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Vito Petrillo, RHP, Ursiline HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Hiram?

Petrillo: I chose Hiram because it is the perfect fit for me. It is a great school of science and the campus is close to home. Also Coach Jenter treats me like his own and worked with my family and I, which was a big factor in my decision.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Petrillo: The other schools that I was considering are Malone University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Heidelberg University, and Cuyahoga Community College.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Petrillo: The coaches first saw me compete at the Mahoning Valley Open ID PBR event in January at the glacier dome in Struthers. My relationship flourished tremendously with the rest of the coaching staff. They are always curious in how I am doing in school and on the diamond.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Petrillo: The coaching staff expects me to make an immediate impact during my first year on campus. They expect me to pitch and play the infield, and compete for a starting spot. I will work to get reps in both areas.

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

Petrillo: The person who has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player is easily my father. He is a man who teaches "tough love" and integrity. He's always asking me if I want to go and get some work in. He has taught me everything I know about the game, and still to this day shows me new things. He sacrifices a lot for me and I cannot be more grateful.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Petrillo: In the summer I play for Mash Factory Elite. This is my first year playing with them. My most exciting experience playing summer ball was turning a triple play.

PBR: What were your stats last season?

Petrillo: My stats last season were .326 batting average, 21 runs scored, and 12 runs batted in. I'm not sure on my pitching stats from last year. This season I am 2-3 with a 0.87 earned run average.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced?

Petrillo: The toughest hitter I have faced is Anthony Calcagni. He covers the whole plate very well and always seems to find a gap.