Markus Pitkin '26 Recruiting Profile

Watertown High SchoolWatertown, SDBaseball

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ClubWatertown Black Sox

Height5'11"

Weight165lbs

Age17

Primary PositionCenter Fielder

Secondary PositionRight Fielder

Dominant HandRight

60 Yard Dash6.97

Home to 1st4.69

Top Infield Velocity83

Exit Velocity86.9

Top Outfield Velocity84

Consistent Fastball Velocity65

Video

2021 Spotlight

2022 Spotlight

2024 Spotlight

Personal Statement

Baseball is a difficult, yet incredible game and I enjoy the challenge that it gives me. As a four-sport athlete, I have learned a lot about myself through football, wrestling, track and baseball. Baseball has taught me how to deal with failure and how to recover from it. What I love most about the game is the feeling of success after I have learned from my mistakes. Baseball motivates me to be better; it makes me think about what I can do to improve my game each time I step on the field.

I have been a member of many State-placing, successful teams since I started playing sports. Since 8^th grade I have been a member of my school’s varsity wrestling team. As a Sophomore, I am a quarterback on my football team, as well as a key wide receiver, I ran varsity track and in baseball I was the starting varsity centerfielder as a Sophomore. I have maintained a 3.96 GPA taking college-dual credit classes. Being involved in many sports while keeping a high GPA has given me a strong work ethic, taught me life skills and how to be a good teammate.

I want to play college baseball because I love the game and will contribute to the team by being a loyal teammate and determined competitor. I can handle the expectations of college athletics and academics since have participated in multiple sports while achieving high grades. I have always strived to be the best possible player, student and person I can be and look forward to continuing my overall growth in the future.

Athletics

High School Information

Years w/ Varsity
1 year
Varsity Starter
1 year
2024 Varsity Team
Starter
- Jersey: #22
Team Awards
State 3rd Place
2023 Junior Varsity Team
Starter
- Jersey: #17
Team Awards
Regional Champs, State 2nd Place

Club Information

Seasons of Club Experience
4 seasons
2022 Watertown Black Sox (14U)
14U South Dakota State Champions (31-10 record)
2021 Watertown Grey Sox 13U (Middle School)
2020 Sluggers Club Team (Travel Team)
Club Travel team participation from Summer of 2018 to 2020
2019 Watertown Wrestling Boosters Club (Club)
Wrestled on dual travel team and individual tournaments

Coach References

Private Coach
Dave Kerian
High School Head Coach
Ryan Neale
High School Assistant Coach
Braxton Lacher
High School Head Coach
Chas Welch

