St. Joe senior Gus Singleton continues his interview series with 2014 Mount grad Peter Solomon. Peter played varsity baseball at Mount Saint Joe, and led the team as the featured pitcher. During his senior year, he was named by Baseball America as the #1 high school pitching prospect in the state of Maryland. He was extensively scouted by major league baseball teams, ultimately being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 21st Round.
In the spring of 2014, you were scouted by every team in Major League Baseball and drafted by the San Diego Padres. What was that like?
Last spring was a crazy time for me. I had multiple MLB teams come to my house for in-home visits before the season, and I got letters from every team in the MLB. Every game I pitched, there were multiple scouts behind the plate evaluating every pitch. It was one of the best experiences of my life. After the season a couple teams invited me to their respective stadiums to perform in front of them for one last time. Unfortunately I was only able to go to Camden Yards to pitch for the O’s. The week leading up to draft day was the most stressful week of my life, having to choose between two great options, Notre Dame or the Draft. I chose Notre Dame. I couldn’t be more grateful towards the San Diego Padres for drafting me.
What are some of your best baseball memories from MSJ?
I had a great time wearing the Gaels jersey across my chest. If I had to narrow it down to three moments it would come down to winning the President’s Cup my sophomore year, beating Calvert Hall at their place my junior year, and the trips down to Myrtle Beach every spring with the team. Those are some memories I will have with me for the rest of my life.
What are your favorite things about Notre Dame?
There are a lot of thing I love about Notre Dame: football games, the beautiful campus, and much more. All of these things make Notre Dame the place that it is. But my favorite things so far at ND are the rich tradition, the people of Notre Dame, and being able to represent the university playing baseball.
Did MSJ prepare you for college?
St. Joe did a great job preparing me for college. I would especially say that of the AP classes. The teachers at MSJ truly care about you, which made a huge difference for my success in academics.
Who were some of your favorite teachers at MSJ?
I was lucky enough to have many of the legends of MSJ, such as Mr. Kenyon, Mr. Cegelski, and Mr. McDivitt. Mr. Kenyon had style and pushed you harder than any other teacher. Another teacher I looked forward to everyday was Mr. Gibbons, who taught AP Economics. His class everyday was awesome, never a dull moment. Also, a ‘shoutout’ to Homeroom 313 with Mr. Davis, who is one of the best dudes at that school, always fresh in the Hawaiian shirt.
What role does your Christian faith play in baseball and your life?
The Christian faith has always played a huge role in my life, since I grew up in a Christian family and was raised Catholic. I am a strong believer in faith and that God has a plan for everyone; you just have to find out what yours is. I’m still not sure what God has in store for me, but I know that he will be watching over me in all of my journeys. In terms of baseball, God has blessed me with the talent for the game. As a team and at Notre Dame, we thank Him before every game for everything he has done for us and ask Him to continue to watch over us and guide our lives.
Gus Singleton is a Senior at Mount Saint Joseph High School.