Inside Baseball State Academy in Scranton-Valley View junior pitcher Max Kranick throws a side pitching session. The 6-2 175lb power thrower hits 96mph on the gun, and in one of the biggest showcases going(Perfect Game)was just named to it's 1st team pre-season underclassmen team.
"I got to pitch anywhere-even from Atlanta, Georgia. This year I'm going to Fort Myers Florida-going out to San Diego, so it's definitely going to be a summer to remember. Started pitching when I was very young when I was about 8 years old. Didn't really get good at it until I was about a freshman in high-school and that was when I realized I wanted to pitch instead of hitting," said Max Kranick.
Max Kranick is just the latest UVA recruit from Northeastern Pennsylvania to head down to the ACC and play for the Wa-Hoos. First was Mike Papi from Tunkhannock, who was recently drafted by the Cleveland Indians, then Joe and Jake McCarthy from Scranton high-school there, but Max will be the first pitcher from Northeastern Pennsylvania heading south.
"I think those guys really created the road to UVA and i think that Max has really benefited from that, so I think he owes a lot to them for opening up the opportunities for him," said John Kranick
"I'm very excited. Obviously they have a great program coming in 2nd in the nation last year. That was pretty cool to be committed there for sure. I'm very excited to get down there and very excited for the opportunity," again said Max.
Mitch McHale is the catcher for the Cougars.
"Oh yes! He is very exciting to catch. He keeps me busy back there.He knows what he's doing for sure and it's a great time. What is the easiest thing about catching him? And then get into some of the harder things. He spots the ball very well. He has good location, so I don't have to worry about him throwing all over place. Once he starts throwing his off speed that's where it gets tough," said Mitch McHale.
"I have a fastball. A four seam fastball a two seam fastball. A slider and a change-up. Slider is kind of my wipe out pitch-my out pitch. My fastball I think I can locate pretty much whenever I want so that is pretty much my best pitch," added Max.
"The coaching staff we fell is the best in the country. They are incredibly gifted. They are incredibly hard-working. We feel that it gives Max the best opportunity to go forward, and by the way to get a really excellent education," again said John.