Campus Newcomer: Indian Hills transfer RHP Sam Hart
We continue along with the Iowa Baseball campus newcomers series and this time it is another transfer making the move to join the Hawkeyes program. Out of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Sam Hart was rated as the #6 SS in Colorado by Perfect Game in the class of 2021. He committed to Indian Hills CC in Ottumwa and spent two years as a pitcher only for the Warriors. Hart had a breakout campaign as a closer for IHCC last season and helped them to a 37-17 record. Now, he turns his focus to the offseason, as he prepares for his first season of Big Ten Baseball.
We caught up with the 6-foot-0, 190 pound right-handed pitcher to discuss his transfer to Iowa and preview his upcoming season with the Hawkeyes.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
HART: I moved in yesterday, I was super excited to get settled in. Im excited to get close with the guys and make memories.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
HART: I was offered #51, no reason for why but I’m happy with it.
Q: What have you been doing this summer to prepare for when you join the team?
HART: I played the first half of summer in the Northwoods Summer league (LaCrosse Loggers) and once I finished with that I trained back home in Colorado.
Q: What pitches do you have in arsenal? What would you say is your best pitch?
HART: I am a side arm pitcher with a fastball, sinker, that range from 89-91 and a slider that I throw from 78-80. I think my slider is my best pitch because it moves a lot and I have the most control with it.
Q: How would you evaluate your season last year at Indian Hills?
HART: Last year at Indian Hills I had a very successful season, I threw well and built memories on and off the field.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment out of the transfer portal, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
HART: Iowa was the perfect fit for me when I went through recruiting. The coaching staff, the team, facilities, and more. When I came on my visit I knew I wanted to go here right away. I had other teams reach out during the recruiting process but there were no other teams that truly interested me. Once I came on my visit here I was hooked.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
HART: I have a good relationship with the coaches. I talk to the most to Coach Sutherland, if I have any questions I know he can help me out.
Q: Have you gotten a chance to talk with any of the current players on team? What is your relationship like with them?
HART: I played summer ball with Gable Mitchell, we became good friends over the short period of being together. I have met some other guys and everyone is welcoming and fun to be around.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
HART: I feel as I bring hard work, being a good teammate, and doing my job to the best of my ability.
Q: Where does the coaching staff see you fitting in with the team?
HART: I’m not 100% sure where they see me fit, but I was a closer at my last school, so possibly a back end guy.
