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Q & A with Pakland CC commit Max Widmar

September 13, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois/Wisconsin

Max Widmar is a two way player out of Racine Park HS who plays first base as well as a left handed pitcher. Widmar recently made his college commitment to Parkland Community College. Here what he had to say about his baseball career up to this point and what went into his decision.Max Widmar

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Widmar: I was talking to Division 1 colleges and took a few visits. Controlled Chaos Baseball and Parkland College had a showcase, this August.  Many of the Division 1 colleges  were attending, so I decided to attend this showcase to meet them all at once.  After talking to the Parkland coaches, touring the campus, the work out facility, and looking at the education available there, I had found the perfect fit.  I was impressed that the baseball team does not miss any school for games.  This was important to me. 

PBR: What do you like most about Parkland College and why did you choose them?

Widmar: Feels like home, I love the coaches, and the workout facility is top notch. I will be able to play right away (I am young for a Senior) and I like the fact that I will be able to use all the libraries and facilities at the University of Illinois, in addition to all at Parkland.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Widmar: Pitching against Nate Mikolas (struck him out twice, once looking)-lefty on lefty) now with Yankees. Batting against Sam Maher, now with University of Kentucky (lefty on lefty).

PBR: What has been the lowest point in your baseball career; what have you learned from it and how has it helped you grow as a player?

Widmar: When I was injured in 5th grade and thought I would never play again. This was the hardest time for me.  It was my first real injury and I love this game, so I was scared.  I learned that patience and hard work can pay off.  I learned to never give up and to work hard to achieve your goals, one day at a time.   

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Widmar: I was always a two-way player, as a left-handed pitcher and as a first baseman.  During my junior year, I went to two Perfect Game tournaments with Hitters Baseball and made All Tournament Teams in both Iowa and Florida, as a first baseman.  They ranked me as the number one first baseman in the state.  Also last year, I received Second Team All-State, First Team All-Area, First Team All-District, First Team All-County, First Team All-Conference SEC.  

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Widmar: Always have a positive attitude.  Always support my teammates.    Always work hard every day and not let down your team, on or off the field.    Do whatever it takes to help the team.   

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it? 

Widmar: Speed….hey, I’m first baseman /left handed pitcher. I will continue daily with  jump rope, ladder work and agility drills.  

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Widmar: Play for the love of the game!  The highs are high and the lows are low, so keep striving towards your goals, one day at a time. 

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Widmar: Always play fall ball and daily weight training throughout the winter. I take 100 swings per day and throw 2-3 times a week in the off -season.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Widmar: I had just begun the process when I could not find any negatives about Parkland College.  The full educational scholarship helped make my decision.

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