Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Q&A with Rockhurst Univ. Commit Nathan Mark (St. Thomas Aquinas, 2017)

December 1, 2016

Shon Plack
Kansas Scouting Director

Nathan Mark (St.Thomas Aquinas, 2017)  is a sturdy-framed 6-foot-1, 190-pound shortstop and right-handed pitcher and signed to play college baseball at Rockhurst University.

Mark is currently entering his final season at St. Thomas Aquinas, looking to repeat as 2017 state champions.  Mark runs a 4.44 home to first and has an exit velo of 87 mph. On the infield he has a 76 mph positional velo and spots at 79-82 mph fastball on the mound. 

In our question and answer, Mark talks about the recruiting process, winning a state championship and much more.  Here is a look inside the recruitment of Nathan Mark.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Mark: I think the process went pretty how it was expected. It’s a really anxious time period where you’re not sure how things will play out. I knew all that going in and it was all about managing that and knowing everything will work out fine which is what happened.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Mark: No, location really didn’t play a part. Rockhurst was the best fit for me and the school I wanted to go to. It being only 30 minutes from home wasn’t a big deal.

PBR: Where did Rockhurst first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Mark: They first saw me play the summer going into my junior year. I visited during this summer and met Coach Burns and Coach Nelson. I had a great time and knew that was where I wanted to go.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Mark: Riley Pint. I never actually faced him but since we went to high school together we practiced everyday together. He does things that’ll take your breath away. He’ll throw high 90s in the top of the inning and then hit a 400-foot bomb in the bottom of the inning. It’s unreal.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Mark: Stay dedicated to not only baseball but also to school. A lot of opportunities open up for you if you are a good student.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Mark: I work out 5-6 times a week. I run and do a lot of shoulder care.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Mark: Winning state last year was probably the best moment. Jumping into the dog pile was probably the most euphoric feeling I’ve ever had.

PBR: What do you like most about Rockhurst and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Mark: I wanted a school that was good academically along with having a good baseball team. Rockhurst fits the bill with both of these as their academics are excellent and the baseball team is very good. Also, I really liked Coach Burns.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Mark: Newman University, Washington University in St. Louis, Benedictine

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Mark: I can’t pinpoint a specific event or game that was a turning point. I think my recruiting process was more of a jog rather than a sprint, where things gradually happened over time.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Mark: We lost 11 seniors and 7 starters from last year so we will have a lot of new faces on the field this year. But I think we still have the potential to have a really special year. I think we have a realistic shot of winning regionals and making another run in the state tournament.

PBR:  Where do you pay in the summer?

Mark: I play for Natural Baseball Academy.

 

For More PBR News