Some insiders believe Andrew could be the top two way player
(LHP/1B) in the country, along with Ole Miss commit, Matt Smith (RHP/OF).
Both
Matt and Andrew are ranked as Top 50 national prospects and both are expected
to make a huge impact at the University of Mississippi next season.
Player
Profile
Height:
6' 2"
Weight: 210
MPH: 89
Grades: 3.9 GPA
From: New Palestine,
IN
High School: New Palestine
The following information
was revealed during our interview with Andrew
Clark :
What does your fastball top out at when you are on
the mound? "I throw it in the 89 to 90 MPH range."
What do you
average? "88 - 89 MPH."
Which pitches are in your arsenal? "I
throw a fastball, slider, and circle change up."
What is your out
pitch? "I would say my slider."
What are your strengths on the
mound? "Just being able to hit my location. I can hit my spots when I pitch.
I control the game. I like to set the pace. A nice calm pace. I get all fired
up though when I strike them out. I run back to the dugout. I get everybody else
fired up. I am a real emotional player but laid back at the same time. Hitting
is definitely my biggest strength for Ole Miss though. But pitching wise, being
able to control the flow is my biggest thing."
What are your strengths
at the plate? "Really, I think like a pitcher when I hit. I am just putting
the ball in play. I can hit the ball a long way, a long/long way. I am good with
runners in scoring position. I get the runner in. When I am ready, I just take
a hack at it and it goes a long ways."
How long have you been starting
for New Palestine? "This will be my fourth year. I have started every game.
I have been the #1 pitcher, and I have hit in the 3 spot all four years."
What
were your stats for your junior season? "I was 10-0 with a .022 ERA last
year. Overall, I am 28-0 with a .038 ERA. I am the only pitcher that has not lost
a high school game. I hit like four something last year with 10 HR's in thirty
four games."
Any awards? "I was named 1st Team All-Conference,
All-State, All- Super Team by the Indianapolis Star and the All-East Team.
I was also selected as an All-American and played in the National All-Star game
in Baltimore."
Which showcase tournaments did you attend this summer?
"I played in the Perfect Game in Atlanta. I played in the All-American game
in Baltimore. Our team made the CABO World Series in Cleveland, OH. Lance
Lynn and I played in Ft. Meyers at the Louisville batting tournament. We also
played in the Perfect Games in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We know each other pretty good.
And as far as more showcase tournaments, I played in the Pittsburgh Pirates showcase
and the Philadelphia Phillis showcase tournaments. I do not know, the whole summer
was one showcase tournament after another. Oh yea, I was also selected to the
Aflac Showcase tournament."
I hear you committed to Ole Miss? "Yes
sir, I went down there officially the day after they played Kentucky in football.
We got there on a Sunday. We went out to the field, toured the facilities and
just walked around. We went to dinner with Coach Bianco then I met Lance Lynn
and some of the players. We all went out and it was great. That is what made my
mind up about Ole Miss. Their players are not just happy to be playing college
baseball. They want to win a championship. Most college players are just happy
to be there but not at Ole Miss. The coaches were cool. I can tell they are going
to be there for me if you need any help. I also met a Baptist preacher that they
had set up. My dad really liked that. We are pretty religious family. The drive
is only 8 hours if you go by car but it is just a two hour flight and an hour
drive from Memphis, so my family can still see me play some games. That was the
only downfall about Ole Miss, was the distance, but it is going to work out anyway.
The place is just amazing, and they have a great Business Management department.
I called Coach Bianco on Tuesday and told him that I was coming. He was glad to
hear that (laugh)."
Did you visit anymore colleges officially before
Ole Miss? "I did not, actually. I went to Kentucky and Georgia Tech unofficially.
I also went to North Carolina State unofficially. But like I said, Ole Miss was
just the perfect fit for me. There really was no reason for me to go anywhere
else. I mean, I did not even want to leave to go back home. I am ready to get
it on right now. But to answer your question, no, I did not visit anyone else
officially nor do I plan to."
Who were your top schools? "Georgia
Tech would be one of them. Alabama was another. LSU would be another. Michigan
would probably round it out. Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, LSU, Alabama, and Michigan
were probably my Top 5 schools. They all offered me."
Who came after
you the hardest? "I would have to say Ole Miss. They called me frequently
and you could tell they were really wanting me. Georgia Tech, I could also tell
they really wanted me. I visited Georgia Tech when I went down to the showcase
tournament, but I just liked it a lot more at Ole Miss."
With you
being a National Top 50 prospect; will you ever end up in college? "I do
not really know right now. You get a bunch of people telling you that you are
going to be a 1st rounder, but that is just a bunch of bull. Look at Stephen
Head. He was the best college baseball player in the country last year and
he went in the 2nd round. You just have to be lucky to be a 1st round pick. I
mean, you are not only going up against the best from America, but Japan and just
the whole world now. My goal is to be a pro player, do not get me wrong, but I
would have to get 1st round money to not go to Ole Miss. I am excited to get out
of high school and get to Ole Miss. It would have to be some real high money for
me to miss my experiences I would get at Ole Miss. Both of my parents had to go
straight to work out of high school, so. I really can not see myself not at Ole
Miss next year."