Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: Future Games 2018 LHP Michael Dunkelberger Commits to Indiana





By Phil Wade

Indiana Executive Director

South Bend Saint Joseph High School 2018 southpaw Michael Dunkelberger has committed to play at Indiana. 

PBR: Why did you choose Indiana? What were some key factors in making your decision?

Dunkelberger: 
I chose Indiana after taking a visit there and meeting the coaches and exploring the campus. I really felt at home when I arrived and knew very quickly that’s where I wanted to go. From the academics to the baseball program my parents and I were very impressed and fell in love. 

PBR: Where did they first see you compete?

Dunkelberger: Indiana first saw me compete at the Futures games. 
 
PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Dunkelberger: I was also considering North Carolina, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame. 
 
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Dunkelberger: I was expecting a lot of calls and surveys that I needed to fill out. It was more exciting than I expected and I enjoyed talking to the coaches over the phone and researching their programs. 
 
PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue you baseball career?

Dunkelberger: I was looking for a program with a good history of development and also a successful program I can thrive in. 
 
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you?  Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Dunkelberger: The recruiting process took off for me the weekend of the Futures games. The Friday game in particular that I pitched against team Illinois was when I turned the corner. 
 
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and become serious about taking your game to the next level?

Dunkelberger: I mostly realized I could play at the next level when I opened some eyes at my first futures game and began to get coaches interest that night after the game. 
 
PBR: Who is the best player you've faced in Indiana, and why?

Dunkelberger: The best player that I have faced in Indiana is Riley Tirotta. He has been the most impressive player I’ve seen and the hardest to get out. 
 
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Dunkelberger: I would say to never stop working and know that the recruiting process sneaks up on you and to know there’s always someone watching. 
 
PBR: Preview your high school season for us.  How do you feel your team will be?  What are your expectations and goals?

Dunkelberger:  I feel my high school team, despite being young, will be contenders for a regional or state championship. We lost key seniors, but we have young guys ready to step up. My goal is to win a state championship at St. Joe my Junior year. 
 
PBR: Where do you play in the summer?  What has been your most memorable experience with them?

Dunkelberger: I play with the White Sox Elite in Chicago, and the most memorable experience with them was the last tournament with them going 6-0 to win the championship of a PBR event. 
 

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