Josh Knoth (Pat-Med 2023) sitting 80-81 T83 pic.twitter.com/GLYUZPinPB
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 25, 2020
Pat-Med has been no stranger to hard-throwing right-handed pitchers in recent years.
While everyone will immediately think of Mets RHP Marcus Stroman, there have been quite a few since including Matt Vogel – who was also drafted out of high school in 2013. Knoth is showing the type of potential to join that list. As we learn more about pitching, we can learn even more about a pitcher’s ability to be effective. Spin rate, perceived velocity and spin efficiency are all factors that make a pitcher more difficult to square. Sometimes, it’s more simple than that. When a pitcher is in 10th grade, only 160 lbs and already sitting in the low 80s, that’s a good sign that a spike in velocity is on the menu.
I first watched Knoth in a Town of Brookhaven league game in July 2018. He threw a complete game to improve the Raiders to 10-0 on the season. Between innings I called over coach Anthony Frascogna and I asked what grade he was in. Coach told me he just finished 7th grade. I’m pretty sure I just said, “wow he’s gonna be a good one.”
Since that time he has gained about 10-12 MPH in velocity (topping at 84.1) with a 2444 spin rate (according to his PBR Profile). He throws three off-speed pitches and generates a lot of swings-and-misses. He plays summer ball for the East Coast Lumberjacks, so he’s been exposed to high-level travel ball as well. He can also handle the bat well, recording exit velocities in the low 90s, so he doesn’t have to stick to just pitching either.
I had a chance to speak to him, and here’s what he had to say…
Looking back on your performance this year, how would you evaluate it?
This summer I played a lot of baseball. I played on the Pat-Med Raiders varsity team for the town and some tournaments, and also for the 2023 Lumberjacks which had some great tournaments including a few Perfect Game. I think I did really well. I gained some velocity in my fastball and hit a few home runs between both teams.
Do you work with any private instructors?
People always ask me who’s my pitching coach but I never really had one. As for hitting, this summer I have been getting lessons from Ryan Pembroke.
How have you enjoyed your time with the East Coast Lumberjacks?
Playing for the Pat-Med Raiders has always been a great experience for me, it’s like my home when I play with them, but playing on the Lumberjacks this past summer really challenged me and was great. I’ve made new friends all around and was pushed hard. It made me just want to get better and work harder to compete with some tough competition.
Pat-Med has had some big-time players in the past between Marcus Stroman and more recently Matt Vogel. Do you feel you have a chance to be the next one?
That’s some big shoes to fill but I am definitely working hard to get there. Both of them played school ball for Coach Frascogna and I’ve been guided by him since I was 9 on his travel teams. Knowing Matt Vogel personally as a friend to my family has definitely showed me the dedication and hard work I need to put in and I’m ready for the challenge.
What do you plan on working on this off-season?
This off-season I’m really working out and hitting the gym. Eating healthier and trying to build on my velocity. Training is definitely going to be a big part of my off-season.
What has been your best moment on a baseball field?
I’ve had some really good moments but as far as this summer I would have to say hitting a grand slam at Diamond Nation that put the Lumberjacks ahead for the win.
Favorite type of food?
My favorite food is pasta.
Favorite musical artist?
I like all types of music but my favorite artist would be Luke Combs.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is Snapchat.
Favorite baseball player?
My favorite baseball player is Max Scherzer.
