The Mets selected right-handed pitcher Witt Haggard with their 10th round pick in the 2015 draft out of Delta State University. He spent his first two college years at Ole Miss as a quarterback and had four interceptions on defense his freshmen year at Lamar High School on the 2007 AAA State football championship team.
He transferred from Ole Miss to Meridian Community College where he pitched 11.1 innings. His junior year at Delta State he pitched exclusively out of the bullpen and had a 2.38 ERA in 22.2 innings. He pitched 33.1 innings with 36 strikeouts and 23 walks during his senior year at Delta.
Witt made his pro debut pitching 12.1 innings for the Kingsport Mets in the Appalachian League. He went 2-1 with three saves and a 5.11 ERA but struck out a whopping 21 batters and allowed only seven hits. The alarming part of his debut was the nine walks with six of them coming against lefties.
MMN – First off thanks for answering some questions and congrats on a successful pro debut. When in the process did the Mets start showing interest in drafting you and how did you find out that they had taken you in the 10th round?
Witt – They starting coming to watch me pretty regularly about mid-way through my senior season last year at Delta State. The draft process was crazy, I knew I had a shot at going on day 2 by a few different teams and as the day came to an end it looked like I wouldn’t be drafted.
My area scout called and told me the Mets would be taking me in their next pick but then he called back a few minutes later and told me to wait and not call any family because I might not be the pick. That was a little frustrating but then the pick came out with my name so I just stopped my round of golf on the 15th hole because I was so excited.
MMN – What is like to know be a part of an organization that won the National League and are one of the favorites to repeat?
Witt – I’m just so blessed to be apart of such a great organization and I plan on being a piece to some of those National League champion teams in the future.
MMN – What was the driving force behind your decision to stop playing football and transfer to play baseball?
Witt – I loved both sports but I also knew that I had a better chance at a future with baseball. I think I made a great decision for myself.
MMN – What did you do this offseason to get ready for 2016 and has it differed from years past now that you are a pro?
Witt – It’s definitely been different giving my arm a much longer rest. I’m in the weight room/pool/hot tube 4-5 days a week, my body feels great.
MMN – For people that haven’t gotten to see you pitch could you tell them what you throw for pitches and how to like to attack hitters?
Witt – Being a late innings guy, I like to go right at them with predominately fastballs and breaking balls. If they prove they can hit the fastball then I change my sequence up a little.
MMN – What was it like to be part of a playoff team your first season in pro ball? Who were some of your teammates at Kingsport that impressed you?
Witt – Some of the most fun I’ve ever had with guys like Joe Shaw, Luis Carpio, Taylor Henry, Adrian Almeida, I would have to name the whole team and coaching staff, we had an awesome year.
MMN – What kind of scouting do you do on the opposing teams hitters before a series starts? What is available for you to do so?
Witt – I just watch guys throughout the game, I know that if I do what I’m capable of doing then I will be just fine. Coach Hurst did a great job of getting together a scouting report before each series, that helped tremendously.
MMN – What are your expectations and goals for yourself in the 2016 season?
Witt – Have a good spring training, make a full season team, and start working my way up.
MMN – What would say your biggest strengths and weaknesses are as a pitcher?
Witt – I have tons of confidence in my fastball and breaking ball. My third and fourth pitches need some work but has not effected me too bad in my late innings role.
MMN – Thanks for answering all my questions and good luck in 2016!
