Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Follow @PBRKansas

Chris Esposito (Blue Valley Southwest, 2017) is a 6-foot 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and has signed to play at Washburn University. 

Esposito runs a 4.65 home to first and has an exit velo of 89 mph.  On the infield, 81 mph positional velo, with athletic actions,

Last fall he played on the Kansas City Royals Elite Scout Team and is currently preparing for his senior season with the Timberwolves. 

Here is a look inside the recruitment of Chris Esposito.

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

Esposito: I really didn’t know what to expect when I began the “recruiting process”, so this was an entirely new experience for me. It was difficult for me because I was eager to commit, but I wasn’t going to rush the process because finding the perfect school for me was my number one priority.

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

Esposito: Not necessarily. I had an open mind and was willing to look anywhere, but it just so happened that Washburn is close to home.

PBR: Where did Washburn first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Esposito: They saw me play once in Kansas City, but I talked to them for the first time after the Premier tournament in Joplin. I will never forget my first interaction with Coach Douglas and Coach Joy, they found me coming out of the bathroom and introduced themselves to me. They made a couple of jokes and I felt comfortable around them right away. It was a very low-pressure conversation.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Esposito: Will Brennan from Blue Valley High School. In the 2 games we played them last year we played 20 total innings and he played his absolute hardest from the 1^st to the 20th. He was a competitor and made me bring my very best every pitch. He was an incredible player to play against.

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

Esposito: I would encourage them to work hard, value everyone’s opinion, and be coachable.

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

Esposito: I do a lot of bands to keep my arm in shape, hit off a tee to keep my swing consistent throughout the winter and I also workout to get bigger, faster and stronger for next season.

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

Esposito: My favorite memory was having the opportunity to be a part of winning the State Championship my sophomore year. I got injured before the season started but I was lucky enough for Coach Sabath to let me be with the team for every step of the way.

PBR: What do you like most about Washburn and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Esposito: It was extremely important for me to find a school that felt like home, and that’s how Washburn felt to me. Another key factor was the coaching staff. Coach Douglas and Coach Joy made me feel right at home from the second I stepped on campus. They were very welcoming and one of the main reasons I chose Washburn.

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

Esposito: My list was down to either Washburn or UCM.

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?

Esposito: My recruiting process was never really “hot.” I got a couple of looks throughout the summer but it was a pretty slow process.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Esposito: I think were going to be a pretty solid team this year. We have a lot of experienced guys returning and some young talent that will get their opportunities. An expectation of mine for this year is to be a good leader and be someone my teammates can rely on. My goal for this year is to win another state championship because I want to end my high school career with a bang.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Esposito: I’ve been with Building Champions since I was in 8^th grade. My most memorable moment would have to be all the friendships that I have made that will last a lifetime because my teammates have become some of my closest friends.

 

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