Inside the Recruitment: '17 SS Tony LoParo commits to Baldwin Wallace
November 8, 2016
Tony LoParo, SS, Elyria Catholic, Class of 2017
PBR: Why did you choose Baldwin Wallace?
LoParo: It's the size school that I wanted and I just felt comfortable every time I visited.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
LoParo: Walsh University, and Mount Union were high on my list.
PBR: What was the relationship you had with the Coach Harrison and the rest of the coaching staff in the recruitment process?
LoParo: I liked that they stayed in touch but didn't make me feel pressured. Coach Harrison and DeAngelis encouraged me to take my time and look at all my options. I really felt like they had my best interests at heart.
PBR: Where did Baldwin Wallace first see you compete?
LoParo: I saw Coach DeAngelis at several PBR events and some of my high school and summer league games.
PBR: Coach Harrison has had success at every program that he has coached and just recently led BW to the Division III College World Series. How does it feel to be a part of Coach Harrison’s recruiting class?
LoParo: I'm really excited to be part of the tradition that BW represents. Can't wait to get started.
LoParo: It's the size school that I wanted and I just felt comfortable every time I visited.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
LoParo: Walsh University, and Mount Union were high on my list.
PBR: What was the relationship you had with the Coach Harrison and the rest of the coaching staff in the recruitment process?
LoParo: I liked that they stayed in touch but didn't make me feel pressured. Coach Harrison and DeAngelis encouraged me to take my time and look at all my options. I really felt like they had my best interests at heart.
PBR: Where did Baldwin Wallace first see you compete?
LoParo: I saw Coach DeAngelis at several PBR events and some of my high school and summer league games.
PBR: Coach Harrison has had success at every program that he has coached and just recently led BW to the Division III College World Series. How does it feel to be a part of Coach Harrison’s recruiting class?
LoParo: I'm really excited to be part of the tradition that BW represents. Can't wait to get started.
PBR: Baldwin Wallace has made a lot of facility upgrades, including turf to their baseball field. How much of a role did this play in your decision?
LoParo: I fell in love with the infield the first time I saw it!
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help as a Yellow Jacket?
LoParo: I'm hard working and coachable. I think those 2 things are my biggest strength.
PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?
LoParo: Lake Erie Warhawks. My most memorable experience is playing on the home field of the University of Notre Dame.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
LoParo: My Dad. We talk baseball all the time. When I was younger he made practicing and improving as a player fun. I still enjoy practicing and improving my game almost as much as I enjoy playing against other teams. He's always told me that there is never an excuse for not being the hardest worker.
PBR: What were your stats this spring?
LoParo: I started all 31 games at SS and hit .326 in 93 official at bats. OBP .471.