PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Josh Smoker

By PATRICK EBERT

Josh Smoker is no stranger in scouting circles. Named the Most Valuable Pitcher at last fall’s WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla., he struck out 21 batters in nine innings for the East Cobb Astros, which included a 13-strikeout performance (in five innings) against the star-laden lineup of the ABD Bulldogs. He also was one of only two pitchers at last summer’s Aflac All-American Classic to pitch a perfect frame.

From the Perfect Game National Showcase to the East Coast Professional Showcase to Team USA , Smoker has succeeded at every venue and event he has participated. He has been pitching in the 90-94 range this spring, with an improving curveball, and receives as much praise for his makeup and approach to the game as he does his stuff. While it seems almost certain that such a talent would be pitching professionally this summer, he has a commitment to Clemson waiting for him should pro ball not appeal to him after he graduates from high school.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Josh about his stuff, his style and what he feels makes him successful.

Patrick Ebert (PE): Can you start off by sharing a little bit about yourself, what kind of person you are and what your interests are outside of baseball?

Josh Smoker (JS): I grew up in a small town just north of Atlanta , so naturally I am more of a small-town kid. I am very laid back and I just like to have fun and be a kid. I really enjoy golfing. Personally I think I am the next Tiger Woods but for some reason everybody else keeps telling me that I need to stick to baseball. I used to race racecars when I was younger, so I like to watch the races on Sunday.

PE: Similar question. What kind of pitcher are you, what do you throw and how hard do you throw those pitches?

JS: I don’t consider myself a power pitcher or a finesse pitcher. I consider myself as me. I like to go after hitters and challenge them. If they hit it, then hats off to them. But I can guarantee you I will get them next time. I throw all two-seam fastballs as well as a cut fastball. I throw a curveball and two different types of changeups. If I am in a situation where I have to have a strikeout I will go to a split-finger fastball. My fastball has been as high as 94 this spring. My curveball is between 74 and 82, depending on if I want a guy to get on his front foot and roll over it or if I want him to swing and miss it. My split has gotten up to 85 and my change 78.

PE: You have been pitching in the spotlight for several years now, playing for the East Cobb program and dominating during the past two WWBA tournaments in Jupiter. How have these experiences helped you prepare for the amount of attention you’re receiving this spring with the upcoming draft?

JS: It has prepared me so much. It has taught me how to handle myself in pressure situations. I think that pitching to some of the best hitters in amateur baseball, like Josh Vitters at the Aflac (All-American Classic) or Jason Heyward last year in high school, has made me realize that I can play with these guys and win.

PE: Is it difficult to stay focused given the amount of attention you are receiving, not only trying to help your high school team win games, but in the classroom as you get closer to graduating high school?

JS: It is hard at times; however, I could be in a lot worse situation. I take nothing for granted and enjoy every minute of my life and take every word of advice to heart.

PE: What do you think helps you separate yourself from your opponents?

JS: I have always had an extremely competitive nature. I work very hard on improving every aspect of my game to ensure that I am as good as I can possibly get. During the offseason I train with Rocky Thorn at Baseball Performance Center . He has really helped me a ton to get to where I am at today. I go to him twice a week. I also throw every Wednesday and Sunday with Guerry Baldwin at East Cobb Baseball.

PE: How did you develop those attributes?

JS: My parents have stayed on me ever since I started playing sports. They have always taught me that if I am going to do something I better do it right. I have stuck with it and enjoyed every minute of it.

PE: How much has it helped you to play with and against the best players in the nation at events such as the WWBA tournament in Jupiter, the Aflac All-American Classic and the Perfect Game National Showcase?

JS: Pitching against the top hitters in the country has helped me so much. I have to learn how to pitch instead of just throw. It is a very humbling experience to know that you are playing against future big leaguers.

PE: Do you get a feel for what scouts are looking for when they approach you?

JS: I think that they want the kind of player who is willing to work hard to get better, comes from a good family and has that competitive nature.

PE: Is there one hitter that you have faced during your career that stands out in your mind as a particularly tough out?

JS: (Laughing) Josh Vitters. I pitched against him at Aflac. He was the first hitter I faced and I knew he was sitting fastball, so I threw him a changeup and he just got under it. In Jupiter, we played the ABD Bulldogs in the quarterfinals, and low and behold Vitters was the first hitter I faced. I remembered how I had pitched him at Aflac, so I figured, what the heck I will just stick with what worked—First pitch changeup right over the heart of the plate. When the ball hit the bat it just had that particular sound to it and I didn’t even bother turning around and looking.

PE: Is there a certain player you try to model your game after?

JS: I have always been a fan of John Smoltz, but as far as modeling myself after somebody, I just consider myself as me.

PE: What are the types of things that you may “borrow” or implement by watching other pitchers?

JS: I had been having a problem with getting my hands separated at the Junior National trials in Atlanta over the fall. Matt Harvey and I had gotten to be good friends over the summer so he told me to separate my hands before I raised my leg and I have kept it up ever since.

PE: While you currently are being scouted more for a potential professional career, can you explain how difficult it was to make a decision on your potential collegiate career and the recruiting process in general?

JS: I felt very comfortable on making my decision. Coach Leggett is a great person and I knew that was where I was meant to be.

PE: Are there any specific aspects of your game that you are focusing on trying to improve?

JS: I really worked hard on improving the consistency of my breaking ball during the offseason. I am very happy with where it is at right now.

PE: What do you think you do the best as a player?

JS: I play the game the way it is meant to be played. I leave it all on the field.

PE: Do you have any words of wisdom to impart on our readers, young and old, looking for advice from someone in your position?

JS: Enjoy everything as it comes to you. You are only a kid once so have no regrets. Take everything with a grain of salt and stay level-headed. If you work hard and stay loyal to the people who surround you, then you will be rewarded in the end.

Patrick Ebert is affiliated with both Perfect Game USA and Brewerfan.net, and can be contacted via email at pebert@brewerfan.net.