THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,464 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,464 MLB PLAYERS | 15,806 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
College  | Story | 11/6/2021

The PG Path: Josh Hartle

Craig Cozart
Photo: Josh Hartle (Perfect Game)
The PG Path: Max Carlson

The term southpaw developed from the fact that left-handed pitchers face south while in the stretch position because baseball diamonds are typically laid out with home plate to the west.  This term has been traced back to 1885. 



We had the opportunity to catch up with former Perfect Game All-American and current Wake Forest University left-handed pitcher, Josh Hartle, to ask him about his experiences that have led him to where he is today. We appreciate him taking the time out of his busy schedule and hope we can all learn a few things from his path thus far in baseball and in life. 


PG: What was your first experience or memory with the incredible game of baseball? 

Hartle: My first memory was actually when I was 2 of 3 years old playing baseball out in the front yard with my grandmother.  She would come over to watch me during the day while my parents were at work, and she would pitch whiffle balls to me.  We used to do that almost every day and it was when I started to develop my love for the game.   


PG: How old were you when you started playing organized baseball? 
JH: I started playing t-ball when I was 5 years old and moved to machine pitch by the time I was 6 years old.  I played most of my little league career at King Little League here in North Carolina. 


PG: Who are a few of the most influential people in your baseball life to this point? 

JH: My father and my older brother were always there for me.  My father coached a lot of my little league teams through the years which was great and my brother, Zach, was always in the yard playing catch with me.  He is 7 years older than me and kind of blazed the trail for me and my baseball career as he played at every level until he graduated from high school.   


PG: What travel ball organization did you play with most of your amateur career? 

JH: Most of my travel ball career I spent playing with Team Elite. I had a great experience with that organization and that is when I started to get a lot of national exposure.   


PG: When you hear the words Perfect Game Baseball, what is the first thing that comes to mind? 

JH: Competitiveness! Whenever you think of Perfect Game, you think about the best of the best. I always knew that when we were going to a PG event, I was going to have to be ready to compete at the highest level and it really helped me grow as a player. 


PG: How old were you when you played in your first Perfect Game event and where was it? 

JH: I was actually 11 years old at a PG event in Charlotte. That was on the small field, of course, and back then I was mainly a hitter. But I learned at a young age that we would face elite teams anytime we went to a PG event.   


PG: What was your favorite Perfect Game event and why? 

JH: I would have to say it was the PG All-American because I grew up watching the game on TV and dreaming that one day that I would be good enough to play in that event.  I never really thought it was going to be a reality until early in my junior year of high school when things came together for me. Then to look back and realize I achieved that goal was really special for me. 


PG:  For years you have been known as one of the premier left-handed pitchers in your class, how did you develop such an advanced feel for pitching, even at a young age? 

JH: Really it was just from my time playing catch with my older brother in the yard. I was never exposed to a lot of the technology that is out there like Rhapsodo or TrackMan. I would simply throw pitches to my brother, and he would tell me if they worked or if I needed to make an adjustment. Nobody really ever talked to me about mechanics or arm action, it was really just God given feel and ability. I am fortunate to have a clean arm path and understand my body from a delivery standpoint.  


PG: You have pitched in major events all over the world, so what was your best outing or favorite memory on the mound? 

JH: It has to be playing for Team USA and playing for my country.  It was very powerful to know you are playing for something that is much bigger than yourself or just your particular team. Looking back on it to this day, I realize that it was an even bigger deal than I thought at the time. We won two gold medals when I was fortunate enough to play on the 15u team for two years in a row, once when I was 14 years old and the again a year later. We won the first gold medal in Columbia, South America and the second one was in Panama.  


PG: Do you feel Perfect Game had an impact on your development as a player, and if so, how? 

JH: It definitely did, just going back to knowing that you were playing the best of the best was impactful for me. You knew that you had to be ready to compete, play your hardest and execute the game at the highest level. It really helped me build my mental toughness and willingness to leave it all out on the field. 


PG: You were a Perfect Game All-American, what does that mean to you to this day? 

