LHP Liam Roche (Shawnee Mission South) has long been a name-to-know southpaw in the Kansas' 2024 class, slotting presently within our top-10 in the state rankings as well as the top southpaw on our board.

From 11/23/23: "...will head to one of the top pitching programs in the country next fall. Roche is a strike thrower, who’s fastball plays in the mid-to-upper-80s from a tight, slightly deceptive ¾ arm slot. He’s able to spin a breaking ball with bend and depth for strikes, and we’ve seen Roche show feel for a fading changeup in previous looks, too."

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Roche on his recruiting process, including some of the reasons why he chose the Hawkeyes, his advice to young up-and-coming baseball players, and more. You'll find our full discourse 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?

Roche: I really didn’t know what to expect. None of my teammates or friends had really started to go through the recruiting process when I did.

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

Roche: I didn’t want to be too far away but I wanted to be far enough to feel independent. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Roche: Iowa first saw me throw my sophomore year fall when Nik Crouch started sending my videos out. 

PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Roche: Family atmosphere, development, location, education, and facilities. 

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

Roche: Kansas and Missouri State.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

Roche: 1B Jack Jones (Shawnee Mission East, 2024; Tennessee signee). He’s a physical presence at the plate and can hit the ball really hard. Also knows got to work an at bat. 

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?

Roche: 8th grade. I started to want to learn more about pitching and really started to enjoy working out and getting better. I also realized pitching is something I want to do for a long time. 

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

Roche: Create good habits and there’s always room to get better. 

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

Roche: Pitching for the Phillies Scout Team and getting to know some new guys. 

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Roche: We have a lot of younger guys and I’m excited to see those guys play. 

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