Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With Southeastern CC Commit Andrew Tay


By: Peter Hamot
Assistant Scouting Director, Illinois & Wisconsin

RHP Andrew Tay (Mt. Zion, 2025) has been an arm we’ve liked for some time now, initially popping at the Illinois State Games two years ago, and he has done nothing but elevate himself and his status as a prospect since. 

He showed well numerous times this past summer on our tournament circuit, eventually earning an invite to the Senior Future Games in Georgia, as well as a couple weeks later at the State Games for a second time. 

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound right-hander is an athlete on the mound with some bounce in his delivery, and he hides the ball well with a shorter circle in the back creating some deception. His fastball will work easily into the upper-80s and he has a firm slider as well as a diving changeup to pair. 

We recently sat down with the Southeastern CC commit to talk through his recruitment process, and more. 

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?

Andrew: My expectations about the recruiting process was how exciting it was going to be, and how it represents all of the hard work I have to put in to reach this point. I was looking for a program that has had previous success, a great coaching staff, and somewhere I can grow as not just an athlete, but as a person as well. 

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

A: No it did not. Although, it is only about three-ish hours which works out well for my family. 

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

A: The recruiting process really started heating up after I threw at the PBR Summer Championship in Rantoul. I topped out at 89 mph and performed well in front of some coaches. 

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

A: I really like the coaching staff, facilities, and previous record of success. The coaching staff has consistently checked in with me since my commitment, and Coach Schulte is very well respected with over 1000 wins. 

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

A: Kaskaskia CC, Lakeland CC and Lincoln Land CC. 

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

A: I would say the best player I’ve faced in Illinois is my teammate Sam Driscoll. His competitive edge makes him such a tough opponent. 

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?

A: I started to realize I was a college-caliber player after my sophomore year summer. I pitched very well and started to find my pitching identity. 

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

A: I would tell young baseball players to learn from every game they play in. Especially for pitchers, you can learn the most from a bad outing. 

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

A: The most memorable moment in my baseball career is pitching at LakePoint at the PBR Future Games.

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

A: I feel like our high school team has a very good chance to go on a deep run. We hope to have three guys up to 90 mph, and one up to the mid-80s. It will be a very exciting team to watch!

P: How did the Future Games and/or the Illinois State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)?

A: The Future Games and Illinois State Games both affected my recruitment process in a positive way. Attending these events was a good way to showcase my abilities against top competition in front of college coaches. 

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

A: I would steal Brandon Menser’s curveball. I watched it in person and it is filthy. 

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

A: Connor Fox from Mt. Zion High School definitely has a bright future. Class of 2027, great command, great kid, and already up to 85 mph.

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain. 

A: Yes, Prep Baseball assisted a ton in my recruiting process. Through performing well at summer tournaments, I was able to get a couple tweets which really boosted my recruiting following. Coaches were able to see the tweets and put me on their radar. After that, The PBR Future Games and PBR Illinois State Games were the events where those coaches could attend in person and watch for themselves. 

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