Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With Ohio State Commit 3B/RHP Seth Kinker



By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

Seth KinkerSeth Kinker (Cabell Midland HS), ranked No. 3 in the WV Class of 2014, used the Class AA state tournament in Charleston last spring to solidify his spot among the best in the state. He went 0-for-4 at the plate in the semifinals, but followed that up with a 4-for-4 day in the championship with a double, a run scored and an RBI. In the semifinal game he pitched a complete game, two-hitter with eight strikeouts. He sat 83-85 all evening and registered a strikeout on an 86 mph fastball to end the game. Kinker showed athletic actions at shortstop and the potential to be a two-way player at the next level.

Kinker followed the spring success of his junior season with a solid summer tournament season with the Huntington Hounds. His play eventually led to Kinker announcing his commitment to play his college baseball at Ohio State.

Prep Baseball Report spoke with Kinker about his college choice and the process that led to his decision.


Seth KinkerPBR: Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?

Kinker: I chose Ohio State because it’s the perfect fit and will bring a solid level of competition.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Kinker: I was also considering Marshall and WVU.

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

Kinker: Definitely not, distance from home did not have any influence on my decision.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Kinker: They first saw me at the Phoenix Wood Bat World Series in Cincinnati and my relationship with the coaching staff has grown throughout the whole process.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Kinker: Starting pitcher and corner infield (1B or 3B).

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help your team?

Kinker: My arm strength, my heart for the game, and the strong will to compete.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience from this past summer?

Kinker: I play travel baseball with the Huntington Hounds. Winning the Phoenix Wood Bat World Series, getting a ring, and playing for the 16th ranked travel team in the nation.

PBR: What is your current GPA?

Kinker: My current GPA is a weighted 4.35.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Kinker: Winning a State Championship, something we did not achieve last year, and winning Player of the Year. I would also like to be a Baseball Coaches of America 1st team All-American. I received 2nd team All-American last year.

PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?

Kinker: PBR got my name out there and reported on my high school success.


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