The McGowan brothers, Cooper and Collin, shared the left side of the infield for Battle Ground High School this last season. During the summer, the two have had quite the experience with baseball as they both rank top-10 in the state in their respective graduating class.
The two brothers have traveled many miles this summer for baseball tournaments and showcases. Cooper, a top-10 recruit for the class of 2027 in Washington, plays shortstop, while Collin, a top-three recruit for the class of 2028 in Washington, plays third base and catcher. While both will get on the mound to pitch, they garnish size and speed with an explosive bat for their infield positions.
"I've gone to Georgia like four times and then Florida once, So I just have been traveling a lot," Cooper McGowan said. "And then we just have our regional scouting events around the Pacific Northwest."
Collin McGowan added that he has traveled to Georgia twice, Florida and Alabama. Both brothers gave a huge amount of credit for the sacrifices their parents have made in order for the two of them to travel, learn and display their talents on the diamond.
With the high ranks in baseball recruiting, Cooper McGowan said the thought of that sits in the back of his mind a little bit.
"But I try my hardest to just not really care about the rankings, what people think, and I just kind of go play my game and ball out," Cooper said, with his brother saying he likes to block it out while on the diamond, just play freely.
During the offseason and while they're not traveling, the McGowan brothers can be found in a batting cage at their neighbor's house, they said. The two are always playing catch in the driveway, as well. They added that being close in age adds a huge bonus to each other's development as baseball players.
Also helping in that development, the two thanked Battle Ground High School Baseball Head Coach Seth Johnson.
"I think he's gotten us a lot farther than what we could have been without him, "Cooper McGowan said.
For the two brothers, the game of baseball means everything to them. And with the very likely chance of playing at the next level, what the sport and their efforts have brought them means the world, they said.
"I'm excited for college ball, hopefully, and then the ultimate goal is to get drafted," Cooper said. "But whatever God has a plan for me, so I'm just trusting in his plan and having faith in him. So, I'm just excited for what's to come."
Collin agreed with his brother, but they couldn't agree on a dream college and are just hoping for any opportunity thrown their way once their high school careers conclude.
