RHP Gavin Blachowicz (Olathe South, 2024) was a notable riser in our most recent 2024 rankings update, jumping inside the top five in the state while also cracking the top-500 nationally. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior flashed upside in spurts at Creekside this summer, pumping his fastball up to 92 mph in game, while pitching in the upper-80s from an easy and controlled operation.

(6/17/23)

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Blachowicz on his recruiting process, including some of the reasons why he chose Nebraska, 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?

Blachowicz: My first time around committing to Wichita State was very stressful. With more than 10 options to choose from I chose Wichita State because of both the coaching and the program on the rise. With the coaching changes I decided to decommit and re-open my recruitment. Within a week I received an offer from Nebraska that I couldn't turn down and 10 days after decommitting I had already committed again to a place that I'm in love with, and a place I can play at a top level while also earning a degree.

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

Blachowicz: I mean it was something I took into consideration but in the long run I didn't really care too much about it. Luckily with Nebraska it's not too far away, and my family can still make it out to watch a game.

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

Blachowicz: It really started up at the end of my freshman year. Nebraska saw me at a camp my summer going into my sophomore year and later came and watched me pitch during the high school season that same year. Like I said I chose another route before that but after the decommitment they offered me right away and even brought one of the coaches from Wichita State over to make the decision even easier.

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

Blachowicz: I like the facilities a lot, along with the coaches. The coaches don't even feel like coaches that much as they're more family. I feel like I'm close with every coach that's there right now and think highly of them all. The key factor was definitely the atmosphere of Nebraska along with the coaching they have, especially Coach Childress and Coach Siriani, who I have bonded with in my time down there already.

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

Blachowicz: Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas were all schools I was interested in and others talked to me as well.

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

Blachowicz: There are a couple guys who have given me challenges. Carson May (Olathe East, 2026) hit me well last year when I had everything working for me. He is definitely one I look forward to seeing again this year.

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?

Blachowicz: To start off I was never a pitcher. I used to be the guy who would hit .500 every year and that everyone wanted to be hitting, but I would say freshman year I took some velo class and got up to 85 mph. That is when I realized this is something I could do. Then I hit 89 as a sophomore and 93 as a junior. I still enjoy hitting but definitely don't take it as serious as I do pitching anymore.

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

Blachowicz: Trust the process and don't let the next guy outwork you. Every player has their own path, whether that's JUCO or another level. Stay humble and hungry, your day will come and enjoy the ride.

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

Blachowicz: There are a couple. Striking out 15 against Lawrence last year which is the most I've ever had in a game. My sophomore year I let up a walk off home run at Oklahoma in my first outing which isn't good but memorable. Also, pitching the night games at Kansas University with the student section.

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

Blachowicz: I think we're going to be a tough team to beat. We have pitching for days with a dirty rotation. We are returning three of our one-to-four hitters and have good kids coming up from JV last year with some returners. I'm thinking around 20-6 and hopefully a state run and maybe even a championship.

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