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Zach Evans, INF, Ross HS, Class of 2017

PBR: Why did you choose Heidelberg?

 Evans: I chose Heidelberg because I really like how personal the coaches were when they contacted me. I enjoyed how they kept in touch during my decision process but never overwhelmed me. What I liked most is the way they run the baseball program, they put academics high on their priority list and they make sure that everyday you are doing something for baseball, whether it's an early morning practice or a hitting session in between your 8 o'clock and 12 o'clock classes. You will become a better baseball player in this program. I want to play for a winning team and that's exactly what Heidelberg has. I also chose Heidelberg because I love the campus and the city in which it's located. It's a college town with two universities and everything just seemed right at Heidelberg compared to other campuses I looked at.

 PBR: What other schools were you considering?

 Evans: I was considering Thomas More, Calvin University, or John Carroll for baseball, or not playing and going to Miami Oxford for their school of business. As the decision process went along and my best friend committed to Heidelberg, my two options became very clear, it was either Heidelberg or Miami.

 PBR:  How does it feel to have your commitment out of the way and what are your personal goals going into the spring season?

 Evans: Its feels like a lot of stress has been taken off of my back. My personal goals heading into the spring season are to help my team reach its goal of going far into the postseason and to do whatever it takes to help my team win. My goals will change every at bat. Sometimes my goal will be to lay down a bunt and other times my goal may be to drive a ball in the gap. My overall goal with actual stats would be to have an OBP of .500. I was close last spring season and I'm hoping to get it this year.

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

Evans: I play for RBC. Beating the 18u flames last year was definitely my most memorable experience from last summer. We came in fired up and ready to play and we surprised them. They had 6 D1 commits I think, but our pitcher went in with confidence and he did an amazing job and shut them down. 

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

 Evans: The people who have had the greatest impact on my baseball career would be my dad and Coach Rettinger. My dad has been practicing with me since I can remember and he has always provided me with nice bats and gloves. He always made sure my equipment was new and up to date. My dad is a really smart guy with his money but man when you throw baseball into the equation it's a different story. He loves the game and it definitely rubbed off on me and my brother. My dad always made sure there was no off season because there really isn't, he built a pole barn and we turned it into a hitting facility for us and it is absolutely amazing. My brother and I have a luxury that a lot of young players don't have and I think it has really helped me develop into the player I am today. Without coach Rett I wouldn't be where I am either. Coach Rett has helped me sort through colleges and he really helped get my name out there. I really appreciate everything both of these people did for me to get where I am.

PBR: What were your stats this spring?

Evans: I only played half a season last spring due to my transfer but my BA was .315 , and my OBP was .468. This past summer where I got a full season in my BA was .370 and my OBP was .512. I had 23 RBI's and 13 SB.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced?

Evans: The toughest pitcher for me was Charlie from Fairfield last year. The lefty threw about 85 with a hard cut on his fastball and he had 3 other pitches that all had amazing movement. It was my 1st game back from sitting 13 games and he handed me my worst performance of the year. Evan Miller from Harrison was good too but it's easier to hit a 90 mph fastball than an 85 mph fastball on a kid that keeps a hitter guessing. Charlie didn't care about beating you with a fastball, he just wanted to beat you. Miller on the other hand wanted to overpower us with fastballs and that's not going to work this year.