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Q&A with Mizzou commit RHP/SS Luke Anderson (SM East, 2017)

November 9, 2015

Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Luke Anderson (SM East, 2017) is a 6-foot-1 160-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and right-handed pitcher.  He recently verbally committed to the University of Missouri.

In July, Anderson represented Team Select at the PBR Future Games. During infield evaluations, Anderson posted an 85 mph positional velo, with fluid footwork and a quick release, making accurate throws across the infield. He ran a 7.25 60 and had an exit velo of 92 mph. 

During batting practice, Anderson showed off his aggressive swing, driving ball into both gaps. He has a balanced set-up with a controlled leg kick. He ran a 7.25 60 and had an exit velo of 92 mph.

In game three at the Future Games, Anderson drove in seven runs against Missouri and finished the three-game stretch going 4-for-8. On the mound, Anderson worked 82-85 mph with his fastball, and showed a 12-to-6 breaking ball at 69-73 mph.

Here is a look inside the recruitment of Luke Anderson

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Anderson: I try to set my goals as high as possible. At the start though I didn’t really know what to expect. I was really new to the process, but as I grew and matured I expected more and more.
 
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Anderson: A little bit. My dad went to Mizzou, and my older brother Lane is currently a freshman at SLU. I am very close with him as well so that definitely had a factor in my decision as well.
 
PBR: Where did Mizzou first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Anderson: They first saw me in a perfect game tournament in Atlanta. I was pitching at the East Cobb baseball complex.
 
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Andreson: The best player I have faced in my state is Cole Duensing, because he has a killer instinct and has a ton of ambition in him, which I love.
 
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Anderson: The work is what set you apart from others. If you have a dream, go get it. Don’t worry about what other people are saying about you, just keep your head on straight and chase your goal.
 
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Andreson: I am currently in Premier Pitching Program along with players like Joey Wentz, Riley Pint, Cole Duensing, Blake Lillis, Tommy Barnhouse, Lucas Krull, and Tyler Benninghoff. I also continue to hit since I play shortstop for my highschool team.
 
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Andreson: The most memorable day of my career, was when I threw in Jupiter, Florida at the end of Junior fall. It was just this last month.
 
PBR: What do you like most about Mizzou and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Anderson: The coaches are great! It is a very organized and individual approach towards each player. Its close to home and my brother. It is a SEC school. They wanted me for pitching only which gives me a chance to fulfill my dream of becoming a major league pitcher.
 
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Andreson: K-State, Coastal Carolina, Cincinatti, Wichita State.
 
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Anderson: About mid-summer for me was when it really started to heat up for me. After tournaments like the perfect game in Atlanta where Mizzou saw me and Futures Games in Indianapolis, was primarily when it got the most hectic.
 
PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Andreson: I think this will be our best team at Shawnee Mission East in years. We were so close at a state title last year, and I expect to win it this year. Some goal I have are to win every game I throw in, and to hit 92 mph as a Junior.
 
PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Anderson: I play for the KC Barnstormers during the summer. Honestly just being around my head coach Karl Carswell and traveling everywhere and doing everything with my teammates just built such a strong bond. So my favorite memory is just doing it all together with them.

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