Few prospects in the state have as much inherent physicality as OF Quinton Coats (Olathe South, 2024), who steps into the batter's box at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. Coats' bat strength matches his stature, as we've seen him produce triple-digit exit velocities at previous events while comfortably averaging 90+ mph per batted ball, too. 

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Coats on his recruiting process, why he chose Cincinnati,and what advice he would give to up-and-coming baseball players, among other things. You'll find our full discourse below

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Coats: I was expecting it to be exciting but also knew it could be stressful. I was looking for a school that plays at a high level in their division whether it was D1, D2, or juco. I wanted a team that had a good track record of getting guys to the pros. 

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

Coats: Not really too much. Wherever would give me the best opportunity to play and better myself as a player. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Coats: It really heated up for me in late July 2023. I was playing at a tournament up in Iowa and Cincy first saw me there. They followed me for the entire tournament and liked what they saw. 

PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Coats: The new coaching staff had a great philosophy that I believe I fit in well. They have a track record of winning where they were before Cincy. I also liked that Cincy is in the Big 12 now, so being able to play at the highest level was a big draw for me. 

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

Coats: Other schools on my list were Creighton, Mizzou, Valparaiso, and Central Missouri. 

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

Coats: I’d say either 1B Jack Jones (Shawnee Mission East, 2024; Tennessee) or RHP Griffin Allen (Blue Valley North, 2024; Hutchinson CC). Jones just has raw power and always hits it hard. Allen has sneaky good stuff that's deceiving. 

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?

Coats: I’d say my freshman year. I always knew I wanted to play college and professional baseball but I started lifting and training at a high level freshman year. I had the right people around me and they helped me get to where I am today.

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

Coats: Don’t compare yourself to others. Work to be the best player you can be. 

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

Coats: The home run that changed my career up in Iowa. It’s what got the scouts attention and made them follow me.

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Coats: I think our team will be strong. We’re returning most if not all of our pitching staff and we have a good lineup. Going to be a fun season.

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