JH: It is still such an honor. Over the years watching the game and seeing those PG All-Americans who are now Big Leaguers is amazing to me. Hopefully I can follow that same path to the Big Leagues one day, but it was such a big goal of mine to be an All-American and very gratifying to look back and say I was able to accomplish that.   


PG: You made a very difficult and impressive decision to withdraw your name from the 2021 MLB Draft. What led you to that decision and why? 
JH: Ever since I was a freshman in high school and I committed to Wake Forest, that was the place I really wanted to be. When I came to summer school at Wake the week before the draft, I just fell in love with this place. It just felt right, like home and I knew that was the path for me and my career. Coach Walter is an awesome man and has been so good to me and the same with Coach Cilento. The coaching staff, including Coach Muscara, showed me that they have my best interest in mind, so I knew I wanted to play college baseball for them.
 

PG: What advice would you give younger players when it comes to positioning themselves to be recruited by colleges and considered for the MLB Draft? 

JH: Don’t play for anybody outside the lines, play for what is says on the front of your jersey, play for your team.  Play with energy and play to win because that is what matters most.  If you do that, everything else will take care of itself. 


PG: You are playing collegiately at Wake Forest, why did you choose the Demon Deacons? 

JH: Honestly it came down to Coach Walter. He is an upstanding guy and cares about his players, so I knew Wake was the place for me.  After that, it was our amazing pitching lab, which is second-to-none when it comes to pitching development. Lastly, living close to campus my whole life, I got to know the guys on the team and got to learn the culture, which I love. 


PG: What has been the best part of your first fall at WFU and how have you grown as an individual? 

JH: Definitely being around Coach Muscara and learning the ins and outs of the game and learning to play winning baseball.   


PG: What has been the biggest challenge in your career thus far and what could young players learn from your experience? 

JH: I had to really mature, physically and emotionally between my sophomore and junior year. I didn’t have the sophomore year that I wanted to and faced a lot of adversity during that season.  I had the goals of being a PG All-American, playing for Team USA again and being invited to the East Coast Pro Showcase. But I needed to gain weight, needed to get stronger and some people were doubting that I could duplicate the success I had at a younger age. So, it was the first time in my career I had to confront some doubt and push through.  I dedicated myself to a better nutritional diet and a more rigorous strength and conditioning program and got the results I was looking for.
 

PG: Left-handed pitchers are notorious for being quirky and very routine oriented. Do you have a go-to pre-game meal, or do you have any interesting superstitions you would be willing to share? 

JH: My pre-game meal is important to me, and I have to have a good steak. I like a nice filet and like it cooked medium-rare. Most of the time my mother will fix it for me or if we are on the road, we’ll find a good steakhouse.  I don’t have any superstitions, but I always make sure to pray before the game. I like to do my prayer as we have the National Anthem, it gives me that nice quiet moment right before the first pitch. 


PG: Lastly, now that you have had a vast array of baseball experiences, what do you know now that you wish you knew back when you first started playing at a high level.  

JH: You can do anything you set your mind to! I never thought I would be in the position that I am in today but thanks to the support I’ve had from my family I have made a lot of progress. You control your mind and your body and you can literally do anything if you dedicate yourself to it. 


We hope you enjoyed this episode of the PG Path and getting to know Josh Hartle a little better.  Hopefully you were able to gain some valuable insight and perspective from our conversation. Be on the lookout for the next installment of the PG Path coming soon! -Craig Cozart          
Give us your feedback
College | Story | 5/29/2026

Cali Mid-Major Draft Notes

Joey Cohen
Article Image
California annually produces its share of high-profile prep and college draft talent, but this spring also offered quality depth especially on the mid-major side. I wanted to highlight a group of semi under-the-radar prospects who have quietly put together strong seasons and caught the attention of our staff whether it was with in-person looks or just by some performance/data metrics that popped. The bulk of this group comes out of the Big West, with additional names from the WCC, WAC, and Mountain West mixed in. Matthew Thomas - OF - CSUN  Few hitters in the Big West have matched Thomas’ offensive impact this spring, as he slashed a strong .335/.411/.679 with 15 home runs. Long and still mostly viewed as a power-first profile, he’s taken a meaningful step forward in the hit tool, cutting down a bit on significant swing-and-miss concerns while increasing his on-base...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Beast of the East Heads to Georgia

