Throughout his entire amateur baseball career, RHP Tate McGuire (Liberty North) has been a name-to-know in Missouri’s 2023 class. McGuire attended the Junior Future Games back in 2019 and returned to LakePoint the following year as an underclassman, representing Team Missouri in the process. Shortly afterwards, McGuire committed to perennial SEC powerhouse - the University of Arkansas.

McGuire continued to ascend as a prospect afterwards, earning recognition on a national level. He currently slots inside the top-250 prospects in the country for his class and sits at No. 5 overall in Missouri’s senior group.

McGuire’s prominence as a prospect was on complete display throughout the spring on both sides of the ball. He primarily contributed as an arm, where McGuire punched out 55 batters in 32 ⅓ innings, walking only seven and pitching to a 0.66 ERA, while also batting .391 with two home runs. McGuire played an enormous role in the Eagles’ state championship, delivering a walk-off hit in the District Championship game to punch his team’s ticket to the state playoffs.

We recently had the opportunity to discuss what the recruiting process looked like for McGuire, what he ultimately looked for in his future home, and other baseball-related topics. You’ll find our brief conversation below.

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?

McGuire: My expectations for the recruiting process was to find a place where I could grow the most as a player. It was also important for me to have a developed relationship with the coaches before committing, along with visiting campus. 

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

M: A little bit. I would love to stay close to home so my family could be more involved. But at the end of the day, I just wanted to find the best fit for me. 

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

M: I believe the process really heated up for me around freshman year of high school. But I believe that Arkansas first saw me play in 8th grade. 

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

M: I fell in love with the family atmosphere, the winning culture and the history of developing pitchers. 

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

M: Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Alabama and Missouri 

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

M: As a pitcher, Carter Jensen was the best hitter I’ve ever faced. He makes for a tough opponent because he seems to put a barrel on the ball almost every swing. 

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?

M: Freshman year of high school.

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

M: I would recommend playing other sports. This not only gives you a rest from baseball but helps develop you as a well rounded athlete. Learning multiple positions help as well. But most importantly have fun playing the game with your friends. Some of my closest friends are ones that I play baseball with. 

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

M: Winning the 6A Missouri State Championship this spring. 

P: Preview Liberty North’s season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

M: I feel we are just as strong as last year. We lost a few seniors, but also have a lot of talent coming up to play varsity next year. It should be another really fun season. 

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