Colin Houck staying in the moment despite prospect status
Editor’s note: The New York Mets selected SS Colin Houck with the No. 32 pick in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft on July 9.
LILBURN, Ga. (BVM) – Colin Houck was involved in just about everything growing up. Whether it was baseball, football or even swimming, he was into it.
“Anytime people asked my parents what to get me for a gift when I was super young, they would always say to get me a ball,” Houck said. “He’ll play with any ball.”
This is a trend that continued even as he grew older.
Houck emerged as a multi-sport star at Parkview High School receiving recruiting attention as both a quarterback and a five-tool shortstop.
By the end of his freshman year, Houck had already received scholarship offers for both sports. And before he announced his decision to play baseball long-term, he had 8 Power 5 offers to play quarterback.
But at the end of the day, baseball was Houck’s first love.
“I just kind of knew baseball was the right fit for me and that’s where I had the higher ceiling.”
And that ceiling is sky high.
According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, he is the No. 20 prospect in this year’s MLB draft and is seen as a consensus first-round pick across most outlets.
Colin Houck (‘23 GA) gets to a FB down & just powers it over the wall in RCF for a 3-run shot for @ViewBoysGA. Premium athlete with big strength & great hitting tools, real first round upside this summer. #HailState commit. #PGShowdown #PGDraft @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/F5SSle1mCz
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) March 3, 2023
Houck stands at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds and has some of the most raw power across the high school level. As a junior, he hit 15 home runs while bolstering a .912 slugging percentage. Defensively, his rifle arm translates well from the gridiron to the diamond.
Uncommitted ‘23 SS/QB1 Colin Houck (GA) continues to be a favorite in the class.
Hardly breaking a sweat producing 104mph exit velos. Effortless power w/ m2c. #NPIProcase || @PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/I6iER8OKKB
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) June 8, 2022
When the draft comes around in July, Houck will likely have a decision to make on whether he wants to begin his pro career or play college baseball.
On Aug. 12, he announced his commitment to Mississippi State.
@HailStateBB @ViewBoysGA @GeorgiaBombers @PBRGeorgia @PG_Georgia pic.twitter.com/zY3jb6Qjxr
— Colin Houck (@colin_houck) August 12, 2022
“It was a gut feeling when I stepped foot on campus,” Houck said. “I kind of knew this was where I wanted to be.”
But whether he gets to Starkville or not is something that is not on Houck’s mind. Instead, he is staying in the moment.
“It’s a blessing to even be in the conversation,” Houck said. “But I’m focused on Parkview baseball and being there for my team.”
At Parkview, Houck is the leader of arguably the best high school baseball program in the country. Since 1998, the Panthers have won nine state championships along with three national titles.
…and Parkview sweeps the State Championship for a 3PEAT!!! 💥⚾️💥⚾️💥⚾️💥#WWW #PantherPride #ParkviewBaseball #ParkviewPanther #ViewBoys @ViewBoysGA pic.twitter.com/MJ0FyR7M5w
— MPAA (@MPAA_GoPanthers) May 25, 2021
Being a part of a program with that type of prestige is something that has been a big part of Houck’s development on and off the field.
“Playing under coach (Chan) Brown is definitely a privilege,” Houck said. “He teaches me a lot about baseball, but a lot about life too.”
After falling just short last year of a state title, he and the rest of the team have the motivation to accomplish that feat this season. If they can do that, Houck would cement his legacy furthermore as an all-time great for Parkview, joining the likes of Matt Olson and Jeff Francouer.
