Prep Baseball Report

The Recruiting Trail: Behind the Commitment with Nick Mandragona



By Brandon Hall
Director of Scouting, PBR NC

Follow us on Twitter: @PrepBaseballNC


Name:
  Nick Mandragona
High School: Mount Tabor
Summer/Fall Team: Charlotte MegaStars
Position: RHP/SS
Grad Year: 2017
Rank: No. 157 in North Carolina
PBR Events: NC Underclass Prospect Showcase – Thomasville, NC



Scouting Notes:
A side-arm right hander with  looseness and rhythm in his delivery flashed a fastball up to 81 with slight arm side run.  Pounding the zone, with a fairly quick arm, the 5-foot-10, 155 pounder worked with ease and confidence.  The slider flashes average, sweeping at 68-69, with decent hand speed.  Offensively, Mandragona glides to his front side with a limited load and tall stance.  There is aggression and a feel for the barrel, while being slightly pull conscious.   

 

 

 

 

Interview with PBR:

 

PBR:  What factors lead to your commitment to Louisburg?

NM:  My family and I decided that Louisburg college would be a great fit for me because they have a lot to offer great baseball and academics.

PBR:  Academically, is there a particular interest or desired major, at this time?

NM:  As of right now i want to be a pharmaceutical rep

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?

NM:  High Point, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, and Brunswick CC

PBR:  Where there any coaches on the recruiting trail that you built a relationship with?

NM:  The coaches from NC A&T… All of their coaching staff was really nice.  NCCU made an impression too.   Louisburg just felt like a family environment

PBR:  You have had success as both a pitcher and position player... Did you talk with Louisburg about their plans for you and how you will be developed?

NM:  I am going there to pitch. The coach said I have a lot of potential to play at a big division one if I can gain speed on my fastball and work on my slider

PBR:  What are your goals for this upcoming fall and spring?

NM:  To play hard and get stronger and do good in school

PBR:  Louisburg has a rich tradition of developing players - what is your plan for after your 2 years at Louisburg?

NM:  To play at a big division 1 school

PBR:  Who are some of the coaches, or people, that have helped develop you on the baseball field?

NM:  My father has played a big role in my life he has help me all my life. Another one is Todd Jenkins he has help me a ton with pitching if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be throwing 3/4 or have a nasty slider

PBR:  You attended a PBR event this past summer... What are your thoughts on PBR NC, the event, and the coverage of HS baseball in NC?

NM:  The PBR even has really started all this.  It opened my eyes and if I didn't attend it I don't think I would have ended up where I am today.  Big shout out to Coach Hall for putting on all the events and helping out the baseball community

PBR:  Any advice for the players in the 2018 & 2019 classes that are beginning their process?

NM:  Work hard and strive to be your best on and off the field