Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Kentucky Commit C Coltyn Kessler (Rockwood Summit, 2017)



Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Coltyn Kessler (Rockwood Summit, 2017) is a 6-foot-3 195-pound left-handed hitting catcher from Rockwood Summit in the St. Louis area and has committed to play at the University of Kentucky.

Kessler is a strong-bodied with a durable frame and has the ability to play corner infield as well as defend behind the plate. He ran a 7.28 60 and 4.49 home to first, with an exit velo of 89 mph.

At the plate, Kessler has gap-to-gap power, short path to contact,  and no wasted movement in load.  He has a level and quick bat path, and can hit with power.

Behind the plate, pop times between 1.94 and 2.05.  Kessler has a 76 mph positional velo, aggressive and strong throws with carry, and accuracy. He has quick catch and throw actions with an over the top release.

Kessler moves well for size on the infield as he creates momentum through the catch and works behind the ball.  He has an 80 mph positional velo, over the top release, and makes accurate throws.

Kessler was a member of Team Missouri in the PBR Future Games in August 2015.  Here is a look inside the recruitment of Coltyn Kessler. 

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

Kessler: My expectation about the recruiting process was that it was going to be very difficult and the only way that I would get recruited is by playing the game at 100% every day. The recruiting process was difficult because I had to put in a lot of work to get the opportunity to attend a school like Kentucky.

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

Kessler: I want to stay relatively close to home so my parents and grandparents can come down and see me play.

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

Kessler: Kentucky first was me at a Perfect Game tournament in Atlanta Georgia. After watching me play the second game in the tournament they came back and watched the next 5 games I played. Our relationship became closer as the reciting process continued.

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

Kessler: The best player I ever played against was Shane Benes. He is a fantastic player that is a leader, wins, and plays the game the right way and gives the game 100% every day.

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

Kessler: Enjoy the game every day because no matter what the game ends at some point. Also the game of baseball is a process that takes time and patience. Surround yourself with good, intelligent people that care about you and want to make you better.  Continue to learn and grow as a player and person.

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

Kessler: My offseason consists of a strength and conditioning program run by Nathan Yamnitz (four days a week), a throwing program (2 days a week) run by Adam Jehnsen, and hitting almost daily with my dad and occasionally with Coach Hunter Mense.

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

Kessler: My most memorable point in my career is receiving an offer and committing to the University of Kentucky because I worked so hard to have this amazing opportunity.

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

Kessler: Kentucky is great academic institution that has a lot to offer. It is located in a great city with good people. The one the key factors of me choosing Kentucky was how the coaches treat their players and people. Every coach looks out for the best interest of their players and makes everyone within the program a family while developing a competitive environment with high expectations.

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

Kessler: The final three schools on my list were Kentucky, Kansas State, and Bradley

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?

Kessler: The recruiting process really took off after the PBR futures games.  This event was the most heavily recruited event that I went to and everything took off from this point.

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

Kessler: Our high school team should be very good. We have a lot of talent and good pieces in our lineup. As long as we play as a unit and think about the end goal which is a state championship we will have a fantastic year.

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

Kessler: I play for the St. Louis prospect in the summer and we play all over the country. This team was so fun to be a part of and I was honored to be able to play alongside so many great players and people. Just to be a part of this team is a memory that will stay with me forever.

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