By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

BLAKE TRITCH, RHP/IF, CHASKA HS, CLASS OF 2015

PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?

TRITCH: Originally they recruited me only to pitch, and I was having a hard time with the thought of giving up hitting.  But they are now going to give me an opportunity to potentially be a utility player as well.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

TRITCH: Cincinnati and Creighton

PBR: Where did they first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?

TRITCH: We first made contact in the summer of 2014. Our relationship grew as we continued to talk over the summer, and while they made a few more trips to my games.  The coaching staff and I really connected, and I liked their ideas of how they plan to use me once I start my career there.

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

TRITCH: I hope to play a significant role on their team, whether they use me as a pitcher or a hitter. They said they plan to use me my first year and I’m confident I can step up and rise to the challenge.

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

TRITCH: Sean Toomey at HitDawg Academy in Chaska.

PBR: What have you worked on/improved since last year?

TRITCH: I've worked hard on all aspects of my game. I’ve improved my velocity by topping out at 91, while sitting 85 to 87. The hitting part of my game has grown over the year as I have become more confidence by putting together good at-bats and just hitting the ball well. My mental game has grown big time as I focused on letting go of the last pitch and focusing on the next.

PBR: Who is the toughest player that you have faced in Minnesota?

TRITCH: Jake Stevenson, from Waconia, and I have had really good battles whenever I step up to the plate against him. Nick Vaage, from Prior Lake, always makes me work hard on the mound by putting up tough at-bats.

 PBR: What are your thoughts on the recruiting process? Any advice for future players in your position.

 TRITCH: It's a long and tough process. Don't lose confidence within yourself if something doesn't work out. There will be more opportunities.