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Q&A with Northwestern Okla. State commit 3B Steven Deckard (Francis Howell North, 2015)

September 22, 2014

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

3B Steven Deckard (Francis Howell North, 2015) Deckard is a strong 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-hand hitting third-baseman. At the Class of 2015 Prospect Games on August 17, he posted a home-to-first time of 5.04. He throws from a high ¾ arm slot. His throws were very accurate with good carry. Steven has aggressive actions and shows a quick release. His position velo was 82 MPH. At the plate, Deckard has a slightly open setup with a back load and a long stride. He has good balance through his swing and uses his lower half well. His swing produces gap-to-gap line drives and shows some pull power. Steven had an exit velo of 87 MPH.

Deckard played with a slightly torn hamstring in the spring of 2014.  He batted .406 with two home runs and nine RBI in 32 at-bats.  In the classroom, Deckard has a 3.2 GPA and has recently committed play college baseball at Northwestern Oklahoma State in Alva, Oklahoma. 

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

Deckard: The recruiting process was much more difficult than I expected it to be, it was slow to start off then after the season I started going on college visit and things got going.   

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

Deckard: Location and distance played a small factor because my parents wanted me to stay closer to home but I wanted to go far away.

PBR: Where did Northwestern Oklahoma first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Deckard: Todd Whaley from the Stl Prospects put together a showcase and they were one of the schools that were invited, they (Northwestern Oklahoma) talked to me after the event and we set up a date for me to go down there for a visit.

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

Deckard: Ryan Mantel, Ian Nelson, Cj Shaffer, Storme Cooper, Michael Bruhin, Logan Anderson and Ryan Sosowski, they are fundamental sound at there positions, and can all hit the ball.

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

Deckard: I was looking for a good mass communications program and also wanted to have nice facilities and coaches i would enjoy playing for.

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

Deckard: Always work hard to keep getting better, and don't get disappointed if things don't happen as fast as other players.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Deckard: I workout with my trainer to get bigger stronger faster, and also keep working on my hitting and fielding because the game gets faster the higher levels you play at.

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

Deckard: Being able to travel with my teams to all different colleges and play on some of the nicest college fields. 

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

Deckard: There mass communications program was awesome and looked fun, they had a great field and facilities and i would love to play for the coaching staff there.

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

Merrimac, Missouri Western, Fontbonne, and Lincoln university.

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?

Deckard: Things started heating up for me after my summer season ended and I started going to more showcases.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some players that will play a key role for Francis Howell North next spring.

Deckard: I am hoping to have a good season, we are going to play errorless baseball and come up with some key hits. I want to have a winning record and get a district championship. My goal is also make first team all GAC this year. Our pitching staff is going to have to step up and throw strikes and not walk people. Jake Cornett Kevin Bradius, myself, and our JV pitchers from last season are going to play a big role. Also, we will need to hit up and down the line up.

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

Deckard: I play summer for the Rawlings Prospects and the most memorable experience is playing for some of the best coaches around the state and play with some of the most talented players from around the state.

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