Meet Your Diamond Dawgs: Ethan Small
September 23, 2015 | Baseball
STARKVILLE, Miss. – During the fall, HailState.com will interview select Mississippi State newcomers as an introduction to the MSU fanbase. As a senior in high school, left-handed pitcher Ethan Small struck out 99 batters with a 1.35 ERA in 50 2/3 innings. The Lexington, Tennessee, native was named a 2014 and 2015 Perfect Game High School All-American.
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ETHAN SMALL Q&A
Q: What pitches do you throw and what are the velocities on those pitches?
A: I throw a fastball around 91 mph but it tops out at 94 mph. My go-to pitch is my changeup and it hovers around 76-79 mph. I also throw a breaking ball and something that resembles a cutter or slider.
Q: What was it like stepping on the rubber Sept. 15 in your first scrimmage at Dudy Noble Field?
A: It was pretty special to me because it was the first time I have really been able to throw multiple innings at The Dude. It was surreal having people there watching us on a Tuesday afternoon. It made me excited for the future. I'm ready to see how many people show up for SEC weekends. It is going to be impressive.
Q: When and why did you commit to Mississippi State?
A: I committed in September 2014. I was really having a hard time figuring out where I wanted to go before I took a visit in late August last year. I committed one week later because the atmosphere here is the best in the country and Butch Thompson is the best pitching coach in America. I know I can develop under him and make it to the next level.
Q: How much interest did you get from MLB teams during the 2015 MLB Draft process?
A: I had interest from the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. Ultimately I tried not to worry about it and just focus on being a better pitcher every single day. I did not allow myself to get too wrapped up in the draft.
Q: How would you describe the chemistry on the 2015-16 team?
A: I feel pretty close to a lot of the freshmen because we have been here since the summer. We lived in Rice Hall and that brought us all together. The older guys have taken us in. We're not just two groups of freshmen versus upperclassmen. We are one team and I feel that's really special because that doesn't exist everywhere. I feel like everybody's available to help a teammate at any given time. That's something you probably can't say about every program in the country.
Q: What are your thoughts about living in Starkville?
A: Starkville is pretty cool mainly because I feel like it has a small town feel about it, but it's not as small as it seems. Driving down Highway 12 in Starkville with all the restaurants make me feel at home.
Q: What is the biggest difference between a scrimmage or practice at MSU and what you experienced in high school?
A: I don't even think the experience between high school and college is even comparable. The baseball program here is so disciplined. It is absolutely unbelievable how organized it is here in Starkville.
Q: How have your experiences been with the strength and conditioning program so far?
A: My arm has gotten a lot stronger. I am more flexible in my arm and my legs. My hips can move a lot better know. Coach (Brian) Neal is a great guy. I love him and what he is doing for us.
Q: What are you majoring in?
A: I'm majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology. I would like to be a physical therapist and work with athletes with a pro sports team eventually.
Q: What are your top shows on Netflix?
A: I am a Netflix lover definitely. Burn Notice is my number one show. You should look it up. Burn Notice is the greatest show ever. There is a huge drop off from number one to number two. My favorite movie on there is Happy Gilmore.
Q: Do you have any Happy Gilmore traits on the mound?
A: No sir, but I practice it on the golf course. I cannot hit the ball straight, so it slices a lot.
Q: What is the first song that pops into your head?
A: "Save it for a Rainy Day" by Kenny Chesney. I love listening to country music.
Q: What are your thoughts on the new Dudy Noble Field?
A: I still can't believe there are going to be apartments in left field!
Q: What are your thoughts on the MSU baseball fans so far?
A: I'm thankful there is such a passion for baseball here. I still can't believe the number of fans who showed up at 4 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon just to watch us scrimmage.
