Niggemeyer | USSSA All American Games

At 6’2” and 225lb, Moeller’s Zach Shannon is no chameleon on the field. The Ohio State University commit is dominant both offensively and on the mound.

ABR first caught a glimpse of the 2014 graduate at the 2011 ABR Michigan Top 30 Showcase last winter, where the then freshman reached 88mph on the mound. He went on to make the USSSA All-American Games where he was awarded USSSA All-American Honors and named to the 2012 USSSA National Team. Zach will be competing with the National Team and their quest for Gold this July in the USSSA Gold Medal Games.

We recently caught up with Zach and asked him a few questions regarding his commitment to OSU and his experience leading to the USSSA All-American Games.

Q: Where did you first hear about ABR and USSSA AAGs?

A: I first heard about the programs just a couple of weeks before the Michigan Top 30 in the invite that I received for the camp.

Q: Being the highly talented player you are, how did you enjoy the USSSA All-American Games, and how was it different than what you have been to in the past?

A: The USSSA All-American Games were a great experience. Getting to showcase in front of all the coaches and see the talent that I have to compete against really helped me see where I was in the game.

Q: You recently committed to Ohio State University, what made you pick that school so early in your college selection process?

A: OSU was great to me. I have family that graduated from there and they of course pushed me. But all of the coaches and the team really made me feel welcome…like I was already a member of the team.

Q: Zach, you join fellow class of 2014 graduate and ABR All-American Jacob Niggemeyer with your commitment to Ohio State. How does it make you feel that you are two of the first players in your class to choose a college and you picked the same school?

A: It just really shows me that OSU is really pushing to get the big players that they need to get a great team together. I play with Niggemeyer now and knowing that he is the type of talent that they are looking for really makes me confident in the team for the future.

Q: Ohio State mentioned you were 91-93 when they saw you pitch. What helped you get the few extra miles per hour since we last saw you in the summer (88mph)?

A: All of the off-season arm strengthening programs that Moeller has had me doing in the fall and winter really helped. Also, I have been working out more this year and that probably has also helped.

Q: What do you most look forward to about The Ohio State? How do you like the coaching there?

A: I’m looking forward to being a part of such a great college the most. All of the tradition that comes out of there is amazing. Just being able to say that I am going to be able to attend The Ohio State is really just a humbling feeling. All of the coaches there made me feel like I was something big. They were always talking to me and making me feel at home…like I was already a part of the program. That was the best.

Q: You pitched and hit at the USSSA All-American Games last summer, what will you be doing at Ohio State? How does it make you feel having to possibly give up one or the other?

A: I am planning on being a two way player at OSU. I plan to start in right or maybe at first base, all depending on time and how I mature. But I also feel like I have to possibility to pursue my pitching abilities there as well.

Q: What kind of off-season work outs do you do to get in shape? (i.e. personal trainer, school program, etc.)

A: Moeller has a great off-season workout program that they put us through. We condition, throw, hit, and lift 5 days a week. I feel like that really helped me out to get in shape and get stronger.

Q: Who do you fear facing the most in Ohio and why? (pitching or hitting)

A: Bennentendi is one of the best hitters around, I watched him play all throughout the summer and really admire his ability at the plate.

It seems as though Zach Shannon will be one to fear in the USSSA Gold Medal Games this summer. The talented sophomore certainly has a bright future again and we look forward to watching it unravel.

About USSSA:

The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!

Jacob Niggemeyer is only a sophomore from Powell, Ohio. But at 6’5” and 200lbs, the RHP/1B has already made a name for himself on the national level.

“Niggemeyer can really pitch and hit. He’s in the mid-80’s from the mound. He has a great slider and fills the zone with strikes…he’s a really good all-around player,” explains USSSA National Team Coach, DJ Wabick.

Niggemeyer was awarded 1st Team USSSA All-American Honors and named to the 2012 USSSA Senior National Team following his performance at the 2011 USSSA All-American Games. He has also just committed to Ohio State University (along with National Team Member Zach Shannon). Jacob has recently took the time to answer a few questions by ABR regarding his decision on Ohio State, the USSSA Gold Medal Games, and his view on his baseball future.

ABR: You were fortunate enough to make the USSSA National Team, describe your experience at the All-American Games and your reaction when you found out you would be representing your country in international competition.

JN: I enjoyed the experience of being able to play against other top players in the United States with the same mental aspects and goals. Also being able to meet and play with players from around the U.S. and learn about their future goals. My reaction to making the USSSA National Team was shocked and very happy. I am excited that I am able to play against other countries and also being able to represent my own while playing with other talented players.

ABR: The USSSA Gold Medal Games will have countries from around the world represented, what aspect of the event are you most looking forward to (i.e. cultural, game play, representing your country)?

JN: I’m most looking forward to playing against other players from different countries. Getting to have the experience of playing against different players and learning their culture and how their view of the game is different from ours. Being able to represent my country with other top players against other top countries is something I’m looking forward to.

ABR: Are you still friends with the players you met at the ABR events?

JN: I still keep contact with some of the players that I met during the ABR events.

ABR: You’re obviously very advanced for your age group, when did colleges start taking an interest in you? What was their first form of contact? i.e. program letters, camp invites, personal letters, etc.

JN: During my freshman year of high school. I received college questionnaires and college camp invitations.

ABR: What were some of the major schools you were looking to attend?

JN: Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Arkansas were among the schools I was interested in.

ABR: I understand you finally landed on Ohio State, do you have a close connection to the school?

JN: I don’t have any close connections to Ohio State prior to committing to them.

ABR: You are a pretty early commit, what led you to pick your school at this time in the process?

JN: Got a good scholarship at a good school which has both a good athletics programs and academic programs. I liked the coaches, their philosophies and energy, and how they interacted with the players. Also, it is great to stay close to home so family and friends will be close and watch me play.

ABR: Please explain your experience with the recruiting process? What advice do you have for others that are about to embark on the same journey?

JN: I enjoyed looking at colleges, the athletic facilities, and stadiums. My advice would be to make sure you like not only the school but also the coaches because you’ll be there for 4 years.

ABR: Which position do you prefer?

JN: Pitching is my most preferred position.

ABR: What is the next step in your career?

JN: To be the best college player I can be with the dream of hopefully being drafted one day.

ABR: Has making your college selection changed the way you train?

JN: It makes me train and work even harder because I have high expectations for the future.

ABR: What are your expectations for the next few years in your baseball career?

JN: To win a state championship in high school and continue to play high level of competition during the summer.

ABR: For the Gold Medal games you are expected to pitch and hit, what will you be doing at Ohio State? Did it make an impact on your final college selection?

JN: At Ohio State I’ll be pitching and be given the opportunity to hit. Yeah, the coaches telling me I would be given the chance to hit as well as pitch is something I’m looking forward to.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this interview. I look forward to representing the US this summer; see you all at the Gold Medal Games!

About USSSA: