Ronald Sims
Mississippi Scouting Director

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The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with Northwest Rankin catcher to discuss his recent commitment to Meridian Community College. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:

 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Garner: My plan from the beginning was to go to the school that showed the most interest in me.
 

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 
Garner:  Yes, it was important to me to stay in state for at least the first 2 years. I like the fact that my family will be able to continue watching me play.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Garner: My first contact with Meridian was last fall after a showcase at Southern Miss. Coach Brewer stayed in constant contact with me over the past year and came to watch me play a good bit. They let me know early on that they were very interested in me.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Garner: JT Ginn; his fastball has been clocked at 98 mph, and he will likely be a first or second round draft pick in June.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Garner: I’ve always known I wanted to play college baseball. I believe elite players are the ones who get paid to play. I’m working hard every day to reach that level.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Garner: I believe strongly that junior college will give me the chance to play early and get a lot of at-bats. I really like the coaching staff at MCC and I know that they can help me get to the next level.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Garner: I think my work ethic is my best attribute as a player. I’ve learned that you can only play as well as you prepare. I like to lead by example. My teammates know how hard I work, and I try to inspire them to do the same.
 

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Garner: I’m constantly working on my mental approach. I’ve learned from others that have played at a high level just how important this is.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Garner: Baseball is a game of failure. It’s all about how you respond to those failures that determine your potential.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Garner: I play just about year round and I’m in the weight room just about every day.
 

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Garner: I love the coaches and the facilities at MCC.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Garner: I had interest from Pearl River, Jones, Gulf Coast, and Southwest.

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