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Q&A with Maple Woods CC Commit RHP/OF Jamison Raines (Fort Osage, 2015)

December 29, 2014

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Jamison Raines (2015, Fort Osage) has recently committed to play baseball at Maple Wood CC. Raines is a wiry, athletic 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-hand hitting outfielder and right-handed pitcher. From the outfield he throws from a high ¾ arm slot, making mostly accurate throws with carry. He posted a positional velo of 80 mph at the Class of 2015 Games on August 17. At the plate, Raines has a balanced and stays inside the ball with a level swing.  He has a middle-oppo aroach with an exit velo of 82 mph.  He ran a 4.62 home-to-first.

On the mound, he has a ¾ delivery with quick arm speed and short arm action. He throws with regular effort and stays in-line with the target. He had a fastball velocity range of 75-82 MPH with run. His curveball is "slurve-ish" at 64-69 MPH with 10-to-4 shape. Jamison’s change-up ranged from 73-75 with near fastball arm speed.

Here is a look into the recruiting of Jamison Raines.

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

Raines: I expected to be able to come to a decision quickly and easily.  The process was a learning experience for me and the decision was much harder than I originally expected. 

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

Raines: Yes.  After visiting several colleges away from home, I ultimately came to the decision to stay close to home.  

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

Raines: I am not sure where or when they first saw me, but they did have a relationship with my summer coach.  My relationship started with them at a meeting on October 10, 2014.  I really liked the coaches and our relationship has grown from there. 

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

Raines: Brian Sharp, from Liberty North High School.  He is a good all around athlete that I have played against in both baseball and football. 

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Raines: A program with a good reputation and history, one where I would have a chance to play and compete. 

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

Raines: Keep working hard and stay focused to get where you want to be. 

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

Raines: Try to get in the weight room as much as I can and I throw bullpen sessions with fellow high school players.  I have also been working with a coach I have known since little league, he has been a great help and I appreciate his time and dedication to me. 

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

Raines: Playing high school baseball with my older brother at Fort Osage.  In 2012, our team won a conference and district championship. 

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

Raines: I hit it off great with the coaches and I know a few of the players.

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

Raines: Dodge City CC, Fort Scott CC, Scottsdale Az CC, Arizona Christian University

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? 

Raines: The process started to heat up this fall after summer baseball, after school started, and while I was also playing high school football.  I can’t really point to a particular game or event that turned the corner. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some players that will play a key role for Fort Osage in 2015.

Raines: I hope to go deep into the post season and compete for a state championship. 

Some key players are Hayden Baumgartner (Maple Woods CC verbal commitment), Tyler Murphy (Coffeyville CC commitment), Aron Greer (Coffeyville CC commitment). 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Raines: Last summer I played for Prodigy, however next summer I plan to play for a Ban Johnson team. 

For Prodigy, early in the season (first weekend in June 2014), I threw a no hitter at a game in Hutchinson, Kansas.

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