Summer Ball Q&A: Junior RHP Zac Houston
July 24, 2015 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. - For the month of July, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State baseball players competing across the country in summer leagues. Rising junior Zac Houston is currently playing for Wareham Gateman in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. As of July 23, Houston has tallied a 1.68 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings of work. The right-handed pitcher has appeared in eight games with four starts.
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ZAC HOUSTON Q&A
Q: What are some areas the MSU coaching staff wants you to improve upon this summer?
A: I was talking with Coach Thompson about it and I told him I want to be a starter next year. One of my big goals I have been working on this summer is getting better out of the windup. I have also been trying to develop a third pitch. I have been throwing out of the windup and starting a lot of games up here.
Q: How is your experience this summer going to make you a better player for 2016?
A: I am getting to start games, which I have not done since high school. I am getting to see a lot of really good hitters. I am learning a lot by getting exposure to different hitters, which is going to help me heading into next season.
Q: How does the talent level in your league compare to the Southeastern Conference?
A: I do not know if the talent is as strong as the Southeastern Conference, but there are players in this league that can do the same thing that the hitters in our league can do. The depth isn't the same here, but the talent is definitely strong.
Q: What was it like competing in front of MLB Scouts at Fenway Park on June 30?
A: Just being able to walk out on the field at Fenway Park was surreal. The entire experience was unbelievable and one I will remember forever. I was also able to hit at Fenway Park, which I'm sure will never happen again. I did not hit one over the Green Monster.
Q: What's a typical day like in summer league?
A: Right now I am in the middle of working camps, so I wake up at 6:30 a.m. I will go get breakfast and then go work camp until noon. I try to get a workout in before I head to the field. Then we will get on the bus and head to the game. On off days, I like relax and catch up on things that I have not been able to do.
Q: Do you have a host family? Describe that experience?
A: They are amazing and I cannot say enough great things about them. They have been unbelievable to me. They have given me a home and they do whatever they can to make my stay as nice as possible. They give me everything I need.
Q: Have you done any community service where you're at?
A: I have actually done a lot. I have been to libraries and elementary schools and read to several groups of kids. I have been to a bunch of camps for children. It is humbling to be able to give back to the future of our game.
Q: What is the atmosphere where you're at right now compared to Dudy Noble Field?
A: You cannot really compare anywhere to Dudy Noble. The environment in Starkville is just unbelievable. We pull an okay crowd here. The people here try and make it fun, but the league is very professional. Nothing compares to Dudy Noble though.
Q: What's different in your part of the country compared to Mississippi?
A: People say “wicked” a lot up here. Instead of saying something is really good, they say it is “wicked good.” Everything up here has lobster, even the McDonalds. Yes, McDonalds has lobster rolls up here.
Q: What do you miss most about Starkville?
A: I miss the environment and the coaches. I miss my friends. I do not know as many people up here, and whenever you are in an environment where you know more people, you feel a little more at home. I am from the south, so that is my home.
Q: What are the team goals for the 2016 season?
A: We want to win the College World Series and be the best team in the country. We want to be the most aggressive team in college baseball this spring. Whenever people play us, I want them to know it is going to be a grind all nine innings.
Q: What are your personal goals for the 2016 season?
A: I want to be a weekend starter. I want to be the guy who can take the mound and give my team the best chance to win. I want to be a leader on and off the field.
Q: The 2016 MSU SEC Schedule came out – What's it like to play four teams who made it to Omaha?
A: It is not intimidating, because it is the Southeastern Conference. There are teams that play in Omaha every year. Any team that plays in the SEC can make it to Omaha. It doesn't affect me in any way, so I am not going to let myself get nervous about it.
Q: Which SEC series are you looking forward to the most in 2016 and why?
A: The first one. I am just ready to get back on the field and start conference play. Every team is going to be good to play, but it is going to be a good year for us and I am really excited.
Q: What are your thoughts on the heralded 2016 incoming class?
A: I am excited to see who is ready to come in and play. I want to see how they react after coming from high school where they are the top dog and then coming here and having to earn a spot. You can learn a lot by how these guys hold themselves.
