As the NCAA baseball season continues, one player is standing out in the pitching world. With a .167 average, Justin Montgomery, junior criminal justice major and pitcher, brought in more than 60 scouts to watch him pitch his first game at California Baptist University.
Montgomery said he is determined to be the best pitcher he can be.
“I love the sport; it is a part of my life. I’ve played it for so long and I can’t imagine my life without it,” Montgomery said.
Gary Adcock, head baseball coach, spoke about how much Montgomery has improved in the past three years stating he is now able to “slow down the game” and “react more and think less.”
Adcock also bragged about how Montgomery has the best curveball he has seen at CBU.
“I anticipate him moving up quickly in the professional ranks similar to other CBU pitchers in the past like Tyson Miller, Trevor Oaks, Caleb Dirks and Adam Hofacket,” Adcock said. These are players who were picked up by major league teams.
When it comes to the time commitment and exercises, Montgomery said, “I enjoy the whole grind of staying in shape. Nothing is really hard if you love what you do.”
Adcock said. “Justin is a very driven efficient worker who takes pride in his craft. A true self-starter when given a plan you know he will complete it. If anything, at times, he needs to be told to slow down a bit.”
Not only does Adcock have high regards for Montgomery, but his teammates have great things to say about him as well.
“Justin is a really good teammate to have on your team,” said Ryan Williams, senior kinesiology major and outfielder. “He is always the first one to cheer. He loves the game and will play through any pain he has.”
Montgomery is touted as an energetic and charismatic person on and off the field.
“Montgomery is quite the thrill-seeker. He loves the fast life, you can see it even when he speaks. He is always ready to do something,” Williams said.
Montgomery said he is appreciative of the coaches and the teammates he has worked with over the past three years.
“I love this school, it is a great atmosphere and the coaching staff is brilliant,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery said he hopes to play in the big leagues and will sign with any team that wants to draft him.