Will Dembo
Article Image
Marietta, Georgia will welcome some of the nation’s top teams this weekend as the Perfect Game Beast of the East Invitational takes place June 4-8. The invite only 15-17u tournament will showcase a plethora of nationally ranked teams and top talent looking to make a statement early into the summer and take home the championship in what promises to be a highly competitive weekend of baseball. The 15u division will shine a spotlight on several of the top ranked programs in the country as 9 out of the 32 total squads competing are T100. 11 states will be represented in the age bracket, proving how prestigious this event has become. Headlining the field are Wow Factor National who comes in at No. 8 in the national rankings, as well as Canes National who enters the weekend trailing just one spot behind Wow Factor. Canes National has an absolutely loaded roster with 9 players who rank in...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

"Houston, We Nave a Problem"

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
Some moments set the tone for an entire game. For Jackson Nave, it happened in his very first trip to the plate. The Sevierville, Tennessee native stepped into the batter’s box looking for a pitch he could drive. A few moments later, the ball was flying over the fence, giving FTB Phillies 13U an early boost and igniting what would become a dominant offensive performance. “I was feeling good,” Nave said. “I was just trying to find a pitch I could hammer. I kept my eye on it, took it down the middle and that felt good.” That swing was only the beginning. Nave finished the game with a home run, four runs scored, and four RBI as FTB Phillies 13U rolled to a 27-4 victory on the opening day of the 2026 PG 13U National Elite Championship. For Nave, getting the offense started early is an important part of helping his team succeed. “I think it is really...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
Article Image
After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

California Kickoff Scout Notes

Joey Cohen
Article Image
Jayce Dejong (‘27, CA) finished 6-for-14 on the weekend which included a big HR in the championship game. Intriguing @PG_Uncommitted player to monitor this summer. #CAKickoff https://t.co/UbuSQxNalf pic.twitter.com/kjVcyiG8km — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 1, 2026 Jayce Dejong (2027, Yorba Linda, Calif). Really strong weekend at the plate, going 6-for-14 with multiple line-drive barrels, including a no-doubt pull-side HR. Medium, lean, athletic frame with room to add. Hits from a wider base from the left side, starts early and consistently gets to launch on time. Loose barrel turn with adjustability and length through the middle, showing the ability to create lift and impact out front. Coming off a strong junior season at Crean Lutheran and should be a priority uncommitted follow this summer. Evan Stroner (2027, Huntington Beach, Calif). Impressive...
Read More
Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia

Hannah Jo Groves
Article Image
This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
Read More
Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Gulf Coast Classic Kicks Off

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The 2026 Perfect Game Gulf Coast Classic will bring together teams from across the region this weekend as players in the 14U-16U and 18U divisions take the field looking to capture a championship and make their mark on one of the summer’s premier events. Held in Fort Myers, Florida, the tournament will feature a talented mix of standout programs, nationally ranked prospects and emerging young talent. Swamp Baseball enters the 18U division with one of the most talented rosters in the event. The Cape Coral-based team features three nationally ranked top 500 prospects along with several additional High Follow players. Outfielders Nicholas Raber and Austin Schoolcraft, along with right-handed pitcher Tyler Reeder, are all ranked among Perfect Game’s top 500 prospects nationally. Raber will have the opportunity to compete in his hometown of Fort Myers. The 2026 graduate has shown...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 6/3/2026

EBC 17U-Griggs Takes Title

Kinley Kitchens
Article Image
After a week of dominant performances, timely hitting, and resilient play, EBC 17U-Griggs capped off its run through the 2026 Perfect Game Hoover Invitational with a championship victory Monday, securing the program’s first tournament title of the summer. Despite a lengthy rain delay, EBC never lost focus, relying on contributions throughout the lineup and another strong pitching performance to secure the win. “This being our first [win] of the summer, we have an amazing group right here,” head coach Rodd Griggs said. “Some of the guys I’ve had for years, some of the guys just joined us this summer, but it’s an amazing group.” EBC’s championship performance reflected the depth that carried the club throughout the tournament. Paxton Wright set the tone of the mound, working four innings while allowing just two hits striking out two hitters....
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.