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Prospect Q & A: Rochester's Tyler Fitzgerald

February 6, 2015

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

Tyler FitzgeraldRochester’s Tyler Fitzgerald is the No. 4 ranked player in Illinois’ 2016 class, No. 14 overall in Prep Baseball Reports coverage area. Fitzgerald committed to Louisville before his sophomore season of high school baseball, and fits the mold of a big, physical shortstop. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder impressed this fall on the scout team circuit, and will be one of the top prospects in Illinois over the next two years. 

Fitzgerald hasn’t been to a PBR event in a couple years, since he tore up the Underclass Invitational in 2013 as a freshman, running a 6.89 60, throwing 80 mph across the diamond, and producing 84 mph exit velocity. He also stood out at the Future Games in the summer of 2013. Fitzgerald has gotten bigger and stronger since then, and despite his size, proved to be a plus runner on the base paths this fall. 

Fitzgerald sat down with us to discuss his college commitment to Louisville in a prospect Q & A.

What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?
I had prior knowledge of what college recruiting was like because my brother went through the process. To be honest, that did not make the process easy until I started making my college visits. I enjoyed visiting colleges, checking out the campuses/athletic facilities, and talking with different coaches. My family told me that my decision would eventually just click and I should go with my gut and choose the program that seemed like the best fit for me athletically and academically. To my surprise it did not take me long to make my decision after just a few visits at Louisville.  I instantly knew that I had picked the right baseball program and school for me. 

Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Yes, I believe that location played a big part in my decision.  I wanted to play away from home but somewhere with reasonable distance so my family could travel to watch me play. Louisville is the perfect distance from my home town. It is far enough south where the weather is nicer to play ball, but it is close enough to home for my family to travel and watch my games.  

Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
I believe that the University of Louisville coaching staff first saw me at the Prep Baseball Report Future Games at Indiana University in 2013, during the summer of my freshman year. After the event they contacted Rich Ruffolo, my Elite Baseball Training coach and made weekly arrangements so that we could talk about baseball and everyday things. The coaches at Louisville are great to talk to, so it was easy to develop a relationship with them. Within a month or two I had my first visit to U of L and committed a few days later. 

Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why? 
This is a tough question to answer and pick just one player. When I think of my biggest challenge to compete against, it is usually the pitching. I believe there are a lot of top quality pitchers whom I have faced over the past couple years playing for Elite Baseball Training.  I also believe that we have one of the best pitching rotations for a competitive team. I have established great friendships with guys from different teams. I look forward to playing against these guys a lot in college.

At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?  
The recruiting process started very early for me. I began talking to college coaches during my freshman year of high school. I love the game of baseball and I’ve grown up in a baseball family.  My dad played Major League Baseball for the Cardinals and my brother played D1 ball at Indiana State University and is currently a catcher in the MILB with the San Diego Padres. Growing up, I have traveled to a lot of games watching my brother play and I always knew that I wanted to play at the same level as him and my dad. I was serious about the sport at a very young age and I set my goal to play Division 1 baseball, then to play at the pro level after college. I have worked very hard to become an elite player and make these dreams come true.

What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
I was looking for a program with first class coaches that would maximize my ability on the field, focus on player development as well as get me ready for the next level and teach me the right way to play the game of baseball. I especially wanted a program that was driven to compete for a College World Series every year. Louisville baseball has proven all of those things and it is a perfect fit for me. 

What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?
My best attribute as a baseball player is that I am able to handle adversity. I have learned that I cannot base my self-confidence on the result of just one game.  Every time that I step out on that field I know that there will be days that I will either have the game of my life, or find something new that I need to work on and improve. I do not let my emotions get the best of me and I continue to play with a level head which helps my teammates and me. I think that if we all continue to work hard and stay positive at every aspect of the game then we will continue to be a very successful and winning team.

What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it? 
There are always improvements you can make to every part of your game. Over the winter I will be working hard to improve my strength and speed. I understand the importance of keeping up with my workouts to get stronger and faster.  

What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Keep working hard and never give up on your dream to play. Surround yourself with great ball players so that you will continue to compete and push yourself to get better. Find coaches that are dedicated to work with you and believe in your ability to become an incredible athlete. It is very important to have respect for your coaches because it is hard to succeed on your own. Also, stay focused academically. Great colleges want great student athletes who can excel on the field and in the classroom.

What do you do in the off season to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?
In the off season I have a personal trainer that I work out with 3-4 times a week, as well as attend open gym sessions with my school team. I train with the Elite Baseball Training (Chicago) team year around and the coaches do a great job every year improving me mentally and pushing me physically so that I am ready for the upcoming season. Any spare time I get I am working out with my dad in my garage or basement at home. I am always doing something in the off season to improve my skills.

What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
The biggest factors for me were the coaches at the University of Louisville. When I first met the coaching staff it just seemed to click and I knew immediately that this was a good fit for me.  Coach McDonald has done an amazing job leading his team year after year to outstanding seasons. Coach Snider and Coach Williams are also great coaches and since I committed early I have already developed a close relationship with all of the coaches. I love Louisville’s style of play- it fits me perfectly. Louisville has a great academic reputation which was something I was looking for as well. Most importantly, I instantly saw myself as a Cardinal playing at Jim Patterson Stadium day in and day out and I knew that being a U of L Cardinal was a chance in a lifetime opportunity that I could not pass up.

What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Since I verbally committed so early before my sophomore in High School my list was just beginning to grow. At that time it included: Indiana University, University of Illinois, Ole Miss and Illinois State University. 

When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you?
Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?
The recruiting process really started to heat up for me after I attended the Midwest Futures Games at Indiana University. It was an honor representing Illinois and being the only 2016 on my team. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I received playing in this event. Looking up and seeing hundreds of college coaches watching me play ball at 15 years old is a memory I will never forget. 

Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them? 
I play for the Chicago Elite Baseball organization during the summer.  It is a great program backed with great coaches. We have a really good team, which has become a second family to me. Just traveling with this team is a great experience.  I am truly lucky to be a part of this organization.  I look forward to the summer of 2015. We are all hungry and ready to make some noise.

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