Interview with Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pitcher Nick Kingham

April 29, 2018 by · Leave a Comment

This interview originally appeared in 2012 in  Toppsprospectalert.com

Stockpiling quality young pitching is always a priority for a losing team trying to change their fortunes and culture. The Pittsburgh Pirates, who last had a winning season in 1992, have recently drafted highly touted arms like  Jameson Taillon  and  Gerrit Cole  to jump-start their rebuilding process. However, the team is also high on  Nick Kingham , another recent draftee, who they believe has a bright future in Pittsburgh.

Kingham, a tall right-handed starter, was taken in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of high school in Las Vegas. According to Pirates prospect site  Buried Treasure , Kingham was planning to attend the University of Oregon, but was convinced to turn pro when Pittsburgh offered him a generous signing bonus.

About to turn 21 later this week, Kingham possesses a low-nineties fastball and promising secondary pitches. He impressed in his first two professional seasons in short-season ball, combining for a 2.07 ERA. This past year he made 27 starts in Class-A, and held his own, posting a 6-8 record and 4.39 ERA, while striking out nearly a batter an inning. More information on his statistics is available at  http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=kingha001nic .

Last year I had a chance to interview Kingham and get to know the up-and-coming Pirates prospect a little better.

Nick Kingham Interview:

How did you first become interested in baseball?: My parents; my Dad grew up playing high school ball. He never played college, but he got me my first interest in it. I started playing it and stuck with it.

Did you have a favorite team or player when you were growing up?: Nope. No favorite team and no favorite player. I was just a fan of the game.

Do you model yourself after any current player?: (Josh) Beckett would be the closest now. I mean it is who I like the most now, but it is pretty hard to emulate somebody that great. I try.

How did you know the Pirates were interested in drafting you?: My scout called me when I was at work with my Dad. He called to tell me that they had drafted me and that they would be in touch. I heard from them two weeks later.

After you signed, did you do anything special for yourself or your family?: We had a few people over two nights before I left, but nothing too special.

What type of pitches do you throw?: Just a fastball, curve and change right now. The fastball is definitely the most important pitch. It’s sitting 91, 92, but reaching 94 or 94.

How has minor league life been?: It’s different. It’s a grind, but no complaints at all. You have to love what you do.

Andrew Martin is the founder of  “The Baseball Historian”  blog where he posts his thoughts about baseball on a regular basis. You can also reach him on Twitter at  @historianandrew  or on  Facebook .

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