Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Inside the Recruitment: '15 C Darren Shred commits to Chipola College

January 8, 2015

Follow @PBR_Ontario

By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

Darren ShredDarren Shred, the number five ranked player in Ontario, is a physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound catcher who has also been clocked up to 89 mph off the mound. He recently committed to powerhouse Chipola College in Marianna, Florida. Shred is a member of the Ontario Blue Jays and Team Canada Junior National Team. With his defensive abilities and arm strength both behind the plate and on the mound, Shred has the opportunity to be a two-way player with the Indians next year.

PBR: Why did you choose to attend Chipola?

Shred: I chose to attend Chipola because they a phenomenal school in all aspects. Winning, coaching, academics, and their facilities are amazing as well.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list?

Shred: Iowa Western and Spartansburg Methodist.

PBR: Where did Coach Johnson first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?

Shred: They first saw me two years ago at an OBJ game in Jupiter. My initial relationship was with their catching coach- coach Montgomery. Throughout the last year we texted pretty often and then I went down for a visit recently and met Coach Johnson. The coaches are great guys and I can't wait to work with them.

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

Shred: No, it didn't play a factor because I'm so used to being away for baseball.

Darren ShredPBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

Shred: Over the last five years I have worked with Kyle Degrace as my catching coach and also hitting coach and he has helped me a tremendous amount. Also for the last two years I played for Sean Travers who also taught me a lot about the game. Greg Hamilton my coach with team Canada is a huge help both on the field and off the field.

PBR: What were the key factors you thought about while making such a big decision?

Shred: I was looking for a strong baseball school with great academics as well. I was also looking for coaches that I felt would mix well with me and I believe the coaches at Chipola are a perfect fit.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and how has that helped you prepare for the next level?

Shred: I play for the Ontario Blue Jays and the Team Canada JNT. Both teams have helped me so much with preparing for the next level. With both teams we play tremendous competition and learn how to battle. Also it has helped me learn how to be away from home and be discipline.

PBR: What plans do the Chipola coaching staff have in store for you when you step onto campus next fall?

Shred: Chipola plans on having me catch primarily but also come out of the bullpen in the back end of games.

PBR: What do you feel are the strengths about your game?

Shred: I feel that my biggest strength is my defense. I like to talk to my pitchers and keep them calm and collected which is huge when they are struggling.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date.

Shred: My most memorable baseball moment would have to be playing in Mexico against Mexico in front of a sold out crowd. The atmosphere was insane and your emotions are all over the place. When we beat them for bronze there is no better feeling.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ontario?

Shred: I faced Cal Quantrill in the Team Canada vs. Futures game in the summer of 2012. That is definitely the toughest at bat I have had in Ontario.

Top Ontario Headlines