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Q&A with 2015 Vincennes Commit Nick Cottongim

December 19, 2014



By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

Nick CottongimPlainfield senior right-handed pitcher Nick Cottongim recently committed to Vincennes.  The 6-foot-1, 250 pounder attended the Unsigned Senior Games in October where he showcased a repeatable delivery and a good sweeping breaking ball.  

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Vincennes? 

Cottongim: Vincennes was not on my radar from the beginning. It was a last week thing. So I took a visit to see their campus and it was a great, growing, beautiful campus! First off I had to make sure they had what I wanted to study (multimedia communications). Also, their history with the baseball program was exciting to hear. Who wouldn't want to play for the coach of the the year last year. 

PBR: Where did Vincennes first see you compete? 

Cottongim: I believe they saw me pitch at Ball State this fall during my HSFBL (high school fall ball league) all-star game. Which was very cold.

PBR: When did you take your first visit? 

Cottongim: I took my first visit during last summer to Wabash College. A very prestigious and beautiful campus. They were great to be around and made me hold my confidence high. They kept the thought in my head that playing in college was in the picture.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play when you first arrive on campus?  

Cottongim: When I arrive on campus next year I am going to fulfill the role as a very effective pitcher only. I've played the field by catching and playing first my whole life, but with being a junior and having 10 seniors in front of me last year I found my home on the mound which helped our team to a 22-8 record.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?  

Cottongim: I had a tough decision to make, like many I'm sure. But first what narrowed my selection down was my test scores.they were not the best. That tended to eliminated Wabash, Marion, Indiana Tech, and Saint Francis. But left the JUCO route between Danville area community college that offered me 100% tuition but did not have anything I want to study or Vincennes University at about 25% tuition and had what I want to study. 

PBR: You played for the Indiana Nitro in the summer, how has playing with them helped you develop as a baseball player? 

Cottongim: Playing with them was a great experience. We played many teams that were full of D1 commits. My favorite part was when I pitched on the University of Michigan's field at 8:30 at night on 4th of July which will never be forgotten. But it proved how serious my competition will be down the road. 

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player? 

Cottongim: It might be a pretty common answer but I have to say my dad. He was my coach all the way up to school ball. He taught me everything I know to this day. What I mostly loved is he never forced me to do anything but gave many hints that I need to improve at certain times. We both know that my form is all natural and not critiqued and that why he enjoys watching me on the hill succeeding through our ways.

PBR: What are you goals both personally and as team this coming spring at Plainfield?  

Cottongim: My first goal is to finish my last year in high school with my head in the books. I understand that it's only the beginning of the studying time and I'm ready to tackle that. My second goal is being a leader this year and taking this team as far as we can possibly go. I see no limits even though we're young. Just make sure to keep an eye on Plainfield Baseball this year.

PBR:  What were your stats last spring at Plainfield? 

Cottongim: My stats show how successful I was for us last year. I was our middle relief guy and closer. I had 27.3 innings pitched. 36 strikeouts. Threw twice as many strikes then balls. Only 8 walks. And ended up with 3 wins, 0 loses, and 3 saves. My ending ERA was between a 1.37-1.67.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter and/or pitcher you've faced in Indiana? 

Cottongim: One of the toughest hitters I have faced has been Jacson McGowan (Purdue University commit), we are good friends and we came down to battle for the last out in the sectional semi-championship. I had him down in the count 2-1 and caused him to hit a liner to center. Very tough hitter to face. There is one player that I've have not met face-to-face yet and I was one batter away last year. A guy I truly respect after watching him, T.J. Collett. This will be my last chance this year and I hope it happens.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date? 

Cottongim: I would have to say getting to close against Brownsburg in the semi-championship in sectionals after having them 10 run rule us in county was amazing. A huge rivalry. I also have family that lives in Brownsburg so it made it that much better. It was a memorable journey last year. 

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