Class of 2014 C/OF Colby Fitch (righfrom Hickman HS caught the eye of scouts at the February Open ID Showcase in Kansas City last February, and continued to impress at the Top Prospect Invite event in June. Behind the plate, Fitch has above average mechanics, quick feet, and a strong, accurate arm. At the plate, the left handed hitter shows a big bat with power potential. All of these tools have earned him a No. 2 ranking in the Class of 2014 rankings. His big arm and big bat match his big personality, and he is a player to watch over the next couple of years.

PBR: As you enter your sophomore season, which schools are you interested in playing at?

Fitch: I’m not focused in on any particular school or conference.  I am interested in schools with both good baseball programs and academics.  I think as I get older and get to know more schools and programs, I will find the right one to help me reach my goals.

PBR: Similarly, what schools have shown significant interest?

Fitch: I am starting to receive interest from a variety of schools.  Some of the schools I’ve received camp invites or questionnaires from are:  Missouri, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wichita State, Oklahoma State, Austin Peay, Kansas, Creighton and others. 

PBR: Considering that you’re both a catcher and outfielder, have you drawn more interest for one than the other?

Fitch: I think I have received more interest as a catcher.  My pop time was recorded a 1.91 and 1.93 this past summer.  I believe the combination of my catching, arm strength, and strong left-handed hitting draws the most interest.

PBR: If you had to choose between the two positions in college, which would you prefer?

Fitch: I would prefer to catch, but would be happy to play outfield if given the opportunity.  I have caught since I was very young and have always loved being a leader in the game.  Our coaches let us call our games and I love the mental challenge of being involved in every pitch, and directing the game on the field.

PBR: Do you feel that playing in Missouri and facing the competition you do has prepared you for the various showcase events you’ve attended?

Fitch: I believe the St. Louis and KC Metro areas have very good competition.  There are many good baseball programs in both cities.  This past summer I played in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Florida, Oklahoma, and East Cobb, Georgia so I saw great competition from not only the Midwest, but also from the South which really helped me prepare for events.

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?

Fitch: I believe BBCOR bats will make the game of baseball more true.  A hitter will now have to make better contact to get a base hit.  It will take away the little flare hit to the outfield that previously would be a base hit.  Because of this, pitching will have an even bigger impact on the game.

PBR: What team did you play for over the summer and how did it go for you? Were there any aspects of your game that you wanted to improve during the summer?

Fitch: I played for the Mac-n-Seitz Indians –Foster team and the 15U USSSA National team.  I had a very good summer.  My summer avg was .484 and OB% .592.  We played some great teams from around the country including Team Marucci and Team Elite White.  During the summer, I worked to improve my hitting.  We used wood bats most of the summer and I learned the importance of consistently practicing off the tee. 

PBR: You participated in some high profile events this past year, what experiences did you take away from them?

Fitch: With Mac-n-Seitz we played in the 16U WWBA Nationals in East Cobb as well as many college showcases.  I was also fortunate to play on the first team 2011 15U USSSA National Team as well as the 2011 Team Missouri in the Midwest Classic in Chicago.  I participated in Prep Baseball’s Top Prospect Showcase, attended the Area Code tryouts, and played in the Midwest Pro Futures Games in Tulsa.  With my team and these events, I was able to compete with and against some great players.   With different teams and coaches I learned new ways to approach the game and identified new things I need to work on to get to the next level.

PBR: As you head into your sophomore year, what are your thoughts on the recruiting process thus far?

Fitch: As a sophomore, I think it’s going well.  I’m 16 so I’m not getting any direct contact yet, but am receiving camp/event invitations and college questionnaires.  I’m not thinking about recruiting much yet, just staying focused on playing and the rest will take care of itself.

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish this fall and off-season on an individual level?

Fitch: I always hope to improve my overall strength and athleticism.  In the Fall, I played for my high school varsity football team which helped improve my overall strength, agility, and speed.  Now, in the winter, I have a daily strength class at school.  I take hitting and catching lessons as well as go to the cages several times a week for tee work, soft toss and live hitting.