Kuykendall Announces Additions to Scouting Staff
January 16, 2019
Prep Baseball Report West Virginia's Director of Scouting Josh Kuykendall has announced the additions of JT Heenan and Zach Baldwin to his scouting staff. Both will assist Kuykendall in his tireless effort to provide unparalleled coverage of amateur baseball in the Mountain State.
"Having the opportunity to add both of these guys is a huge win not just for me, but most importantly for PBR West Virginia. They both have high baseball IQ's and bring tremendous baseball experience to the staff. Unfortunately, I can't be everywhere, so these guys will be real assets to helping me make sure we cover all points of the state." said Kuykendall.
Heenan currently teaches Special Education at University High School. In his free time, he is also a baseball instructor at Pro Performance Rx. He has recently finished up his career at West Virginia University, playing for the Mountaineers from 2015 through the 2017 season. In his time there, he wore many hats including being a player, student assistant coach, assistant director of operations, and camp coordinator. Along with that, he also assisted in on-campus recruiting.
"This was a great experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to not only see what makes current college baseball players successful, but what a Power 5 school looks for in a high school player. I believe my experience coaching and developing players spanning from youth to professional baseball will benefit the kids of West Virginia." said Heenan.
Kuykendall echoed much of the same.
"JT is not only a great baseball mind, but more importantly, he's an unbelievable person. His experience speaks for itself. Not only that, but I've never been around a more positive individual in my life. Kids really respond to him. I will lean on his experience heavily in helping kids any way we can in the state. I am lucky to have him."
Baldwin comes to PBR West Virginia with an impressive background. Zach was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 31st round of the 2006 Draft out of West Virginia State. After two seasons in the Nationals system, Zach moved on to play for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the Independent Northern League. There he was a part of a division championship team (2011). After retiring in 2012, he has moved back to the Huntington area where he currently runs the Huntington Patriots.
"I love the state of West Virginia and I love baseball. This gives me the opportunity to not only be around the game, but to work with an established organization like Prep Baseball Report. I feel that there are a lot of really good baseball players that fall through the cracks in West Virginia. My number one goal is to help kids get to college, and this is the perfect opportunity to do that." said Baldwin.
Kuykendall has known Baldwin for many years, and feels this is a win-win for everyone involved.
"I've known Zach since my time at West Virginia State. He is a tremendous baseball guy and overall fantastic person. People who know me, know that I don't just throw things together. It has to be a great fit. With Zach, he checks all the boxes and will be a huge asset to me in the southern part of the state."
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Scout Day & Junior Future Games Trials | WV | 01/27 | The Wheelhouse Academy |
| Super 60 Pro Showcase | NATIONAL | 02/03 | The Max |
| Huntington Hounds Scout Day & Junior Future Games Trials | WV | 02/10 | Huntington Hounds Training Academy |
| 2019 Preseason All-State Showcase | WV | 02/24 | Pro Performance RX |