Ronald Sims
Mississippi Scouting Director

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The Prep Baseball Report Mississippi scouting staff recently sat down with West Harrison left-handed pitcher/outfielder to discuss his recent commitment to Pearl River Community College. Below is a transcript of our question and answer session:

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Donaldson: I didn't really know what to expect, I started to receive interest in my 9th grade year and kept grinding to hope to get some D1 looks.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Donaldson: Yes, it had a huge factor in my decision. My family has supported me from the time I was playing T-ball until now, so I wanted to make sure I stayed close to home.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you?
Donaldson: Coach Izzio first saw me play at my high school, West Harrison, whiling watching another player.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
Donaldson: The best player I have faced while pitching would be hard to say but it's definitely between Landon Jordan and Joe Gray because they're going to hit the ball where ever it is pitched. The best pitcher I've faced was a submarine pitcher in Atlanta. He sat 86-88 mph with fastball and action running away from me as a left-handed hitter also throwing a slider at around 78, that kept me off balance.

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?
Donaldson: Well I've always wanted to play baseball at the next level and it's like a dream came true. I started noticing it when I was in the 9th grade and I was facing 90+ pitching and I was able to have some success.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Donaldson: I was looking for a place that I could get a good education while getting to develop more as a player.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
Donaldson: My best attribute would have to be my work ethic. I know that if I work hard, then my teammates will also because everyone at our school wants to be better than the person next.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
Donaldson: My speed, because my fastest 60 yard dash is a 7.14

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Donaldson: Being coachable is important to your development in this game. Constructive criticism is meant to help you not bring you down.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
Donaldson: I spend a lot of my time in the weight room, and I do a good amount of running also. I hit throughout the week and train with a pitching instructor who always gives me homework.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Donaldson: The thing I like the most about Pearl River is the connection I have with the coaching staff. Some other key factors included the winning tradition and the opportunity to play with some guys that I grew up playing with or against.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Donaldson: MS Gulf Coast Community College, Meridian Community College, and East Central Community

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