This interview originally appeared in 2012 in Toppsprospectalert.com
Stockpiling quality young pitching is always a priority for
a losing team trying to change their fortunes and culture. The Pittsburgh
Pirates, who last had a winning season in 1992, have recently drafted highly
touted arms like Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole to jump-start their rebuilding
process. However, the team is also high on Nick Kingham, another recent
draftee, who they believe has a bright future in Pittsburgh.
Kingham, a tall right-handed starter, was taken in the
fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of high school in Las Vegas. According
to Pirates prospect site Buried
Treasure, Kingham was planning to attend the University of Oregon, but was
convinced to turn pro when Pittsburgh offered him a generous signing bonus.
About to turn 21 later this week, Kingham possesses a
low-nineties fastball and promising secondary pitches. He impressed in his
first two professional seasons in short-season ball, combining for a 2.07 ERA.
This past year he made 27 starts in Class-A, and held his own, posting a 6-8
record and 4.39 ERA, while striking out nearly a batter an inning. More
information on his statistics is available at http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kingha001nic.
Last year I had a chance to interview Kingham and get to
know the up-and-coming Pirates prospect a little better.
Nick Kingham
Interview:
How did you first
become interested in baseball?: My parents; my Dad grew up playing high
school ball. He never played college, but he got me my first interest in it. I
started playing it and stuck with it.
Did you have a
favorite team or player when you were growing up?: Nope. No favorite team
and no favorite player. I was just a fan of the game.
Do you model yourself
after any current player?: (Josh) Beckett would be the closest now. I mean
it is who I like the most now, but it is pretty hard to emulate somebody that
great. I try.
How did you know the
Pirates were interested in drafting you?: My scout called me when I was at
work with my Dad. He called to tell me that they had drafted me and that they
would be in touch. I heard from them two weeks later.
After you signed, did
you do anything special for yourself or your family?: We had a few people
over two nights before I left, but nothing too special.
What type of pitches
do you throw?: Just a fastball, curve and change right now. The fastball is
definitely the most important pitch. It’s sitting 91, 92, but reaching 94 or
94.
How has minor league
life been?: It’s different. It’s a grind, but no complaints at all. You
have to love what you do.
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