Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Commitment Q&A with Wichita State Commit Easton Phillippe

January 30, 2024
By: PBR Missouri Staff

Few players in Missouri's 2025 class boosted their prospect stock more than C Easton Phillippe (Staley) did last year. It started in the winter for Phillippe, where he impressed our staff and showed well at two different events - the MOKAN Preseason All-State, as well as the Prodigy Scout Day. There, Phillippe's smooth, fluid, and athletic left-handed swing really looked the part, and his crisp actions behind the plate caught our attention as well.

(2/12/23)

After the winter, Phillippe went on to see playing time as a sophomore for a talented Staley squad that's consistently been one of the upper-tier programs in Missouri for quite some time. Where he really popped came in the summer, however, as Phillippe's performance at the St. Louis Top Prospect Games, coupled with multiple quality in-game looks at Creekside across various tournaments, earned him an invite to the PBR Future Games.

From 6/27/23: "...was another standout name-to-know winner on both sides of the ball from this event. Offensively, Phillippe repeated a clean, rhythmic, and polished left-handed swing consistently, backspinning baseballs to the pull-side on a consistent basis. The 5-foot-8, 155-pound backstop launched his furthest ball 346 feet into the right-center gap, staying on the barrel with deep and elevated contact throughout that way. Though he worked mostly to his backside in BP, Phillippe went the other way in-game, peppering a single to left field and promptly stealing second base moments later. Phillippe is a natural defender behind the plate, working down-to-up and presenting the ball well with soft, swift glovework to boot. He was on the bag consistently during his workout, popping in the 2.03-to-2.07 range and reaching a 76 mph high from the chute. Phillippe came away from this event with an arrow-up as the summer circuit continues."

(6/20/23)

Phillippe donned the Team Select jersey at the Future Games and fit in nicely amongst a group full of talent at the summer's premier event. A few months after, in early November, he announced his commitment to Wichita State. Recently, our staff spoke with the Staley backstop about his recruiting process as a whole, why he chose the Shockers, and much more - all of which you'll find below.
2023 PBR Future Games

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?

Phillippe: I wasn’t really sure what my expectations were, I just wanted to find a school that developed players really well and would give me the chance to compete and play as a freshman.

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

Phillippe: Yes, Wichita State is close to home so it worked out perfect.

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

Phillippe: A little before and after the PBR Future Games is when I started to see colleges reach out. Wichita State first saw me at a camp, then at the Future Games.

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

Phillippe: I would say the coaches is what I like most about the program. Coaches were always a big factor in what college I would choose. 

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

Phillippe: I was talking with SEMO, Butler, and Missouri.

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

Phillippe: Probably Tate McGuire (Liberty North, 2023; Arkansas signee). He has high velo that he can control while also having dominant offspeed.

PBR: 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?

Phillippe: Around 13 is when I flipped the switch.

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

Phillippe: Keep grinding. I was never the biggest but I would always hustle and that’s a big thing to college coaches eyes.

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

Phillippe: Committing. It was always a dream to play D1 baseball.

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Phillippe: I think we will have a pretty successful year. Our pitching depth is great and our lineup is pretty solid. 

RELATED CONTENT