Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: 2017 C Tyler Burthay Commits to Parkland





By Phil Wade

Indiana Executive Director



Western High School 2017 catcher Tyler Burthay recently committed to play baseball at Parkland College in Campaign, Illinois. 

PBR: Why did you choose Parkland? What were some key factors in making your decision?

Burthay: I really enjoyed the atmosphere the coaching staff brings to the table at Parkland. Also, the success Parkland has had in the past was really a factor in my decision. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Burthay: Eastern Michigan, Ball State, Wabash Valley, and Heartland

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

Burthay: The recruiting process for me had its positives and negatives. Overall it was a difficult time especially towards the end. 

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

Burthay: In a program my big things were the past success, likability of the coaching staff, and my ability to come in and compete right away.

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?

Burthay: After the Future Games I had a few offers, but at that time I wasn't really ready to make a decision. Before Georgia this year was when it really heated up again for me, and I ended up making my decision. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and become serious about taking your game to the next level?

Burthay: I will never forget the day baseball truly became my job and passion. I was 12 years old and my dad asked me what I wanted out of baseball. It was after that conversation I realized I wanted to be a professional baseball player one day. As of now I have taken one step closer towards that goal. 

PBR: Who is the best player you've faced in Indiana, and why?

Burthay: The best pitcher I have faced in my high school career would be either Noah Burkholder my freshman year or Braydon Tucker in the state game. The best hitter I have seen in high school would for sure be Logan Sowers. 

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

Burthay: Advice I would give is never second guess yourself. Carry yourself with a humbleness as well as confidence.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point? 

Burthay: By far the most memorable moment of my baseball career and probably my life is the state championship. I will never forget hearing the crowd erupt right when I broke the team out for IO. Great experience!

PBR: Preview your high school season for us.  How do you feel your team will be?  What are your expectations and goals? 

Burthay: Returning 8 of our 9 starters I feel confident that our season will be successful. Losing our coach has set a fire underneath our senior class that is going to push us through this coming season. We are definitely looking to return to Victory field.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer?  What has been your most memorable experience with them?

Burthay: This coming summer I will be playing with the Indiana Blue Jays, but I will forever be a Bull. The Bulls really have helped me along the way, and really can't thank the coaches enough for everything they have done to help me excel as a baseball player and a man.

UPCOMING EVENTS