By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana 

Lawrence North's Max Gray gave his commitment to Heartland Community College and Head Coach Nate Metzger earlier this week.  Gray has been a regular at PBR events since his sophomore year when he first attended an Open ID event in Indianapolis.

Since his first PBR event, it was apparent Gray had one of the better arms in the 2014 class.  The 5-foot-11 RHP has the ability to run it up into the high 80's, touching 90 mph on the mound.  From the outfield he was clocked at 97 mph this past February at the Preseason All State Showcase in Indianapolis. 

Gray,a member of Team Indiana at the 2012 Midwest Future Games, answered the following questions regarding his commitment to Heartland:

PBR: Why did you choose Heartland?

Gray: I chose Heartland because of the strong relationship I have built with Coach Metzger in such a short time. I also looked at this as an opportunity I could not pass up. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Gray: Lincoln Trails was the only other school I was in serious talks with. 

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

Gray: I think the coaches expect me to come in there, work hard and find myself somewhere in the rotation. 

PBR: Where did Heartland first see you play?

Gray: Heartland first saw me at the Area Code tryouts, then at the Braves camp they had hosted. 

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player, and how do you feel that will help Heartland?

Gray: I am a hard worker. If there's something wrong, whether it's on the mound or at the plate, I'm making adjustments to make myself better. 

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

Gray: My father has had a big impact on me. He is very supportive, and very helpful. He's also the first one to let me know how I did, good or bad. 

PBR: You were a member of Team Indiana at the 2012 Midwest Future Games, describe that experience.

Gray: The Futures Games was a great experience, a lot of fun. At Heartland I will be playing on a big stage and the Futures Games was like a 'sneak peak' for that in a way. Also I've met and become friends with a lot of other talented baseball players thru PBR events. 

PBR: What are your goals personally and as team heading into your senior year at Lawrence North? 

Gray: My senior year I want to go out big. I want to have a very strong season on the mound and at the plate. As a team, all of us Wildcats are hungry. We are looking to make a run this spring.