Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With Saint Louis Commit Brenden Stressler


By: Peter Hamot
Area Scout

OF Brenden Stressler (New Trier) was a large contributor in his high school team's success this past spring, helping to lead New Trier to an overall record of 25-13 as well as an appearance in the 4A Super-Sectionals. Stressler continued to make impressive strides into the summer, where he landed a spot on Team Illinois at the PBR Future Games, further proving he is one of the top 2023's in the state and eventually landing with Saint Louis later in the fall.

We recently had the chance to catch up with Stressler about his recruitment process, favorite baseball memory and several other intriguing topics.

Latest Scouting Report


Brenden Stressler

Class of 2023 / OF

Player Information

  • Graduating Class: 2023
  • Primary Position: OF
  • High School: New Trier
    State: IL
  • Summer Team: Top Tier North
  • Height: 6-2
    Weight: 200lbs
  • Bat/Throw: L/L

Scouting Report

5/13/21

6-foot-1, 180-pound, strong-bodied, left-handed hitting outfielder. Started in right-field and hit in the seven-hole as a sophomore. Showed a knack for the barrel; finished 1-for-3 with a walk. Quiet, repeatable swing, loose, athletic hands, stays inside the baseball, feel for the barrel and lets the ball travel. Bat stays flat and through the zone a long time. Bat projects to fit in the middle of an order moving forward. Defensively, profiles at a corner outfield spot. High-follow left-handed bat in the ‘23 class.

Videos

(7/28/21)

Our Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at? 

Stressler: My expectations were that you had to email coaches all the time and that was how they found you. But I realized that you need to work on your craft and if you play good enough they will find you. I was looking for a competitive program where I would have the chance to play early, as well as a smaller school with good academics that was in the Midwest. 

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision? 

S: Yeah for sure. I wanted to stay close to home so my parents could come to all my games. Also how the weather is nicer in St. Louis than Chicago but I’m still staying in the Midwest is what I was looking for. 

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play? 

S: I started getting my first looks at the start of the summer. But it really started to heat up at and after Future Games and over this fall. St. Louis saw me multiple times throughout the summer at Grand Park and Lake Point. 

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision? 

S: I like the direction the program is headed, with many catalysts in the near future by the time I get there. The distance from home was a big factor as well. Being able to have the chance to play early was huge and having good academics was also big for me. 

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

S: Michigan State, Northwestern, and UIC. 

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent? 

S: Eric Orloff; we faced him this spring and he threw a complete game with like 18k’s or something. He’s really hard to face because he’s a lefty and has great off speed. 

P: 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? 

S: I’d say I became serious about taking my game to the next level in 13u when I switched from my local team to top tier north. 14u was when I realized I was a college caliber player as that was when I really started to develop and show out on the field. 

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

S: Make goals, make a plan to get to those goals and have consistency in sticking to your plan. Also, when you are on the field be competitive and have fun. 

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

S: Definitely New Triers playoff run last year. We just kept proving everyone wrong and had some upsets against Lane Tech and OPRF which were really fun and the most memorable moment in my baseball career. 

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be? 

S: We will win state. We have a better team than last year where we lost in super sectionals. We have great pitching this year with Dalton Hastings and Oliver Barkal. As well as some great hitters; Graham Mastros and Louis Florida. I have confidence that we will have a great season and a great shot at state.

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