Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Nebraska commit SS Brett Hammit (Nixa, 2018)



Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Brett Hammit (Nixa, 2018) has recently committed to Nebraska, but is looking forward to his junior season at Nixa High School in Southwest Missouri. 

Hammit is one of the top shortstops in Missouri.  He has an infield velo of 88 mph with loose and short over the top release, clean catch and release, and accurate throws. 

At the plate, Hammit takes an aggressive swing with power, loose hands, controlled lift of front leg, hits with leverage in lower half and has a powerful 99 mph exit velo. 

During the summer months, Hammit plays with the Midwest Nationals out of Springfield, MO.  Here is a look at the recruiting process for Brett Hammit.

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

Hammit: I really didn’t know what to expect. The recruiting process started before my sophomore season and I know the coach/player contact rules are different for young players.  I expected to receive questionnaires and camp invites and that’s pretty much what happened. The only part I thought was difficult was making my final decision, because I wanted to choose the program that was my best fit.

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

Hammit: Location wasn’t a deciding factor, although being able to play for a program close enough to home so that my family will be able to come watch is a plus. 

Where did Nebraska first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?    

Hammit: I’m really not sure where they saw me first.  Last fall I received an invitation to their prospect camp.  After the camp, the coaches invited me back for an unofficial visit.  At that visit I got to sit down and really get to know Coach Erstad.  My relationship with the coaches started from there.

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

Hammit: I’d say Jackson Rutledge would be the best player I’ve faced.  He can really pitch.

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

Hammit: I would say to work hard every day to get better. Set your goals high and have confidence in yourself. Never stop learning about ways to make you a better player.

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

Hammit: I do strength training and sprint workouts. I also spend a lot of time working on hitting and defensive work.

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

Hammit: I would have to say beating Kickapoo in the District Championship last spring.

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

Hammit: After getting to know Coach Erstad I felt like he is a man of high character and committed to the team’s success and also to making each player the best that he can be. The athletic facilities are awesome and the baseball program gets a lot of support from the Husker fans.

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

Hammit: Missouri State, Arkansas, Kentucky, TCU are all great programs too.

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?                

Hammit: Last fall was when the recruiting process really started to pick up for me. I had the opportunity to play in some high profile tournaments and I think it began there. Also, I attended the PBR Fall Underclass Prospect Games last November.

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

Hammit: We were a young team last year that had success late in the season and made it to the quarterfinals of state.  This year I expect us to be more experienced and consistent.  I would like to see us play for a state championship.

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

Hammit: I play for the Midwest Nationals. This summer I played for the 17U Blue team coached by Dave Bingham. There are a lot of memories from this summer that will stick with me. My teammates are great friends that I will have for life.

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