Uncommitted Prospect Watch: RHP Nick Mason from Anderson

August 20, 2011

Nick Mason, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound prospect, proved to be the top uncommitted pitcher at the Prasco Park event. He uses long and loose arm action to generate a consistent 82-84 mph fastball with arm side run. His curve, which registers 67-72 mph, has a hard 11/7 bite. His changeup, which may be his best off-speed pitch, is thrown with the same arm speed as his fastball. It checked in at 74-77 mph with consistent arm side run. After the event, PBR caught up with Mason for an interview.

PBR: As you head into your senior year what schools have spoke to you and shown interest?

Mason: Wright State University, Parkland College, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois University, Ball State, Xavier University, Tiffin University, Bluffton University, University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan, Ohio University, and Ohio State.

PBR: Looking back, who did you play for this summer and how did you feel you fared against summer competition?

Mason: I played for the Cincinnati Baseball Club Blackhawks for head coach Cary Daniels. I was the lead pitcher for the team. I felt like my level of play was above my competition most of the summer.

PBR: You emerged as the top uncommitted player at the PBR ID Showcase at Prasco Park. How is attending a showcase versus a game or tournament different, what was your mindset going into last week?

Mason: I’ve been out of baseball for 3-4 weeks and had been participating in football as a quarterback in 2-a-days prior to the showcase. I concentrated on hitting my spots with my pitches and not overthrow the ball. I know my speed wasn’t what I consistently throw during a normal season; however, my mindset in the game is to dominate every batter that comes to the plate and pitch to contact.

PBR: At the showcase you showed command of three pitches with one of the best change-ups along with a solid curve. Which secondary pitch do you feel most comfortable with and turn to the most?

Mason: I like to throw my curve ball to a batter with an 0-2 count or a 1-2 count to try and get the batter to chase. But, with a 2-2 count I like to throw my change-up to try and get the batter to hit a ground ball. This pitch I turn to most is my curve ball.

PBR: You were a member for an Anderson team that finished ranked ninth in the state. As a pitcher on such a highly-ranked team, is there pressure that comes with it, did you feel you pitched with a target on your back?

Mason: I am used to pitching with a target on my back after pitching with the Midland 18u team as I had to earn my spot, which I did. We won the 2010 18U Wood Bat CABA World Series in South Carolina. My contribution being a one-hitter shut out in pool play and the semi-finals closing a shut out from the fifth to the ninth for the win. Pressure is a word for people that can’t handle the feeling.

PBR: Though Anderson was upset by Lakota West, the team finished 16-2. What are your thoughts on your junior season both as a team and individually?

Mason: As a team, we had a lot of potential that we didn’t capitalize on. We went through some hard times losing a friend on our team that year and it was tough on everyone. Overall, I felt like I pitched at a higher level than the competition that we faced during the season.

PBR: Do you feel playing in the Greater Cincinnati area prepares a player to be ready for college?

Mason: I feel like this area has a high level of competition that prepares top notch players for the next level of competition.

PBR: Do you participate in the Cincinnati Elite Fall League or a different fall ball program?

Mason: No – football. I was asked to play; however, I made a prior commitment to my high school teammates on the Redskins football team.

PBR: When you’re not competing in the spring, are there certain things you do to stay in the best physical shape you can?

Mason: I run and lift and work on my mechanics.

PBR: As you go into your senior year are there goals you have set out to accomplish?

Mason: I am working on my school work to accomplish higher grades. I will continue to work on my mechanics and my physical ability as a successful pitcher. My goal as a pitcher for Anderson is to take us deeper into the playoffs in the spring.