Q&A With Grand Valley State Commit Josh Fleming
December 19, 2024
A name our staff has come accustomed to hearing is Josh Fleming, whether it be in the spring for York, in the summer at our tournaments, or just on the showcase circuit in general, Fleming is a consistent performer who has always given us a quality look. One of the most memorable looks we got at Fleming actually came this past summer, where he swatted four home runs in one day, giving arguably the best single-day performance we have seen at The Rock to date.
INF/OF Josh Fleming (York, 2025) has been on the barrel today hitting four home runs.
— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbrtscouting) July 18, 2024
Strong 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame. #PBRatTheRock | @PrepBaseballIL pic.twitter.com/k38bdotRVm
His success on the field started long before this past summer though, with his breakout coming around the spring of his sophomore season, helping the Dukes to their first state tournament since 1993 after he recorded a .485 average with 22 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs and 42 runs scored - landing him Third-Team All-State honors.
We recently had the opportunity to talk to Fleming about his recruiting process and much more, found below.
Our Q&A
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Josh: During the early stages of my process I didn’t know what to expect out of it. The process itself was fun to be a part of, I am very happy with how it turned out. When it came to what I was looking for out of the program, I wanted to be a part of a team with great culture. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been on a great York team the past three years and I wanted to continue being a part of a program that wants to be the best.
P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
J: Location didn’t play a huge role in where I wanted to go but I definitely thought about whether or not my parents would be able to come to games.
P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
J: My recruiting process really heated up towards the middle of the summer at the PBR at The Rock Tournament. I played really well and that was actually where Coach Keur and Coach Romsek saw me for the first time. It was pretty cool that they were able to see me perform.
P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
J: GVSU has a great history with athletics and the baseball program is no different. They won their conference tournament last spring and got to play in a regional. Coach Keur and his staff are great people and made me feel welcomed as soon as I got on campus. I also look forward to being a part of a great recruiting class coming in next year.
P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
J: My final four schools ultimately came down to GVSU, Saint Leo, Lewis and Winona State.
P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
J: I’ve had the opportunity to compete against a lot of great pitching but the toughest arm I’ve faced from Illinois was definitely Joe Chiarodo from Edwardsville.
P: 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?
J: I would say during my sophomore high school season was really where I began to take off. I had a great spring with York and won Western Suburban Co-Conference Player of the Year as well as 4A All-State Honors. That’s where everything sort've took off for me and when I realized I could play at the next level.
P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
J: Focus on what you can control. Baseball is a game where you can do absolutely everything right and still fail, so it’s important to keep your focus on work ethic, being a great teammate, and showing up ready to compete every day. If you focus on the things you can control, the results will come.
P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
J: The most memorable moment of my career at this point has been being able to play in two consecutive state finals. There’s nothing better than winning in the playoffs and getting to compete with the best of the best every game.
P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
J: We’re gonna surprise a lot of people. I feel like everyone has counted us out this year but we are gonna be a team of guys who want to win and grind every day. Most of us have felt what it’s like to win when it matters and we’re ready to run it back.
P: How did the Future Games and/or the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)?
J: Having the opportunity to compete at the State Games this year was great. I definitely received more attention after the event and I committed just shortly after.
P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?
J: I would probably steal Jaden Fauske’s power. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone hit baseballs like he does.
P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?
J: It’s hard to choose between these two but Charlie Martin and Evan Mendiola are both gonna play huge roles for our high school team this year as juniors.
P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.
J: PBR has been one of the biggest factors that played a role in my recruiting. I’ve attended their showcases ever since I started high school and they were my first opportunity to put myself out there. Their coverage during high school and summer as well is unbeatable. PBR tournaments were also the first games I played in front of college coaches. I would recommend attending a PBR showcase to every high school player.
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