Josh McDevitt Commits to Mizzou

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Published on June 29 2021 2:11 pm
Last Updated on June 29 2021 2:14 pm
Written by Millie Lange

Effingham HIgh School's Josh McDevitt commits to the University of Missouri.

Effingham High School junior-to-be Josh McDevitt will be heading to the University of Missouri to play baseball when he graduates in 2023.

McDevitt had several choices who were interested including Illinois, Xavier and Indiana State.

“I went to camp and got an offer a couple of weeks ago,” said McDevitt. “It was really exciting.”

What made his choice easier?

“The new pitching Coach DeLunas,” said McDevitt. “He worked with the Mariners and Mets and I’ve got a lot of confidence he’ll get me to the next level.”

DeLunas was with the Mets as a special projects instructor and also was previously at Seattle as a bullpen coach.

The son of Larry and Mandy McDevitt, Josh talked about what he’ll need to accomplish to step up his game and play at the next level.

“I need to throw strikes more consistently and become more consistent with my off-speed pitches. Right now I throw a lot of fastballs. I’ve started working on the curve ball and I’m really liking that.”

What attracted Mizzou?

“I’d say the projectability and my mechanics  and my body shape. How they think I can turn into a good pitcher and help the team.”

What will McDevitt be working towards in the next two years?

“I’d say to have a good season with the high school team. Try to win the regional, sectional and go to state. We had a pretty good season. We started off strong but it didn’t go the way we wanted it to. We’re excited for next year and want to do some things.”

McDevitt’s fastpitch sits in the upper 80’s and has gone up to 93 mph.

“My coaches have definitely helped,” said McDevitt. “Coach McNeely and the travel team I’m playing on, the Central State Spikes from Tolono with Coach Kimball.

“And definitely Ben Hecht who is in the Cubs minors leagues. He’s been my pitching coach since last fall and he’s helped a ton.”

In a side note, Coach Tom Kimball is the son of former Mattoon Journal Gazette sports editor Jim Kimball and graduated from Neoga HIgh School.