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Nick Byrnes, LHP, Moeller, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio?

Byrnes: I chose Ohio because I really liked the school and campus as well as the coaching staff and baseball program. The business program is one of the best around and there are a lot of cool things about the school most people do not know about. I am very excited to be a bobcat!

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Byrnes: I had contact from several schools, and visited Xavier as well as Ohio. I also considered Ohio Dominican, Morehead State, and Walsh. All of the schools were great that I talked to and I appreciate the time they spent communicating with me.

PBR: Where did the OU coaching staff first see you and how did your relationship begin with them?

Byrnes: They first saw me at the Top Prospect Games at Prasco in June. A few days later Coach Wamsley and Coach Smith contacted me about coming up for a visit. I visited in early July and again last week. After visiting campus a few times and taking to the coaches and players it really was an easy decision.

PBR:  Coach Smith has brought the Bobcat program some recent success, how does it feel to be a part of the culture that will change Bobcat baseball?

Byrnes: Coach Smith has really turned the program around in just the few years he has been there. It is exciting because the program is on the rise and I am glad to be apart of it. I know the goal is to win the MAC and make it to the NCAA tournament. I'm excited to get to Athens and be apart of the program.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Byrnes: At Moeller, our goal every year is to be State Champs. We start our winter conditioning November 2nd and from then on we work to be the last team in the state standing. As a team we have a goal to win the GCL, win the city, the state poll, and then the state championship. Individually my goal is to help the team win as many games as possible in any role. My individual goal is to be All-GCL.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of the Moeller tradition and to know you get to put on the same uniform as Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Larkin and other greats?

Byrnes: It is such a blessing to put on the Moeller uniform everyday. To carry on the Moeller tradition is such a great honor, and I couldn't imagine going to any other school. A lot of people think that Moeller teams just walk on to the field and win baseball games, but don't actually see the work put in every single day. Our strength coach Ken Walters pushes us everyday to be the best we can be in the weight room and in conditioning. The work we do in the off season really shows on the field and really helps us develop as baseball players.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Byrnes: I play for Cincinnati Baseball Club. For the past 7 years I have played for the Cincinnati Sluggers. I would say the most memorable experience from this summer is competing against some really good teams and traveling to tournaments in Nashville and Louisville with the team.

PBR:  What person has the great impact on your baseball career and why?

Byrnes: It would be impossible for me to pick just one person as having the biggest impact on my baseball career. My mom and dad have been such a big part of my life and have help me develop as a person as well. My mom has always been there for me and is such a big supporter of me I could never thank her enough. My dad has taught me how to play the game whether it being tossing in the backyard or throwing batting practice, Their support has really helped me develop as a person and baseball player. Also, my brother and sisters who all played college sports have been great in the recruiting process and helping me through high school. The have done so much for me the past few years and are the best  you could have. Finally, the coaches at Moeller have really helped me improve my game especially for this past summer. I don't think you could find a better coaching staff around than you have at Moeller. They give a lot of their own time to help us succeed and I really appreciate all their work.  Also my teammates have really pushed me to become the best I could be and they are truly like my brothers.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season?

Byrnes: I played a combination of JV and Varsity. I think I pitched 14 2/3 and gave up 2 runs.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?

Byrnes: I would have to say the toughest hitters I have faced in Ohio are my teammates from Moeller. Facing guys like Josh Hollander, Bryan Soth, Kyle Dockus, and Eric Conner made for some tough at bats and really helped me develop as a pitcher. Guys in the 2016 class that really standout are Patrick Mulinger, Kyle Butz, Alex Graves, and Nick Bennett