Tahoma C Carson Ohland has a relatively high ceiling on the diamond, as the switch-hitting backstop currently sits at the top spot on our state’s 2023 rankings and inside the top-130 names nationally. A former Missouri high school product, Ohland attended his first PBR event in the Pacific Northwest last March and shined, impressing in all three facets of the game. In his “Early Look at 2022 State Player of the Year Candidates” Dan Jurik, our Pacific Northwest Scouting Director, had this to say about Ohland:

“Has an exceptional prospect profile as a switch hitting catcher who can run, throw and hit from both sides of the plate. He immediately stands out as an advanced receiver and will be a huge asset to his pitching staff throughout the year. Offensively he can avoid tougher match-ups by never having to set up on the pitcher’s arm-side. Expect that to lead to a high average and consistent power.”

Ohland is committed to Washington and the proportionally built 5-foot-10, 180-pound junior will likely garner the attention of scouts throughout this summer circuit. We had the chance to speak with him about his recruiting process, and more, in the Q&A below.

CARSON OHLAND

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?

Ohland: At first, the whole process was definitely intimidating, but after those first few calls to coaches the rest of the process went great. The University of Washington is a school that has every factor I was looking for in a college. The location, coaching staff, recruiting classes, and culture excite me to be committed there.

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

O: Yes, I have lived in the Midwest, but Washington is one of the best places to live. My family lives in Western Washington while almost all of my relatives live in Eastern Washington. Having such a great program close to home is everything that I have wanted.

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

O: Back in 8th grade was when I talked to my first college coach. It was early for sure, but it was great for me to be able to communicate like that at such a young age. Fast forward about a year, and I got in touch with more schools in the Pac-12 which I was interested in. They first saw me through video and live stream because of Covid-19. Ever since, I have built a great relationship with the coaching staff at the University of Washington.

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

O: I love the culture of the University of Washington. In my opinion, baseball players from the Northwest are underrated, and being able to put together a team of mostly Northwest kids is exciting. I've been on teams with kids from the Northwest that go down to Arizona and Florida and compete with some of the biggest summer programs. The coaching staff, the location, the academics, and the relationship I have built with UW have been other factors that contributed to my commitment.

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

O: I talked to a few SEC schools from playing in the Midwest, and a few other Pac-12 programs.

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

O: A few of the guys I have been around in Washington have included RHP JR Ritchie (Bainbridge Island, 2022; UCLA), RHP Jackson Cox (Toutle Lake, 2022; Oregon), INF Sebastian David (Lakeside, 2023; Stanford), RHP Bryce Johnson (Eastlake, 2023; Washington), and more. All of them are great athletes and can compete at a very high level.

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?

O: When I talked to my first college coach, I realized I had potential to play at the next level. Ever since my freshman year of high school I have been serious about getting bigger, faster, and stronger in order to succeed.

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

O: Surround yourself with people that you know will help you reach your goals. Don't get distracted, and trust the process.

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

O: Playing baseball all over the Midwest/South. Hitting a homerun with Baseball Northwest in September of 2020. Catching big leaguers Casey Sadler and Trevor May.

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

O: This year we have an entirely new coaching staff. We have a lot of seniors, and we are ready to make a statement in the state of Washington.

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