By Chris Valentine

Fairfield's Will Drake is currently starting in the outfield as a freshman at the University of Michigan. Drake becomes the second Ohio outfielder in the last two year's to start as a freshman for the Wolverines. Read more about his recruiting process, development as a player, and start of his collegiate career this spring ...



PBR: Just to refresh our readers ... Where did you have offers from and why did you end up choosing Michigan?

Drake: I only had official offers from Cincinnati and North Carolina Asheville besides Michigan when I had committed, but there were about 5 or 6 other schools who were waiting to offer me after I visited. I decided to cancel them after I was offered by Michigan, though. I ended up choosing Michigan because I felt it was the right fit for me. It was all about comfort and the facilities they have and are continuing to expand on our pretty amazing. The coaches and players made me feel really welcome, too, which helps a lot.

PBR: Were you an Ohio State fan growing up? 

Drake: If so, was it hard to separate choosing a school for your best interest that you may have rooted against while growing up? I was an Ohio State fan growing up. I prided myself on it ironically enough. When I thought about my future and the goals I had made for myself when I was beginning the recruiting process I realized that it was in my best interest to give Michigan a serious look for baseball. 

PBR: If you were talking to a high profile prospect going through the recruiting process, what advice would you give him?

Drake: The biggest piece of advice that I would offer, is enjoy the recruiting process, play the game of baseball the way YOU know how to play it, and hustle all the time. The rest will take care of itself.

PBR: Was there a single moment during your amateur career that you knew you were going to be playing Division I college baseball?

Drake: I don’t think that there was one defining moment where I knew I would be playing Division 1 baseball. I just think the reality of it all set in when the offers and interest shown from various schools started to come. 

PBR: Were there any particular showcase events that helped you along the way? Did you have a breakout showcase or tournament?

Drake: I think showcases are a nice way to be seen by colleges, but I never participated in them. I do remember a tournament the summer of my junior year. The team I played for at the time was down in Kentucky and I knew there was a fair amount of college coaches there. I ended up going like 14-24 in the tournament, which helped the recruiting process get started.  

PBR: How did travel baseball help you develop as a player and prepare you for the next level? 

Drake: Travel baseball helped me develop just from the sheer amount of games you get to play. Repetition always helps no matter what you’re doing. Growing up I had a coach, Bill Guenther who I played 7 years for who really got me to enjoy baseball for the great game that it is. Then the summer before I left for Michigan, my coach for the Cincinnati Flames, Joshua Spring, really helped me a lot with teaching me helpful drills and giving me great advice that I still use today. Also, the tournaments I was able to play in vs. great competition helps see where you stand in your baseball abilities.

PBR: What was your most memorable moment while playing at Fairfield?

Drake: Without a doubt my most memorable moment at Fairfield was in our sectional final game against Milford when we came back from being down 10-2 in the 5th inning to winning 11-10 in extra innings. Also being 6-1 in my High school career against our rival Hamilton wasn’t too bad either. 

PBR: You are blessed with some serious speed. How have you learned to use this to your advantage as a baseball player?

Drake: I am very blessed with my speed. From an early age I have tried to stay in my game. I am not a home run power guy so if I’m ever having a rough day at the plate, which inevitable in baseball, I will drop a bunt down or anything to get the offense jump-started. 

PBR: For aspiring college prospects, what sort of advice would you give them when it comes to the difference between high school/travel baseball and college baseball?

Drake: The best advice I can give is you can’t teach work ethic, if you train to be the best and make sure you are in great physical condition then you will be fine.

PBR: What has been the best part about all of your spring trips so far this year?

Drake: The team chemistry that we’re building from it has been the best part. We all enjoy being in 75 degree weather and playing baseball. It’s really been great so far.

PBR: Has it been difficult juggling academics and the responsibilities of being a D1 athlete?

Drake: There’s no way around it, balancing school and baseball is kind of like two jobs and it is difficult, luckily I’m surrounded by a good support staff here at Michigan that wants to see me succeed.

PBR: If a scout walked away from watching you play, how would you want him to describe you?

Drake: A hard nosed player, with great determination to win, and a nuisance on the base paths.

PBR: Is there anyone that you try to model your game after?

Drake: Not really. I love the way Josh Hamilton plays the game of baseball but I feel my style of baseball is unique.

PBR: In 10 years, which Fairfield alum will be more famous for their baseball career: Curtis Olvey (2012 Kent State recruit) or Will Drake?

Drake: Hahaha, I can honestly say I don’t know the answer to that question. We have been best friends since the start of high school. We always push each other to our fullest potential and challenge each other. We also hate losing more than we like to win, so I think it will be interesting to see how that plays out. We will always support each other and pull for one another no matter what. We will always be best buds.

PBR: Lastly, let’s end with a word association game. I will say a word and you response with the first word that comes to your mind.

Drake:

Fairfield High School- Memories   

Ohio State- Dislike  

Michael O’Neill- Freak Athlete  

Coach Maloney- Head Coach