Spencer Byers, RHP, Shaker Heights HS

PBR: Why did you choose Kenyon?

Byers: I chose Kenyon because it offered me the perfect combination of an incredible academic school and the opportunity to play baseball at the college level. It just felt like the perfect fit for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Byers: Some other schools I was considering were Wooster, Washington and Jefferson, Mount Union, Balldwin Wallace, and Ohio State as a cheaper state school if none of the financial aid packages worked out. Luckily, Kenyon's package helped me out a ton and made my decision to attend Kenyon College easy.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Byers: The coaches at Kenyon see me as a pitcher who could really bolster thier staff that already has some good young talent on it. Over the summer they saw me pitch a few times and contacted me asking if I would like to come in for a visit. After one visit I fell in love with the campus, their facilities, and the people there, so Kenyon was always my #1 choice. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Byers: The coaches expect me to be able to help their rotation right off the bat. If I work hard and do everything asked of me, then they think I have a really good opportunity to come in and compete for a starting pitching spot.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Kenyon baseball?

Byers: My biggest strength as a player is that I am a competitor and a gamer. I bring a tough attitude to the mound and try to keep my team in every game that I throw.

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

Byers: I play for the OTN Showcase Team, formerly known as Team Ohio. My most memorable experience from summer-ball is just being around such good baseball all summer, as we played teams like the Midland Redskins and the Michigan Bulls multiple times. 

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Shaker Heights?

Byers: Last spring I was 5-3 with a 3.05 era and 40 k's. Batting I hit .339 and drove in 15 runs. 

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

Byers: I've faced some tough hitters in my high school career, but the best hitter I've ever faced would have to be Rutger Luebke. For some reason he's always found a way to get on against me.