Roch Cholowsky solely wants to win as MLB draft approaches
CHANDLER, Ariz. (BVM) – The state of Arizona always produces top-tier high school baseball talent. This year it is highlighted by Hamilton High School shortstop Roch Cholowsky, the consensus best player in the state.
The No. 23 prospect in this year’s draft according to The Athletic’s Keith Law, Cholowsky makes consistent contact at the plate while playing clean defense. The 18-year-old stands at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, and will have the opportunity to put on more muscle in the future, making him a power threat.
‘23 SS Roch Cholowsky (AZ) picking up where he left off yesterday with this opposite field 💣 on a breaking ball up in the zone.
Lots of barrels so far this week. Continues to have a knack for producing in the spotlight. #MLBDraft || @PBRArizona pic.twitter.com/fc1S1V62O9
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) February 23, 2023
He also receives rave reviews about his baseball IQ. That trait is hereditary in the Cholowsky family.
His father, Dan, is an area scout for the Cincinnati Reds. Prior to evaluating talent, he put together an eight-year professional career and is a member of the University of California Athletics Hall of Fame.
Roch has been able to grow up around his father’s baseball prowess, slowly molding himself into the player he is today.
“He’s definitely helped me a lot with just guiding me through being a little kid until now,” Roch said. “He’s always been there to steer me in the right direction.”
Hamilton SS Roch Cholowsky starts off the final day with a single. One of the better SS prospects in next year's prep class, like the swing from the right side. Has looked good defensively, great range with a strong arm. Has made a couple difficult plays look somewhat easy. pic.twitter.com/9NEU1aOPth
— Tyler Jennings (@TylerJennings24) April 9, 2022
As Cholowsky grew older, not only did he become a star on the diamond, but a star on the football field as well. He had been a standout QB at Hamilton and received multiple scholarship offers, including one from Notre Dame.
The high school senior was able to handle all of his responsibilities with a simple approach.
“When it was baseball season, I would focus on baseball. Whenever football season came around, I was focusing on football,” Cholowsky said.
Cholowsky has received recruiting buzz on the football field for the past couple of seasons, but for the baseball side of things, he announced his commitment to UCLA just prior to the start of his sophomore year.
“It was my dream school growing up,” Cholowsky said. “Plus they produce a lot of big leaguers and it’s a really nice area. It is somewhere I want to spend three to four years.”
He will have to make a decision on his future depending on the results of July’s MLB draft, but Cholowsky is solely focused on finishing out his senior year.
He is hitting .459 on the season with a .566 on-base percentage. Cholowsky was a big part of the Huskies’ title run last year and now they are looking to do the same in 2023.
Roch Cholowsky (23 AZ) with a good barrel here. Supreme athlete, very good hit tool, advanced overall skill set. #UCLA commit. @TheCanesBB #UBC pic.twitter.com/F8zIVi84X7
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 22, 2022
Once that feat is accomplished, he will look to continue to win at the next level.
“Whether it’s college or the pros, I want to win as much as I can and do as much as I can for whatever team I’m playing for.”
