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Q&A With Alderson Broaddus Commit Connor McGinnis

November 19, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Connor McGinnisConnor McGinnis had a solid junior season in 2013, hitting .298 as an every day starter for the Mars Planets. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound SS/2B, ranked No. 258 in the PA Class of 2014, earned an invitation to the PA Top Propsect Games in June and impressed in all facets of the game. McGinnis showcased an 80 mph arm across the diamond and went 2-for-5 with a double in game play during the course of the two day event.

McGinnis caught the eye of a number of the 35 schools in attendance, but ultimately McGinnis announced his commitment to attend Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, WV. The Battlers are a Division II program in Philippi, WV that participate in the newly expanded Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

McGinnis discussed his college choice with Prep Baseball Report along with the process that led him to make his final decision.


PBR:  Where have you decided to attend college and why did you make this choice?

McGinnis: I have decided to attend Alderson-Broaddus University, where I intend on contributing to the baseball program and earning a business degree. I chose to attend Alderson-Broaddus because of the positive interaction I had with the coaches during my recruitment, their commitment to building a quality baseball program, and the environment I experienced during my visits to the campus. I feel that I will fit into the program well, and be in a position to contribute in my freshman season.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?

McGinnis: I was also considering Villanova, Dartmouth, Bellarmine, Mercyhurst, Washington & Jefferson, Mt. Aloysius, Penn State – Harrisburg, Penn State – Beaver, John Carroll, and Point Park.

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?

McGinnis: Distance from home was a consideration, but finding a program that was the right fit for me athletically and academically was more important.

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

McGinnis: Coach Mallett first saw me play at the PBR Top Prospect Games at Bucknell University. The coaches contacted me after that and started our relationship. Coach Mallett then saw me at the WVU Showcase Camp, and we touched base periodically after that to set up a visit for me. During my visit to the AB campus, Coach Mallett took the time to give me a guided tour and introduce me to Coach Harrigan. Their knowledge of my skills, their plans for the program, and the opportunity that I would have to contribute to the program were what helped me choose to attend AB.

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

McGinnis: The coaches expect me to contribute my first year, by competing for a spot on the field and doing whatever is required for me to support the success of the program.

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

McGinnis: I feel that my biggest strength as a player is the combination of my athletic ability and my baseball IQ. I feel that this will benefit the team because I am constantly working to improve my game, to help me and the program succeed.

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

McGinnis: I played for Mars AAU in the summer, where I got the opportunity to compete against some of the best travel teams in this part of the country. Considering that I don’t pitch anymore, my most memorable experience was coming in to pitch four innings against a team from Ann Arbor, MI. I came in with my team trailing and was able to hold them to one run over my four innings. I went 2-for-3 at the plate, driving in two runs, and we came out with a win.

PBR:  What is your current GPA?

McGinnis: My current GPA is 3.6.

PBR:  Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

McGinnis: My goal for this season is to continue to work hard, take on a leadership role, produce results on offense and defense, and help my team win the section and advance deep into the playoffs.

PBR: How did Prep Baseball Report aid you in gaining exposure as a potential college baseball recruit?

McGinnis: I attended three PBR events, and all three events resulted in me being contacted by college coaches. The opportunity to be evaluated and have that kind of exposure was critical to the recruiting process.


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