Liam Peterson has lofty goals regardless of MLB draft outcome
CLEARWATER, Fla. (BVM) 鈥� When Liam Peterson started playing baseball, he was already a step ahead. Years prior, he was learning all of the aspects of the game from his cousin, who was four years his elder.
He started by getting into tee-ball, and as most kids were trying to figure out which way to run the bases, Peterson had already developed a well-informed IQ for baseball despite his age.
This IQ allowed him to turn a quadruple play. Yes, quadruple.
The league he was playing in allowed teams to hit around the entire order rather than count outs. So when Peterson lunged to make a diving catch from the pitcher鈥檚 mound with the bases loaded, he was then able to run to each bag to get an out as the runners did not tag up.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 a memory that still sticks with me to this day,鈥� Peterson said. 鈥淲ith the excitement that I had in that moment, that鈥檚 when I really knew how much I loved it (baseball).鈥�
While Peterson may not be that far ahead of his competition anymore, he is still ahead.
Now he is a high school senior at Calvary Christian High School and is the No. 36 prospect for the upcoming draft according to .听
Liam Peterson (FL) looked strong in his outing.
Sat 91-94 T95 with running life late, filling up the zone. Slider with high spin 78-81 with late break, can manipulate shape. Flashed CH at 83 with tumble and mid-70's CB. Athletic delivery w/ low 3/4 slot. Florida commit.
— Tyler Jennings (@TylerJennings24)
At 6-foot-5, Peterson already sits in the 90s with his fastball and has an advanced slider for his age.
As a junior in 2022, he finished the year with a 0.75 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 37.1 innings.
Liam Peterson (鈥�23 FL) absolutely dominating so far today. Living 90-92 and hit a 94. Athletic mover with a quick arm. Has struck out his first 9 to start the game. commit.
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting)
But Peterson is not the only pitcher in the Calvary Christian rotation with a bright future. They also have Landen Maroudis and Hunter Dietz, both Power 5 commits and prospects for this year鈥檚 draft.
With all of that talent on the staff, they all benefit from one another.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all really good friends and we bounce ideas off of each other,鈥� Peterson said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e always gonna make me compete at my best.鈥�
To no surprise, Peterson is also a Power 5 commit. In January of his sophomore year, he announced his commitment to the University of Florida.
Peterson grew up a Gators fan, but on top of that, his relationship with the coaches, the new facilities and the weather made the decision make sense from all fronts.
鈥淚 felt like it was a pretty genuine want for me to succeed from all the coaches there,鈥� Peterson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good program.鈥�
Depending on the results of the MLB draft in July, Peterson may not head to Gainesville, and instead, start his professional career in the minor leagues. But for the time being, he is just focused on what he can control.
Liam Peterson (鈥�23 FL) holding 91-93 through two scoreless. Easy arm speed, physical projection; CH is go-to in mid-80s & shows shape/spin to hook. commit.
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting)
鈥淎t the end of the day, it鈥檚 pretty far away,鈥� Peterson said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something I鈥檓 excited for, but I鈥檓 focused on my high school team and hopefully winning a state championship.鈥�
In terms of long-term goals, he has aspirations of multiple Cy Young awards and the Hall of Fame. Like many of the greats that the game has seen, Peterson has the highest expectations for himself.
鈥淗opefully, when I reach the end of my playing time, I can say that I achieved that.鈥�
