McCauley Cox grabbing attention across the Midwest

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

McCauley Cox (Janesville Craig, 2015) has been on the PBR radar since we’ve first seen the lanky middle infielder at the Beloit Prospect ID. Cox has a highly projectable build and has recently made some big strides getting closer to that potential.

Cox is a lanky athletic prospect at 6-foot-1, 160-pounds and hits from the left side. Defensively he shows athleticism on the infield, his actions are much improved and is playing through the baseball much better. His arm action is loose and athletic and has shown a 74 mph arm across the diamond.

Offensively his left handed swing is clean and easy. He hits from a slightly open stance using a short stride. He has athletic hands and stays on top of the baseball with his flat, repeatable stoke. 

Cox has had his opportunities to impress lately as we’ve seen him at several camps in January.

“Things have been active lately.  I was fortunate to attend two great camps this fall/winter that put me in front of several coaches.  In addition to Xavier and UIS, I’ve had some contact with UW-Milwaukee, Valparaiso, Central Michigan, and Indiana State,” said Cox.

Cox wants to take his time to make the right decision on where he will spend the next four years. He currently has visits scheduled for The University of Illinois-Springfield and Xavier in February.

He is hoping his baseball endeavors will keep him in the Midwest but most importantly he wants a school that will bring him a good education.

Cox is currently holding a 3.65 GPA and will be taking the ACT this month. He is still undecided on his major but states that it will have an impact on his decision.

Currently ranked No.42 on Wisconsin’s list of 2015’s, Cox should see his name climb the ranks as well as his interest level from college recruiters. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you become serious about taking your game to the next level?

Cox: As long as I can remember I’ve wanted to play baseball in college and beyond. It’s when I got older and started to play on competitive teams that I started to realize my true potential.  At that point, I really began to take things seriously and focus on improving all aspects of my game.  

PBR: What are you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at? Feel free to elaborate as much as possible

Cox: I’m looking for a program in the Midwest.  Obviously I’m looking for a school that will offer me a great education.  As for the baseball aspect, I’d like the program to have a nice facility but most importantly, I want supportive coaches who are going to push me to the next level.

3)      What schools do you have interest in?

 Honestly, at first, I will have interest in any school that has interest in me. Even with all my research, it’s impossible to know all the great schools out there.  Each school is unique in what it has to offer.

4)      What factors will sway your decision in choosing a college?

 I really don’t want to go super far from home.  I am very close with my family.  It seems I’ve always been one of those kids who had the most fan support in the stands.  My parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles have traveled to my games. It will also depend on the majors the school has to offer.  I’m undecided right now on what I  to do, but I have a few ideas of what path I’d like to take.  Finally, I want a college that has a program that will be a good fit for me and have a place for me to play.  A huge part of being able to develop as a player is to be able to play in the game.

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

I attend weekly workout sessions with The Rawlings Hitters Program, I have weekly hitting lessons with my hitting coach, I do drills at home, and I play Varsity Basketball which is great for conditioning.

9)      What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

It was probably the entire summer of 2011 with my Babe Ruth World Series Team. We were 25-0 going into the World Series Tournament.  Winning was fun; we were like one big family that summer.  My greatest memory was a play I had a second base to win the Regional Championship and send us to the World Series. 

10)   How are your academics? GPA? ACT? SAT? Any academic awards?

 I have a 3.65 GPA and I’ll be taking the ACT in February.

12)   Preview your high school season? How will your team be this year? Expectations?

This year, Craig Varsity will have eight players from our 2011 World Series Team.  We will have great team chemistry. We also have high expectations for ourselves and for each other.  Combine these high expectations and motivation with Craig’s other talented players and I think we’re going to have a great team this year.  We are all excited about the season and think it’s about time Craig headed back to the state tournament!