Events

Camp/Event
Prep Baseball Dakota State Games
6/11/24 to 6/11/24
Exit Velo: 86.9, Hand Speed: 25.2, Bat Speed: 70.6, 60 Time: 6.97
Camp/Event
Omaha National World Series
6/19/23 to 6/22/23
06/19/2023 - Omaha National World Series - Session 2 Markus is a 2026 OF out of Watertown, South Dakota who attended the Omaha National World Series this past June. He continues to show improvements in his baseball abilities on the diamond. Foot speed has improved as he ran his best 60 time to date, now a 7.03 runner. In the outfield, he takes good angles towards the ball and has good momentum towards his target. Glove action is clean and presents out front. He utilizes his foot quickness in covering a lot of ground. Throws are accurate. At the plate, hitting abilities are well above average through a squared setup. He's aggressive with the fastball as he looks to do damage. Hands are quick and work through a level swing path. He stays inside the ball, utilizing all fields through a line drive approach. Power will increase as he utilizes his lower half more efficiently. At the event, he was 4-8 with 2 walks. Mental makeup is a plus as he has a positive attitude, works hard, and is very coachable.
Camp/Event
Baseball Factory Arizona Easton Fall Classic- Under Class (2025-2026)
10/19/22 to 10/23/22
Markus is an athletic OF/3B prospect out of Watertown, SD who showcased his skills during the Arizona Easton Fall Classic. In the field, Markus shows smooth footwork with a quick first step. He gets into position on time and fields the ball out in front with a relaxed glove. His exchange is clean and he gains ground well on his throws, keeping them accurate with carry through his target. At the plate, this RHH sets up in a square stance and takes a short stride. He is controlled getting his hands activated in his load and hits against a strong front side. He works through a level swing and sprays the ball to all fields. Overall, Markus is a solid prospect who has the potential to further build upon his skills on the field.
Camp/Event
Notre Dame Baseball Camp
8/07/22 to 8/11/22
Training, drills, games, campus tour and college baseball player experience
Camp/Event
Best in the US Showcase
8/03/22 to 8/04/22
Player evaluations and college coaching
Camp/Event
All-In Membership Baseball Factory
4/03/22 to 4/03/22
Markus is a class of 2026 3B/OF prospect. Shows an athletic frame. In the field, he shows good pre-pitch actions. Shows good use of his feet and athleticism in his infield footwork. Does a good job creating rhythm and gains momentum to throw across the diamond. At the plate, he shows athleticism again. Short stride and quiet head help him consistently create contact. Shows a direct swing path. In the outfield, he once again does a good job showing his ability to cover ground. Does a good job adjusting to the ball in flight. Shows good outfield fundamentals. Markus is a young prospect with a good base skillset and more potential in the future, we hope to see him again in the future.
Camp/Event
Best in the North National Showcase
8/03/21 to 8/04/21
Instruction and Evaluation from College Coaches
Camp/Event
Baseball Is Back Event
5/22/21 to 5/22/21
Markus is a 3B/RHP prospect who will graduate in 2026. Very projectable frame for age with a lot of time to add strength and size. Primary 3B, he starts with a good pre-pitch routine and efficient feet. Showed good fielding footwork both glove side and to his back hand. Quick arm action as he releases from a high 3/4 arm slot. Accurate/on-line throws, with good carry, and an arm velocity of 77 mph. On the mound, there is a lot room for improvement. Fastball was 63-65 mph and his best pitch on the day was his change up. Mechanically, throws from a hi 3/4 arm angle and gives great effort on the mound. A right-handed hitter, hits from a square stance and flashes power. Fast hands through the zone and hard contact as he gets good extension through contact. Recorded a bat exit velocity of 77 mph. With continued growth and development, Markus should have a bright future on the baseball field.
Camp/Event
Shipyard Park Tournament
4/30/21 to 5/02/21
Collegiate Prospect Tournament

Training

Hitting Lessons
3 years
Coaching from former college baseball coach and former professional player.

Statistics

Statistic	2024 Varsity Team	2023 Junior Varsity	2022 Watertown Blac	2021 Watertown Grey	2020 Sluggers Club
Avg.	.318	.340	.384	.438	.571
GP/GS	65	51
AB	170	156	99	96	35
R	45	40	50	39	17
H	54	53	38	42	20
2B	12	15	12	8
3B	1	2	5	8
HR	2	2	0	1	1
RBI	40	36	27	51	14
SLG%	.435	.500	.606	.719
BB	33	28	35	22	6
HBP	7	4	6	1
SO	41	33	20	18	3
OB%	.445	.438	.564	.542	.634
SB/Attempts	19 (82.61%)	35/37	40	33/34	8/8
PO	89	86	72	88
Assists	5	10	5	2
Errors	8	8	6	7
Fielding %	.922	.923	.928	.928
Team Record	46-25	38-15-1	31-10	28-10-1
Types of Pitches	fastball, curveball, slider, changeup	fastball, curveball, slider, changeup	Fastball, Curve, Sinker, Slider	fastball, curveball, changeup	fastball, curveball, change-up
ERA	4.974	5.205	2.854	2.681
W-L (Pitching Record)	2-2	4-3	5-1	3-1
Games Started	0	2	10	5
Complete Games	0	0		1
Saves	2	5	0	2
Innings Pitched	25.1	39	34.1	31.1
Hits	23	37	25	31
Runs Allowed	25	36	25	28
Earned Runs	18	29	14	14
Batter's BB	24	37	29	22
Batter's SO	15	36	38	23
Batter's HBP	7	6	4	0
Appearances		17