Q&A with Missouri State Commit RHP/SS Nicholas Schmidt (Holt, 2018)
March 7, 2017
Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director
Nicholas Schmidt (Holt, 2018) Schmidt is a 6-foot-3 180-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and pitcher and has committed to play college baseball at Missouri State. Schmidt attended the Underclass Games and represented Missouri in the PBR Future Games last summer.
He ran a 7.48 60 and 4.96 home-to-first with a 91 mph exit velo. At the plate, Schmidt has a short path to contact with his hands working inside the ball. He has a gap-to-gap approach.
On the infield, Schmidt has an over the top release, with fluid footwork and clean exchanges making mostly accurate throws, 86 mph positional velo.
On the mound, Schmidt high three-quarters arm slot, and throws with some effort. Shows the ability to repeat delivery, making an in line stride and momentum towards the plate. His fastball is 83-87 mph, with some with run He has asharp and late breaking 71-72 mph breaking ball, throws on the same plane as fastball. His change up is 80 mph with arm side release.
Here is a look at the recruiting process for Nick Schmidt.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?
Schmidt: I expected it to be not very hard but still have some difficulty. It turned out to be fairly simple.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Schmidt: I wanted to stay somewhat close to home so my parents could see me play, but far enough to get away to college
PBR: Where did Missouri State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Schmidt: Coach Evans saw me play at a tournament over the summer and I had been in contact with him since then. He also saw me play at the Future Games.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Schmidt: Zack Hunsicker, I have faced him hitting and pitching. He is a very skilled pitcher with a great fastball as well as good offspeed. He draws a lot of weak contact.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Schmidt: I would say to work hard constantly and start lifting as soon as possible. Hard work always pays off.
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Schmidt: I lift with Brett Graves who is in the Athletics system. Along with that I do the ACE Pitching Academy ran by Adam Jahnsen to get my arm in shape before the season.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point? I
SchmidT: I would have to say winning Districts my freshman year.
PBR: What do you like most about Missouri State and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Schmidt: The coaching staff is second to none and the stadium and facilities are very nice. The distance is also nice because my parents can still see me play.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Schmidt: SIU-E, Kansas, Bradley, and Murray 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?
Schmidt: It started to heat up for me late last summer, the PBR Future Games helped along with the tournaments my summer team played in.
PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?
Schmidt: I go to Holt High School, we have a lot of talent and I feel as if our team should have a good shot at the state title. Our expectations are very high and it is our goal to win state
PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?
Schmidt: I play with the St. Louis Prospects. My most memorable experience was all of last summer, playing ball with those guys.