Top pitching prospect Mac Marshall has Parkview eyeing third state title in four years

As one of the top high school pitchers in the country, it might be expected that Mac Marshall's first inkling that he might have a future in baseball came with a big strikeout or an important win. But that is not the case.

Marshall first got the idea that baseball might be able to take him places with a strong performance at the plate and in centerfield.

"It was in a 12U game," said Marshall, a senior at Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.). "I hit three home runs and I threw out three runners at first base from centerfield."

Things have changed for Marshall since that incredible performance some six years ago. For one, he rarely bats anymore. Second, he rarely gets the chance to play in the field, other than on the mound. There, Marshall has found a home as a four-year starter for the Panthers while developing into one of the most coveted left-handed pitchers heading into June's Major League Baseball draft.

So far this season, Marshall has posted a 6-0 record for Parkview (14-3) with a 0.00 ERA. He's allowed just 14 hits in 33 innings pitched. The only run he's allowed was unearned, in a 2-1 win over Archer. He's also struck out 48 batters, including 11 against Archer, 10 against Shiloh and 10 against Grayson. He also threw a 2-0 shutout against Venice (Fla.) at the National High School Invitational. He is ranked No. 9 on the MaxPreps Top 100 Seniors list.

Parkview coach Chan Brown says that Marshall's performance isn't unexpected.

"Mac is one of the most competitive players and people I have ever coached," said Brown. "He is very loyal and he is a respected teammate. He makes people around him better."

Brown says that he first realized that Marshall had a special quality about him when he was a freshman.

"I saw a very talented left-handed pitcher as a freshman," said Brown. "I put him through a lot of tough games early and that has made him grow as a person and a player."

As a freshman and sophomore, Marshall played on Parkview teams that won back-to-back state championships. The 2012 Parkview team was also rated No. 1 in the nation by Baseball America. Last year as a junior, Marshall was 6-2 on the mound with 82 strikeouts and a 2.33 ERA in 46 innings pitched.

His efforts didn't go unnoticed. Marshall played in the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego and the Area Code Games in Long Beach. He also earned a spot on Team USA and won a gold medal over the summer. The summer all-star season also provided Marshall with two moments he'll never forget.

"Jogging in from the bullpen at Petco Park during the Perfect Game All-American Game was a memorable moment," said Marshall. "But my most memorable moment was receiving my Team USA jersey. There is nothing like representing your country."

Marshall has also caught the eye of major league scouts. Some mock drafts have him going anywhere from the middle of the first round to somewhere in the second round. His ability to add several pitches to his repertoire has been the key, according to Brown.

"Mac has an electric left arm," said Brown. "His fastball is 88-93 and he has hit 96. His secondary stuff has really come along in the past year to the point where scouts see him as a 3 or 2 1/2 plus pitch guy."

Marshall also notes that harnessing control of his devastating pitches has been a big reason for his success this year.

"My ability to command all three pitches in any count has been my biggest strength as a player," said Marshall.

He also realizes the increasing presence of MLB scouts at his games and he tries not to be fazed by the process.

"I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be drafted," he said. "I just think of it as I'd rather have them there (watching) than not be there."

Marshall credits both his father and his coach with his development as a player.

"My dad has taught me countless number of things about baseball and life," he said. "Coach Brown has believed in me as a freshman and every time I run onto the field."

Already headed to LSU on scholarship, Marshall is hoping to add another state championship trophy to his collection of accomplishments.

"I'd like to win a state championship and go undefeated as a starter," said Marshall. "Milton will be tough to beat. They beat us in the state semifinals last year and have everyone back. But we play with lots of enthusiasm and we are very well coached."