By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2019 RHP Nathan Rintz (Schaumburg) recently committed to Arkansas. Rintz is currently ranked No. 9 in the Illinois Class of 2019 and the 7^th member of the class to commit. Here is a report on him from the 2019 Top Prospect Games at UIC this past summer.

7.26.16 - 6-foot, 155-pound right-handed pitcher with a lanky, projectable frame. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a loose, quick arm action. Drop and drive, online delivery with smooth rhythm. Fastball gets downhill tilt sitting 84-86 mph. Will elevate it with two strikes to get strikeouts. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 73-76 mph with short breaking action, flashes plus occasionally. Changeup has downer action at 76-79 mph. Struck out four of the eight hitters he faced. One of the top arms in the Illinois 2019 Class.

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

Rintz: I never thought that it would happen this fast. I thought by the end of my sophomore year or this upcoming summer I would commit. It was more involved than I anticipated but I cannot be happier with the results.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Rintz: I was looking to play for a college that will develop me and push me to be the best I could be. I was looking for a college that felt like home and that is Arkansas.

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

Rintz:  No, I was just trying to find the right fit.

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?

Rintz: PBR Top Prospect Showcase. After the showcase is when I first came in contact with some schools and started really looking for the right fit.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Rintz: University of Arkansas first saw me at the Instructional Camp of America.

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

Rintz: I really loved the coaching staff and their interactions with the players. The facilities and their pitching philosophies really blew me away. After touring the campus I realized I wanted to be a Razorback.

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

Rintz:  Michigan, Indiana, Missouri

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

Rintz:  Andrew Wiegman at the Top Prospect Showcase. He is a versatile hitter and SS committed to Louisville.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Rintz: When I went undefeated and pitched a no hitter this past summer with Top Tier 15U Americans. Also, after the Top Prospect games at UIC.

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

Rintz: Work your hardest, stay focused and humble, dreams really do come true. Be patient with the process.

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

Rintz: Pitching in Cary, North Carolina representing USA baseball this past summer.

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

Rintz: I am excited to get after it this year and battle against some talented pitchers in the MSL conference. I feel like we can make a run in the playoffs. One of my goals is to pitch against Barrington High School and face a fellow Top Tier play Tyler Acosta.

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

Rintz: Top Tier and when I threw a perfect game this past summer in Ohio. My coaches and teammates have inspired me to be a better player and an even better person. I have made some great friends and memories with this organization.

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