PBR sits down with Connor McLaughlin
October 11, 2011
Connor McLaughlin recent committed to play baseball at IPFW. The 5'11, 170lb right handed pitcher/outfielder sits in the mid 80s on the mound. Click here to see his profile and video: Connor McLaughlin. Here is our conversation with him...
PBR: What schools were you considering?
Connor: IPFW, Tiffin, Marietta, Butler
PBR: Why did you choose IPFW?
Connor: It is a growing program and I was very impressed by the school during my visit. Coach Pierce made me feel like a priority and like he was taking a special interest in me.
PBR: Was it important to stay close to home/travel?
Connor: I was originally hoping to be a few hours away from home so I could still get the full college experience, but even though I will only be an hour away I am sure that will not be a problem. Plus, if I run into trouble down the road, I will have me family to back me up.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Connor: If I go in working hard and performing well, I should contend for one of the top spots in the rotation.
PBR: What were your expectations about recruiting heading into the summer?
Connor: I was hoping that I would get recruited by some bigger schools, but after the summer I have become more realistic with myself and am happy to have the opportunity I have.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help IPFW?
Connor: I am a hard worker and I have a real love for the game. I am going to go in without holding anything back and hopefully excel in way that may surprise people. My goal is to be an impact player and the type of player that people will remember.
PBR: How has travel baseball helped your development as a player?
Connor: Travel baseball has been a big deal for me. Without travel ball, my name would not have gotten out like it did. Being with the Sluggers taught me how the game of baseball should really be played, and without that I would not treat the game like I do now.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Connor: The two biggest impacts on me as a baseball player have been my dad and my high school coach, Jack Rupley. They have always pushed me to do better and to not slack-off without over working me. They have always been there for me when I have been frustrated and have always talked the game with me. Without those guys, I would not be the player or person I am.
PBR: What were your states for this spring season at Manchester?
Connor: Pitching: 12 App, 63.7 Inn, 6 Complete Games, 6 Wins, 5 Losses, 3.30 ERA, 98 Ks, 21 BB.
Hitting: 26 Games Played, 78 PA, 21 1Bs, 12 2Bs, 1 HR, 34 Total Hits, 49 Total Bases, .500 OBA, .436 BA, .864 CA, .628 SLG, 18 Runs, 26 RBIs, 12 BB
PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter that you have faced in Indiana?
Connor: James Hackworth (Indiana State recruit), Ryan Keaffaber (first team all state), Cody Frazier (first team all state) and Kendall Whittman.