August 16, 2012
A veteran of Prep Baseball Events, Cory Canterbury from Christian HS has impressed since the first time we saw him. The 5-foot-11, 155-pound Canterbury has shown versatility as his game progresses. Converted to be an outfielder (though he still sees time behind the plate), Canterbury moves very welll to the ball and showcases a strong, accuate arm (clocked at 88-mph). At the plate, he has a good eye and a level swing. While he had only one hit at the Future Games (a game tying RBI single with two outs in the top of the seventh), he has quite a few good at bats and showed the ability to hit the ball hard.
As Cory continues to mature physically, watch out pitchers, for he has the abilityand determination to be continue his path as one of the top Class of 2014 outfielders. PBR: Talk a little about your experience at the Midwest Future Games.
Canterbury: The Midwest Futures Games was a great opportunity to compete with and against the best players in the Midwest. I’ve played against some of those guys for years and it’s good to see where I stand in that group. It really was a great weekend.
PBR: What do you expect going into your junior season?
Canterbury: I have set very high expectations for myself and my team. I work hard to improve my game each off-season. We should be strong this year.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?
Canterbury: I will not be out-worked. When I’m behind the plate, I block everything, even when there are no runners. In the outfield, I use good mechanics and footwork to be in position for a play on every ball, in a good position to throw.
PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?
Canterbury: I know that I have to continue to work hard to improve at everything. But, my main goal for this year is to get bigger and stronger in the off-season.
PBR: What are your expectations for the recruiting process?
Canterbury: I just want to do my best on and off the field and see what happens. I really don’t know what to expect.
PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc...?
Canterbury: I want to play in a program that is a good fit for me over all. I want to play for a coaching staff that will be positive, but push me to keep getting better. I’m a catcher and outfielder. I’m not sure which direction I may go for college. Not many college players that get the chance to play both positions. I’m also interested in Journalism as far as a career.
PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?
Canterbury: I like Mizzou, because I think playing in the SEC would be great. But, I’m not really narrowing anything down at this point.
PBR: What were your personal goals for the 2012 season and were they met? Goals for the 2013 season?
Canterbury: For 2012, I wanted to prove to myself and my teammates that I can be counted on in the clutch, offensively and defensively. I think I did that this year.
For 2013, I want to become a leader. I want to help elevate the play of my team.
PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?
Canterbury: I have played for the St Louis Gamers for the past four years. This Fall, I will play for the St Louis Gamers 17U
Canterbury: PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2012 baseball season (High School or Summer)?
Making the All-Tournament Team at the WWBA 16U National Championships in Atlanta. I had a great week down there. Also, being given the opportunity to represent Missouri in the Under Armour Midwest Futures Games.
PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?
Canterbury: Being selected to represent the Midwest at the USA Baseball National Team Identification Series (NTIS) in Cary, North Carolina in 2009 and 2011. The USA Baseball National Training Complex is an awesome facility. I just found out that I’ve been selected to go again this year. Looking forward to it.
PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?
Canterbury: I like the BBCOR bats, whether I’m hitting with one or pitching. They force you to be a better hitter. I actually felt really comfortable swinging wood this season. We played several wood bat tournaments and I did well.
