One of the top uncommitted two-way prospects talks about the recruiting process
September 16, 2013
By Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Senior Writer and Northwest scout
Austin Hancock is a two-way athlete, who has been an integral part of the Defiance High School's success over the past three seasons.
Hancock has started varsity since his freshman year compiling 83 hits over his first three seasons. This past year as a junior Hancock batted leadoff. In 104 at-bats, the righty had 40 hits and 17 walks while batting .385. Hancock hit eight doubles, four triples and a home run while scoring 36 runs and driving in 23. The speedster, who has registered a 6.8 in the 60, was 22-25 in stolen bases.
On the mound, the right-handed hurler was third on Defiance in innings pitched during the spring season behind Robert Zeigler (0.45 ERA) and Weston Rivers (0.31 ERA). Hancock had a 1.42 ERA in 24 2/3 innings, striking out 21. During the summer with the Napoleon River Bandits American Legion team, Hancock threw 61 2/3 innings, striking out 66 and walking 17.
In the field, Hancock is a smooth fielding shortstop with a strong arm (88+ mph across the field). Hancock fields through the ball well and is well balanced.
Austin's older brother Justin Hancock attended Lincoln Trail and is now in the San Diego Padres organization (drafted in 2011, 9th round), sitting in the mid-90s on the mound.
After playing on the Division II OHSAA state championship team in June and the American Legion state and regional champion this summer with the Napoleon River Bandits (who have had 11 former players reach professional baseball and 120+ college baseball players since 1998), Hancock now looks forward to the college recruiting trail and a big final year of high school baseball.
What schools are you deciding between? What do you like about each school? How is your relationship with the coaching staffs at each school?
Right now there are three schools I am looking at. Lincoln Trail- strong relationship, Sinclair CC - good relationship, Olney Central - good contact.
What schools have you visited? Are you taking any visits soon?
Do you have a leader at this time?
No leader as of right now.
Being a two-way athlete, is there any thought on what you would like to play in college?
I would like to play the middle infield and pitch as well.
Let me know your mindset at the plate as a hitter. What you are trying to accomplish?
Just trying to throw my hands at the ball and hit gap shots. I try to do what I'm capable of doing and use my speed on the base paths.
Talk about the pitches you have, when you like to use them, the confidence you have in each pitch, etc...
My fastball has touched 88 a couple times this summer. I use my changeup at any point in the count because I can throw it for a strike and it throws the batters off. I throw the curve when I have to, when I really need to throw them for a loop.
Your brother is sitting mid-90s in the minor leagues. Has he given you any pointers or advice for improving as a ball player?
Yes, my brother has taught me everything I know along with the coaches at Defiance. Our dream since we picked up a ball was to make it to the BIGs some day and that's what we are trying to accomplish together. Whenever I need something or to ask for information about baseball I go to him.
How would you describe the success of your legion season and the trip to the American Legion World Series?
The River Bandits this summer was an unbelievable experience. I had a great time and learned to travel and play baseball at the same time. I know we have the team to do it again next year and I'm hoping we can keep improving.
Now go in depth a bit about the experience you had with the River Bandits (playing in Alaska, Nebraska, Minnesota, North Carolina) and what you learned while playing against better competition.
My experience playing while on the road was amazing. I wouldn't ask for better teammates and better competition. We went to the Field of Dreams and that was sweet to see something that I always wanted to go to.
Talk about the state championship run with Defiance last season, and goals for this season.
The state championship this spring with Defiance was the greatest experience of my life. I got to accomplish great things with my friends and enjoy all the great experiences along with it. This year we will keep on rolling and hopefully be in the same position we were last year.
How does it feel to win four state championships (one spring season, two ACME seasons and one for the River Bandits)
Going from the ACME championship to the spring state championship to another ACME championship along with River Bandits state and regional state championships was a dream accomplishment, and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Being a part of a winning program is what I have done and what I want to continue to do.
What do you wish to improve on from your junior year to your senior year?
I want to improve my arm strength and hopefully hit 90 as well as improve on my off speed approach.
Grades? ACT?
I have a 3.8 GPA and a 19 ACT. I am retaking the ACT until I get a 22 or better
