I was lucky enough to get in contact with Trey Kamachi Allen recently and he agreed to answer some questions for the site. Kamachi-Allen, a pitcher and shortstop for Kapolei High in Hawaii, has committed to Arizona State and pitched in the Area Code Games over the summer.
Matt Grabusky: How old were you when you started playing baseball?
Trey Kamachi-Allen: I first started playing baseball around 8 or 9 years old and I haven’t stopped playing since then.
MG: At what point did you realize you could have a future in the sport?
TK: During my junior season I got a lot of exposure and towards the end of my season the amount of exposure I had escalated.
MG: Can you describe your pitches and where you feel they are in termsw of their development.
TK: My 2-seam fastball has really developed, especially over the offseason because I’ve gained a lot of control and I have a good feel for it now. Also, my 4-seam is one of my pitches that I’ve always felt comfortable with. My curveball and cutter have came along very well. From the beginning of my junior season to the end, they became my main punch-out pitches. I’ve started throwing a change-up to get the hitters off balance and I believe that will be one of my main pitches this year.
MG: Would you compare yourself to any Major League pitchers?
TK: I would have to compare myself to Francisco Rodriguez because he has that high intensity everytime he pitches, he has that high leg kick, and he has a powerful follow through.
MG: Who has had the most influence on your baseball career?
TK: I think my whole family has been the most influential because without my parents, without the support I get from my grandparents, aunts, and uncles I don’t think I’d be where I am today. My grandpa really taught me all the basics and he’s helped me from when I first started playing and he hasn’t stopped giving me advice. Altogether, whenever I wanted to play catch or hit, someone would always be there whether it was my dad, brother, mom, aunt, or my uncle. I’ve really appreciated all their support and I’m lucky my family is pretty athletic.
MG: What has been the highlight of your baseball career to this point?
TK: The highlight of my baseball career was winning our first playoff game in my school’s varsity baseball history. Also, I recieved recognition as First Team Pitcher and Red West Player of the Year for the OIA(Oahu Interscholastic Association) Red West division and also All-State Third Team Pitcher as a junior.
MG: I understand that you also play football, how do you balance the two sports?
TK: Playing football has really made my arm stronger since I played quarterback. Being a quarterback and a pitcher both kind of go hand-in-hand so it’s a good combination for becoming a better leader, and a smarter player.
MG: What are your goals in baseball going forward?
TK: My main goal is to play professional ball, but leading up to that I would like to finish off my senior year with my school’s best baseball season and then see what the draft has in store for my future. If I don’t sign then I’m going to Arizona State and I’ll work hard and try to win a National Championship. I’m really in a win win situation.
MG: Who are some of the best players you have been on the field with?
TK: I’ve played with a lot of great players but one player that I’ve hung out with and played with is Tanner Rahier. We used to be good friends in Utah before both of us moved, but we still talk here and there.
MG: You committed to Arizona State, what put them over the top?
TK: Arizona State has been my dream school since I started baseball. I have told my parents that I wanted to go there ever since I started little league. At first, I never had any contact from them, but after the Area Code Games I got a call and I was really happy with what happened from there.
MG: If baseball ended tomorrow, you would?
TK: If baseball ended tomorrow, I’d probably go run track this season. After high school I’d go to college and I’d want to double major in Communications and Physical Therapy.
MG: What is something that baseball fans would be surprised to learn about Trey Kamachi?
TK: I’m a military dependent and I think that makes me able to adapt to change much easier.
I would like to thank Trey for taking time out of his schedule to answer these questions for MLB Draft Guide and our readers.
