By Phil Wade
Executive Director, PBR Indiana

Bloomington North 2014 OF/RHP Zach Cleaver recently committed to Heidelberg University.  

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Heidelberg?

Cleaver:I chose Heidelberg because they are a good school and have a good baseball program. No matter where I went I wanted to go to a school that was competitive, and that's what I got with Heidelberg.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Cleaver: The only other school I visited was Wabash.

PBR: Where did Heidelberg first see you compete and when did you take your first visit?

Cleaver: They first saw me play in a Pastime Tournament at Notre Dame during my Junior Year. I took my first visit during last summer.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Cleaver: The coaches believe that I can come in and compete for playing time in the outfield while also getting some innings on the mound.

PBR: What were your expectations in regards to the whole recruiting process?

Cleaver: I knew that I would have to get my name out there and try to talk to as many coaches as I could. Everything went pretty much as expected and I found a school that really impressed me.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer, talk about your experience playing for them.

Cleaver: The past 3 years I played for the Indiana Irish. However, this past year I played for Demand Command with my high school coach and most of my teammates at Bloomington North. It was definitely a fun experience every summer competing with some of the best competition in the Midwest.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Cleaver: My mom and dad have definitely had the greatest impact on me because of everything they have done for me during my baseball career. As a player, Ken Griffey Jr. is a guy that I have looked up to my whole life. He is my role model because he played the game hard but most importantly had fun doing it.

PBR: What were your stats this spring at Bloomington North?

Cleaver: Avg. 341, OBP .381, 15 RBI, 23 R, 6 2B, 1 3B and 1 HR. 

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter/pitcher you’ve faced in Indiana?

Cleaver: Danny Ayers during my junior year was probably the toughest hitter I faced. He threw very hard from the left side and had a very good breaking ball.