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By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting

La Plata HS senior Jimmy Monaghan committed to Campbell University in 2014.  One of the top hitters in the state, he leads a potent La Plata lineup heading into the 2015 season.  Monaghan sat down with PBR Maryland to discuss his commitment.

Why did you choose Campbell?

I chose Campbell because of the coaching staff and their involvement in my recruitment. They put a lot of effort into getting to know me as a player and a person. Having coaches who genuinely care about the people they recruit made me realize why they are as successful as they are and made me want to be a part of the family they created. When I stepped on campus it felt like a place I could call home and I am really excited to get the opportunity to play ball there.

What others schools were you considering?

Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Now that your commitment is over, what are your goals for your senior year?

My personal goals for my senior year is to be a better teammate and help the team capture a state title which we have come so close to in my previous two years. I'm also working to make the All-Met first team as it has been a goal of mine since the 8th grade.

What do you want to get accomplished before your freshman year in college?

Before my freshman year I want to become a better base runner and be a play maker in the field. Those are two areas which I can improve my game tremendously and I’m currently working to become a more complete player.

What are you looking forward to the most about Campbell?

I am looking forward to expand my knowledge in the class room and with the help of the coaches and older players, becoming a better ball player.

Who did you play for over the summer and what was your most memorable experience?

Over the summer I played for the Evoshield Canes North and the Bethesda Big Train. My most memorable moment was the first game on the Big Train. It was a game which would help secure first place in the division and being the only player under 18 years old made the game that much more intense. It was my second at bat in the game and there were runners on second and third with two outs. We were down 1-0 with a pitcher who looked lights out. The count got to two strikes and I hit a single up the middle to give us the lead and would untimely be the runs that would give us the win.

Who has been the most influential person to your baseball career and why?

Scott Middleton has been the most influential person in my baseball career. He's coached me on four separate teams and has been my hitting instructor since I was 13 years old. Without him I would not be where I am today as he has always expected the most out of me and has pushed me to always get better.

Who is your favorite MLB player? Why?

My favorite MLB player is Mike Trout because he's an explosive five tool player and is a class act on and off the field.

What are you going to bring to Campbell as a freshman?

I will bring to Campbell intensity as a player, a constant desire to get better, and passion for a game I love. In doing this I believe that it will push myself and my fellow teammates to reach our potential and collectively be successful.

What is your goal by the end of your freshman year? What is your goal by the end of your college career?

When my freshman year ends I want to have a stronger grip on the mental side of the game. The higher the level you play, the more you need to have mental toughness and discipline. Someone who is more mentally prepared will have more success in a game based around failure.

What is your favorite Movie?

Favorite movie: Inception