Contemplating college can be difficult for any high schooler. But for baseball players, navigating the world of showcases, camps, games, phone calls, letters, coaches, and more can be downright daunting. In this article, Reese Moore discusses how he decided, how he got there, and what advice he has for younger players.

Reese Moore, Forest City class of 2022, has been an active baseball player during his high school career. In 2020, he attended the PBR Future Games and put up some impressive offensive numbers. Due to his performance at that showcase, among others, PBR ranked him 1st among catchers and 5th overall for Iowa players in the ‘22 class. With hard work and some help from PBR with getting his name out, Moore committed to the University of Iowa.

After the high school season was delayed due to COVID-19, Moore was able to show off his skills on the field. “ I hit really well throughout the season and played really good baseball,” he said. “And then, towards the end of the high school season, I ended up getting invited to the Future Games. I also started talking to my first colleges and started getting some looks from smaller schools.”

Iowa got involved around that time, too. “Right before the Future Games, I started talking to Iowa,” Moore said. “I played really well out there, had a really good showing, and I started talking to a few more coaches.”

But when Iowa offered, Moore was set. “I just felt more comfortable with Iowa with it obviously being close to home,” he said. “It’s a great program that Coach Heller and the staff have there, and how they develop their players. That’s kind of the end goal of what I want to do, which is play professional baseball. And I think they gave me the best opportunity to do that.”

Even with other good options, Iowa was what Moore wanted. “I thought it was stressful to make the right decision because all of the schools I was talking to had good programs where I could see myself fitting in,” he said. “But Iowa was just where I think I see myself fitting in for the future, and that’s the best option for me.”

But looking at colleges was a thrilling time. “I got really excited talking to coaches because, during my first two years of high school baseball, I didn’t really have any coaches talking to me,” Moore said. “So it was kind of a rush at first.”

 

Reese Moore 2/24/2021

It is vital to have an approach at showcases.”I would say staying relaxed is the most important thing,” Moore said. “And just go out there and lay it all out on the line. Show them your skills, and I think the rest will take care of itself from there.”

Even when there are multiple options, picking a college can be simple. “Feel out all of your options and go with your gut on which ones are right for you and your family and which program will help you the best,” Moore said.

Moore is excited about everything Iowa has to offer him. “Just the whole college experience in general, and obviously getting to meet new people and new teammates and just being in a great program overall,” he said.

Reese Moore is a talented catcher both at the plate and behind it. As he flashed his talents at various PBR showcases, he put his name on the map of the 2022 class as a top prospect. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Moore can rest easy knowing his college decision is solidified and can lock in on his junior year goals.

 

Savannah Dennis is currently a senior at Johnston High School and has been working for Prep Baseball Report Iowa as an intern since October 2020. She has been managing the Johnston baseball team since she was a freshman and has also worked for the Iowa Sticks team as a data collector. Outside of the baseball industry, Savannah is the Print Editor for the Johnston Black & White newspaper. In the fall, she plans on going to college and majoring in statistics while managing the chosen school's baseball team.