FULLERTON, Calif. — Reese McGuire’s skill set isn’t seen very often. Advanced receiving and throwing ability is rarely seen from younger catchers, especially 17-year olds.
But the 6-foot-1, 190-pound USA Baseball U18 catcher/third baseman breaks the mold. The University of San Diego commit makes catching look like an art form with his mute receiving, Great Wall of China blocking ability, cheetah quick feet and a sniper arm.
McGuire also possesses a quick, left-handed swing and has power potential, especially as he is able to add extra muscle to his frame.
On Tuesday, in a game against the Southern California NTIS (National Team Identification Series) 17 and under team, Reese McGuire reached base in both of his at bats. He singled and scored on an error in the seventh inning. He also had a clean stolen base that was negated by a questionable hitter’s interference call.
After Team USA dropped the game, 5-4, I chatted with McGuire about the honor of playing for USA Baseball and dealing with cuts as the U18 roster has dwindled from 40 to the 20-player group that traveled to South Korea.
Reese also talked about the potential of playing at San Diego and the bond he has been able to build with the group of pitchers that have also committed to play at San Diego:
