Q&A with Illinois-Chicago commit Vidal Colon
December 14, 2022
Throughout the past calendar year or so, INF/C Vidal Colon (University School, 2023) put together multiple memorable performances in front of our staff. Starting in the spring, Colon put up some ridiculous numbers for the Wildcats as he finished the season with a .500 batting average which included six doubles, four triples and four homeruns, earning him PBR Wisconsin All-State: First Team honors as a result. He carried over this momentum into the summer as he was arguably one of the top offensive performers at both The Rock for the 17U Summer Championships and at the Dells during the Badger State Games, as he recorded multiple multi-home run performances at both events. While Colon’s bat has always been his calling card, he added to his prospect stock when he showed up to the Milwaukee Preseason ID with a position change to catcher, and put together one of the better defensive rounds of the day. While it is unclear exactly where Colon profiles at the next-level defensively, his athleticism coupled with his offensive capabilities are certainly something that will allow him to flourish for years to come.
Back in June, Colon announced his commitment to one of the most recent Missouri Valley Conference additions, the University of Illinois-Chicago. We had the chance to talk with the future Flame about his recruitment, favorite baseball memory, and much more in this edition of our Q&A series.
LATEST SCOUTING REPORT
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?What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Colon: I just wanted to find the best place for me. A place that truly wanted me and a place I could call home.
P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
C: Yes, I didn’t want to be too close but I didn’t want to be too far.
P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
C: I mean, it was heating up sophomore summer then slowed down until my junior summer. Then kind took off. But, UIC saw me sophomore summer for the first time.
P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
C: I love how welcoming they all are, they really built a family there and it’s just something I want to be a part of. The coaches are great and truly care about everyone on the team and all of the recruits.
P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
C: UWM, Akron, Youngstown State and Northern Kentucky
P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
C: INF Alex Alicea (St. Thomas More, 2023; Louisville commit), i’ve played with/against him since I was five. He’s just an amazing ball player and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes.
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?
C: I think I truly realized it junior year, I was told by people but never believed it.
P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
C: Just don’t give up, keep working harder and harder everyday. Everyone’s recruiting process is different so just don’t lose hope. Believe in yourself.
P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
C: Just hotels with all the boys, we created so many memories I will never forget.
P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
C: I think we will be pretty solid. We lost RHP James Reese (2022; Lafayette) which really sucks but everyone else comes back.
P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?
C: Alex Alicea’s quick feet.
P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
C: OF Gabe Ciralsky (University School, 2025)
Scouting Report
In a recent move to catcher, 2023 prospect C/INF Vidal Colon (University School of Milwaukee) just elevated his profile to a whole new level. His bat has always outweighed his defensive capabilities on the infield, but our first look at him defensively behind the plate might change some minds on that. His body type fits the position well at a strong and compact 5-foot-10, 198-pounds and all of previous infield experience translates well also. He’s clearly an above average athlete and moved better than most backstops we’ve seen this winter. His arm strength also carried over at 80 mph out of the crouch resulting in event best pop times of 1.87-1.94. If this is a permanent switch for Colon there’s no doubt he’ll continue to improve with reps.