Jonathon Deifel, SS/RHP, Oak Hills HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Kent?

Deifel: I chose Kent State for numerous reasons. It is a great school where I can get a good education. I loved the coaching staff and could see myself playing for Coach Duncan, Coach Bierkbeck, and Coach Marconi. Everyone at Kent was very welcoming. The facilities at Kent are second to none. It is obviously one of the best baseball programs in the state of Ohio and a program that has a track record for winning. Kent State has been successful in securing commitments from several very talented local guys like Josh Hollander (Moeller), Chris Martin (Mason) and Brian Soth (Moeller). Getting to play alongside these guys you grew up knowing and playing with/against will be a fun college experience. Competing for a conference and national title every year, along with developing their players to go on to the professional level was something about Kent that really intrigued me as well. They play in the MAC conference, so most of the games will be close enough to where my family can come to watch. Also, Kent is giving me the opportunity to be a two way guy as an infielder and pitcher which is what I wanted to do. And finally, it is a place where I can see myself going to school, living, and playing baseball for the next four years.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Deifel: I had offers from around 10 schools and numerous others were still showing a lot of interest, but Kent was the favorite from the start.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you and how did your relationship develop?

Deifel: They first saw me in Ft. Myers, FL in the fall of 2013 for the Perfect Game WWBA. We started to exchange emails and they came to watch me a few more times throughout the summer at Midland. I took a visit there the first week of July and then committed earlier this week.

PBR: Was the recruiting process what you expected?

Deifel: When you watch it from the outside, the process seems simple. Once you actually get into the middle of it, it’s a lot different. You don’t realize how much actually goes in to the whole thing until you are in it. At times it became tiring and stressful. Talking to coaches on the phone every day, emailing back and forth, making visits, figuring out what you want in a college, doing research, narrowing down your list of schools and then ultimately making your decision all while keeping your grades in line and playing on your current team. It was a long process. With all that being said, it was still a very fun time and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am just happy that I am committed so I can take my focus back to my senior year and playing ball.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Deifel: It feels great. When I was growing up I always wanted to earn an athletic scholarship and play Division 1 baseball. You put in all that work over the years and now to see it pay off and say I have accomplished that task is a great feeling. There is still more I would like to accomplish.

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

Deifel: I play for the Midland Braves. The most memorable experience I had this summer was playing in the Pastime National Championships with my teammates. We had a great tournament and came from behind in the round of 32 and sweet 16 in the last inning of the games to advance. We cruised through the elite 8 and then played the Ohio Warhawks, who finished the season as the National Champs at 52-2 and were ranked in the top 10 in the nation, in the final four semifinals in the best all-around baseball game that I had ever been a part of. We ended up losing to them 4-3 with two outs in the bottom of the 7^th on a bang-bang play at the plate that could have gone either way, but the way we came together as a team, came from behind most of bracket play, and had so much success throughout the tournament was a blast to be a part of and something I won’t forget.

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

Deifel: Honestly, I can’t narrow it down to just one person, because there have been so many people who have played such a big role. My father has had a huge impact on my baseball career. He had me in the backyard ever since I could walk tossing a baseball. Growing up every kid wants to be like their dad and when I found out that my dad played college baseball I knew that is what I wanted to do. My dad coached me and taught me everything I know about the game for countless years. My mom was always there to take me to games, practices, and cheer me on. My brother would always be by my side pushing me to get better and always knew what to say if I was on too big of a high or low. My uncle, Greg, coached me when I was younger and has been my trainer for the past few years helping me get bigger and stronger. My grandparents come to every game to cheer me on. My hitting instructor, Jonathan Sweet, played at OSU and in the Pirates organization, has helped me with my swing ever since I was little and has been a big help through the recruiting process. My basketball coach, Mike Price, has been a big help throughout the recruiting process. My coach at St. X, Don Digiacomo, gave me my first opportunity at the varsity level, believed in me, and helped me become successful during my sophomore year. Coach Chuck Laumann at Oak Hills coached me growing up and last year at Oak Hills. His son, Ben, and I are good friends and we always competed and pushed each other growing up. And finally my coach Denny Hollstegge for taking me into the Midland organization where I have had some great opportunities to get in front of the right people. Like I said, it hasn’t been just one person. I can’t thank all of these people enough for getting me where I am today.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Oak Hills?

Deifel: On the mound: 2-1, 2 saves, 17 k’s, 2.18 ERA in 16 innings. At the plate: .338 avg, 33 hits, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homeruns (1 grand slam), 25 RBI’s, 16/16 stolen bases, 27 runs, .422 OBP

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

Deifel: I have faced a lot of good hitters, but I would have to say my teammate with Midland, Dallas Hall, is the toughest. He just finds a way to put the ball in play hard consistently no matter the location or type of pitch. Dallas is committed to Miami (OH) and he is a very good hitter. At this point the toughest pitcher I have faced is Rodney Hutchinson (UNC commit). Hutch and I were also teammates during the summer with Midland. His upper 80’s – low 90’s fast ball, good changeup, and sharp curve with good location on all 3 make for a very good combo. I am good friends with both of them and we love the competition when we get to go up against each other. It’s always fun and they have great careers ahead of them.