At what age did you start playing baseball and how did you get into baseball?
I started playing when I was four. I played wiffle ball with my cousins and have played ever since.
Do you have any pregame superstitions or routines?
I wear certain cleats. I also always have a coffee or energy drink and a glass of chocolate milk.
How would you describe your game to someone who has never seen you play?
Smooth and dominate, just have fun.
What sport would you play if you did not play baseball and why?
Football or golf. I played football my whole life and I love slicing my drive into the woods.
What is one thing that someone wouldn't know about you?
I can solve a Rubik's Cube, and I am fluent in Spanish.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
Easily my dad, he inspired me to keep playing and he helped me get to where I am.
Who was your favorite baseball player growing up or who is someone that you model your game after?
The whole 2015 Royals pitching staff but especially Yordano Ventura.
NAME & HOMETOWN PRONUNCIATION
JUNIOR – 2025
NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
Appeared in 22 games out of the bullpen
0-0, 7.36 ERA, 22.0 IP, 15 BB, 26 SO
At least one strikeout in 17 of his 22 appearances
Seven appearances of more than 1.0 inning
Struck out the side vs. St. Thomas 3/26/25
No. 87 reliever for 2025 by D1Baseball
Committed in April 2024
KANSAS CITY KANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE – 2023-24
Spent two years in the KCK program
Went 4-1 with a 4.93 ERA in 38.1 innings pitched with 26 walks and 40 strikeouts and three saves in 30 career appearances (three starts)
2024: 3-1, 2.19 ERA, 24.2 IP, 16 BB, 27 SO, 3 SV in 18 appearances (one start)
HIGH SCHOOL
Played four years of baseball at Raymore-Peculiar High School in Peculiar, Missouri
Helped his team become district champions his junior and senior seasons
Also played three years of football and two years of basketball
PERSONAL
Son of James and Ladonna Smith
Has one sister, Jamie
Picked Kansas over Missouri, FAU, Nebraska, South Alabama and SEMO
Chose Kansas because, “When I first got the call from Coach Coyne, it felt like the right fit. Even after a bad game, from him watching me he saw something in me. Once I got onto campus for my visit it felt like home and was also close to home. Coming off a great year last year, I knew the staff would make me the best player I could.”