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Q&A with Bradley commit Mitchell Janssen

January 17, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

RHP Mitchell Janssen (Princeville, 2015) recently made his commitment along with Andrew Shadid (see spotlight here) to Bradley University. Janssen sits 86-87 mph on the mound and has a lot of upside with his quick arm action.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Janssen: Honestly, my family and I had no idea what to expect with regards to the whole recruiting process. We went to our first visit to learn what we could and get a feel for the whole process. Each visit after that became a little easier. You know what questions to ask and what information was important to obtain for the comparison of different programs.

PBR: 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?

Janssen: I feel that my recruiting really started after I attended the Plainfield showcase in Plainfield, Illinois.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Janssen: At first I wanted to go a decent distance away from home. Anywhere from 1-4 hours is what I was looking at. Later on in the process I realized that I would rather be closer to home so my family and friends can come watch me play and they wouldn't have to travel all over to see home games.

PBR: Where did Bradley first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Janssen: Bradley University being local to Peoria, attended the McDonald's all-star game which was held at Dozer Park in downtown Peoria (their home field).

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Janssen: When considering where I wanted to play baseball at, I looked at a few different things.
a.      Coaching Staff – did I feel a connection and feel comfortable with and around them.
b.      Team Atmosphere – how did the current team members act towards each other and towards the prospective new players.
c.      Facilities- I liked the newer and bigger facilities when I was choosing my college.

PBR: What do you like most about Bradley and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Janssen: The things i like about Bradley the most would be there facilities and the academic prestige of Bradley University. The location of their field playing at Dozer Park is also huge. Playing on a minor league field is going to be exciting. The coaches are a big like for the college. I really like the coaching staff for Bradley University.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Janssen: Indiana University and Southern Illinois University were among my final choices before I made my decision.

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

Janssen: My off speed pitches need the biggest improvement. All the way up to this point I have just been able to blow my fastball by people. I need to work on this to help me succeed in the collegiate level. I go to my pitching coaches and take advice from people who have pitched at the collegiate level.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Janssen: Never give up. Even when times get tough and things don't go your way keep your head up. I have been through many ups and down throughout high school playing 3 sports. There are times where things don’t go your way and you have to let it go and make the next play. You’re going to get yelled at and you’re not going to do everything right because were humans and we make mistakes, but keep your head up and make the next play.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Janssen: Throughout high school I have been a three sport athlete. I played quarterback, linebacker and kicker, for our football team. I get about a week off then basketball season starts which then takes me right into baseball. I try to start throwing a baseball around after the first of the year to keep my arm loose and in shape.

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