Zach Cook, RHP, Milford HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Winthrop?

Cook: Winthrop is an outstanding school when it comes to academics and baseball. It is a gorgeous campus. I feel they give their players every shot they need to succeed with all of the new facilities they have put in, and the coaching staff on hand is made up of really great coaches.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Cook: Cincinnati, Dayton, Bethune-Cookman, Michigan State, Michigan, Evansville, Miami.

PBR: Where did the Winthrop  coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Cook: In Fort Meyers, Florida in 2011 for a WWBA tournament I went down and played with the Ohio Elite. After I pitched, I immediately began to get emails from them and over time we began to talk on the phone close to once every two weeks or so. From there, I just kept them updated on when I was pitching. 

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision? 

Cook: Not at all.
 

PBR:  You recently attended PBR’s Top Prospect Showcase.  How did that help you in the recruiting process? 

Cook: It definitely got my name out there, and for any school that was interested in me they were able to come all watch at one time, I didn't have to travel around to them.
 
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Cook: They expect me to come in immediately and be an impact pitcher from the very beginning.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

Cook: I knew it would be nerve racking, but at the same time exciting. It was such a good feeling to commit after all that time.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Milford?

Cook: I had a record of 5-2, with an ERA of 1.76 and a WHIP of 1.2, 54 K's, all in 47.2 IP. That earned me first team all league.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?

Cook: Brent Mathias, 2B from Kings High School. He makes any pitcher he faces angry, because he will foul a ton of pitches off, and as soon as he gets the one pitch he wants, he is able to place it anywhere on the field he wants.