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Q&A with Missouri State Commit RHP Hunter Dame (Conway, 2016)

February 9, 2015

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Hunter Dame (Conway, 2016) has committed to play at Missouri State in fall of 2016.  Dame is a physical 6-foot-1 190-pound RHP with a fastball clocked between 83-87 MPH. Dame's fastball has late life and has excellent command of an 11-to-5 slider at 74-77 mph.  Dame has an above average change-up with late sink at 74-75 mph.  Dame has a quick, loose arm action and throws with regular effort.  He has smooth rhythm during his delivery and throws strikes with three pitches.  Look for his velocity to increase as he continues to develop. 

At the PBR Future Games, Dame worked 1 2/3 innings allowing two earned runs on two hits with a walk and a strikeout.  Dame was 82-85 with his fastball and 71-76 with his 11-to-5 curveball.  He thew a splitter with late sink at 74-78 MPH.  

Below is a look into the recruiting process of Hunter Dame. 

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

Dame: It was easier than I expected.  Once the process started, it moved very quickly.

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

Dame: Yes, definitely.  My goal was to play at the highest level possible.  But I also wanted my parents and family to see me play.  Missouri State is an amazing baseball program that is only an hour from my home.

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

Dame: I attended a Missouri State pitching camp in January 2014.  Coach Evans was very encouraging.  Coach Evans also saw me pitch at the Under Armour Futures Games in Indianapolis this past summer.  I was then asked to attend another Missouri State camp so that Head Coach Guttin could have an opportunity to see me pitch.  Everything moved quickly from there.

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

Dame: When I was a Freshman, I pitched to one of the best hitters in Missouri, Chance Wolfe from Clever.  I didn’t succeed in striking him out and he went on to break the state hitting record.  He was a great competitor and I still admire him.

PBR: Describe your experience at the PBR Future Games last year.

Dame: It was a great opportunity to play with and against some of the best players from around the US.  And the best opportunity to be seen by hundreds of scouts and coaches.  It was a great honor to be selected.

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

Dame: The most important thing is to be seen.  Go to the showcases and camps.  Coming from a 3A school, no one was going to come to me.  I had to go to them.

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

Dame: I work out year round at 2K Sports Training in Springfield.  They have a great facility that allows me to work on hitting, fielding, pitching and performance.  They have worked with me to be in the best shape for showcases and camp.  2K and Ray Kelly have played one of the largest roles in my success and confidence as an athlete.

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

Dame: A month ago, I would have said it was setting a new school record with 17 Ks in a single game.  Now, I would say that hearing Coach Evans say to Coach Guttin, “I want this kid!” is the top of the list.

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

Dame: Missouri State has a reputation as a great baseball school.  The caliber of competition and coaching staff were the biggest factors.  They have a track record of players moving on to the draft.  And, the distance will allow my family to remain involved and attend games.

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

Dame: The only other school that I really looked at was OSU.  I attend a camp there and had a good reaction from both the pitching and head coaches. 

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?

Dame: Following the Futures Games, I began getting invitations to camps and showcases all over the US.  I was able to choose which to attend from a long list.

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 Conway in 2015.

Dame: My goal for our team is to win a District title in one of the strongest 3A districts in the state.  I think the Randall Rosenthal, our catcher, and Ethan Medlock, another pitcher, are going to be key.  The both had great fall seasons and are anxious for our Spring season.  Andrew Huckaby and Chris Terry give us a strong outfield.  All four are also Juniors so we have another year together, next year.

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

Since I’ve been in High School, I have played in the summers with my school team in the SABA (Springfield Area Baseball Association) League.  My most memorable experience was pitching to and beating a really strong Springfield Catholic team during summer between my Freshman and Sophomore years.  This summer I will be playing with the Midwest Nationals 17U Blue team.  I am looking forward to the experience and am grateful for the opportunity.

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