By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...


Name: Eric Heatter
HighSchool: Monroe Township
Position: LHP
Grad Year: 2017
State Rank: 8
Overall Rank: 213
Commitment: Rutgers

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Rutgers. Tell us
about the process and how you decided on the Scarlet Knights? How excited are you to play in the Big Ten?  

Heatter: Well, the recruiting process was a very tough one. A ton of big time schools with excellent baseball programs were contacting me. When Rutgers first reached out to me I fell in love with the school the coaches and the baseball program. Since I was a kid, Rutgers has always been a dream school for me to go to. The Rutgers coaching staff and I clicked on my first visit to the school and the rest is history. I am very excited to play in the Big Ten and can't wait to see all the excellent competition the conference has.

All of this happened as I was playing for John Wells at Baseball U. This program is one of the best nationally and I had the pleasure of playing for them for the past three years.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?  

Heatter: One life lesson that I have learned from playing baseball is once you step in between the lines it's all business and that you should give 100% effort no matter whether it is on the field in the classroom or if you are at a job. People will respect you more if you try 100% all the time.

PBR: If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like? 

Heatter: Very repeatable mechanics with an advanced knowledge of pitching. A bull dog mentality with the ability to throw any pitch at any time. An above average change up and an average fastball, needs to develop a bit more velocity and better command of a curveball.

PBR: Tell us about your offseason program and how you prepared for the spring season. 

Heatter: The person I look up to most is my father. He had pushed me through everything whether it was in baseball or school or just anything in life. He has always taught me to do everything at 110% effort all the time. He's has been by my side whether I had just pitched a horrible game or if I threw the best game of my entire life. He was always there with constructive criticism to help me get better.

PBR: Name three goals for the 2017 season.

Heatter: 
1. Win a GMC and State Championship
2. Increase Velocity
3. Improve on all three pitches and throw all three for strikes

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career so far?

Heatter: Wow over the past three years playing for Baseball U I have faced over 20 players that have been drafted and a countless number of Division I players but if I have to choose only one it would be Delvin Perez (drafted 1st round by St Louis Cardinals).

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Heatter: One of my pregame superstitions is to eat a handful of sour skittles prior to me warming up for each game.

PBR: What would be your best walk out song?

Heatter: "Enter Sandman" by Metallica.

More "Get to Know"