finished with a Class 5 State championship, hitting .431 with a .500 slugging percentage and 11 RBI.
In July, he was considered as a possible MVP for the PBR Future Games.  At the Future Games,  Vierling went 5-for-8 with two doubles and a triple. He also stole a base while driving in three runs and scoring three.

Shortly after the Future Games, Vierling verbally committed to the University of Missouri.

Vierling runs a 6.99 60, has a 91 mph exit velo.  Vierling has smooth load from an athletic stance, linear stride, fast bat speed, level through the zone, consistent hard contact during batting practice, ability to drive ball to both gaps, uses back leg for power.  On the infield, has an 88 mph positional velo, over-the-top release, momentum towards first base, plays through the ball, clean exchange, quick footwork, arm works from different slots.

Here is a closer look at Vierling's road to Missouri. 

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

Vierling: I expected the recruiting process not to be as fast as it was.  Although it was great building relationships with coaches and getting to know more about their school.  It became difficult, because it was hard contacting all of the coaches.

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

Vierling: Yes it did, I wanted to stay in the Midwest.

PBR: Where did Mizzou first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Vierling: They first saw me at the 2015 Underclass games which was at Mizzou.  I developed a very good relationship with the coaches over the next couple months over the phone and visits.

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

Vierling: Nick Wholbold, he played very well against CBC during the high school season.

PBR: Describe your experience at the PBR Future Games.

Vierling: I had a great experience at the future games, and had a great time with the guys on the team.  I also got a ton of exposure from the coaches at the event.  It was a great baseball experience.

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

Vierling: Never give up on yourself when times are tough, because there always are ups and downs in baseball, but it is how you come back from those mistakes that make you better.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Vierling: I workout about 3-4 times a week and hit and throw 3-4 times a week.  The St. Louis Gamers and P3 also help me prepare for the upcoming seasons.

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

Vierling: The most memorable moment in my baseball career is winning a state championship with my brother.

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

Vierling: I chose Mizzou because I felt comfortable with the coaches, the school, and the atmosphere. 

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

Vierling: Missouri State, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Arkansas State, 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?

Vierling: The recruiting process started for me earlier this year and gradually kept heating up, but one event that really speed up the recruiting process was the PBR Future Games.  

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some players that will help you defend the state championship

Vierling: We will have another talented team that has big expectations.  The goal is to win another state championship, and players that will have big roles this upcoming season are me, Blake Charlton, Alec Whaley, Dan Ampleman, Jake Hausmann, and Donovan Psaris, etc.

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

Vierling: St. Louis Gamers, and my most memorable moment with them is when we made it to the playoffs during the Perfect Game WWBA tournament.

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