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Q&A with Creighton Commit Garrett Gilbert

August 17, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2017 catcher Garrett Gilbert of Westosha Central recently committed to Creighton. Gilbert joins a list of sixteen Division I commits from the 2015 Wisconsin Future Games team. Here is a report on Gilbert from the Top Prospect Showcase this past June.

Garrett Gilbert6/16/16 - 6-foot, 175-pound right-handed hitting catcher, athletically strong frame. Hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride, maintains excellent balance, quiet eyes. Easy bat speed, strong hands, barrel aware, hard contact in BP. Path has some length, gets to contact quickly, strong bat with extension, gap to gap approach. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed big arm strength from the crouch, 81 mph, tends to get underneath, misses were up and arm side, arm carries. Pop times ranged 2.04-2.09. 7.1 runner in the 60.

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

Gilbert: My expectations for the recruiting process were that it would be stressful finding the right fit, but also fun experiencing all the different schools and campuses. It was as expected watching a lot of my teammates and older brother go through it. It was difficult finding the school that had everything I was looking for and more. 

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

Gilbert: I was looking for a school that competes for the conference title every year and has good academics. A nice campus and nice baseball facilities were on the list, too. 

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

Gilbert: No, location did not matter. As long as the school felt right, it did not matter where in the country. 

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?

Gilbert: The PBR Future Games and the Perfect Game Underclass tournament in Fort Meyers, Florida last fall.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Gilbert: I'm not exactly sure where Coach Wallace saw me first, but he first contacted me this spring towards the end of my high school season. We would talk about 2 times a month to get to know each other before I went on my visit. After my visit, we talked once every week until finally making my decision. 

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

Gilbert: What I like most has to be the facilities/home field of Creighton. From TD Ameritrade Park to the weight room, to the clubhouse, everything is as nice as it gets. My key factors were that they compete every year and I definitely feel that I can develop to reach my top potential as a baseball player. 

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

Gilbert: My short list of schools included: Illinois State, Bradley, SIU Edwardsville, and UW-Milwaukee.

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

Gilbert: The best player I've not only faced, but played with is Jarred Kelenic. No one works harder than him. He is never an easy out, makes about every play in the outfield, and come out throwing 90+ from the left side. 

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?

Gilbert: I realized I was a college caliber player when I joined Hitters and played right along with other Division 1 commits or played against them and beat them.

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

Gilbert: Young players should really understand that no matter how talented you are, it's all about how hard you work and how much effort is given in every opportunity you get. Don't worry about other people committing before you, either. Keep playing hard and you'll get the chance to play where you want to. 

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

Gilbert: My most memorable moment is winning the Premier Championship in Joplin, Missouri this summer. We played 9 games in 5 days in 100 degree heat and it was the best feeling finally getting that last out. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Gilbert: Westosha Central has a lot of returning starters this year. We have a lot of veterans on our team and we should be talented this year. I expect us to finally pull through with a conference championship and make a run at the state title, too.

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

Gilbert: I play for Rawlings Hitters. The best memory with them is definitely the Premier Championship. The dog pile after the last out was a memory with my teammates I'll never forget. 

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