A unknown before the Top Prospect Showcase last November, it is no surprise that Class of 2014 SS/RHP Dalton Horstmeier put together a very complete season, establishing himself as a leader for the Fulton Hornets. Horstmeier is a player who has a good chance at re-writing the record books for the program.

This season, Horstmeier hit .531 with fourteen doubles (a single season school record), one triple, two home runs, and twenty-three RBIs and twenty-six runs scored. Horstmeier made things happen by getting on base consistently (.536 OBP) and stole ten bases in eleven attempts.

Horstmeier is poised for a jump in the Class of 2014 rankings, and is a name that you should hear plenty about over the next few years.

PBR: Talk a little about the Fulton HS team, and your supporting cast’s contributions.

Horstmeier: We had a good four hole hitter that was behind me in the line up.  When we were on most of our line up was a threat. Our team had good chemistry and we came on strong late in the season. 

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?

Horstmeier: I’d say my biggest strength is hitting and the love for the game.

PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?

Horstmeier: I need to stay strong mentally, and take the best swing possible with every pitch that comes to the plate.

PBR: What have are your expectations for the recruiting process?

Horstmeier: I work hard and hope that is seen by a lot of good programs this summer while I am playing ball.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…? 

Horstmeier: All of these aspects are extremely important to me.  I want to play baseball at the Div 1 level for a competitive team with a great coaching staff and team. I am 99% sure I want to major in physical therapy.

PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?

Horstmeier: I would love the opportunity to play for schools/programs like Florida, Texas, LSU, North Carolina or Wichita State but I am also keeping my options open and making sure that my area of interest as far as my major is offered as well.

PBR: What are your personal goals for the 2012 season? 

Horstmeier: I set several goals for myself this sophomore season.  I wanted no strikeouts and I wanted to hit .500 or better.  I achieved both of these.

PBR: What are your high school team goals for 2012 season, and are they being met at the halfway point in the season?

Horstmeier: Our team goal was to make it to the final four and to have a winning season. We lost in district tourney, finished the season at .500.

 PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?

Horstmeier:  I play for the Mid West Outlaws.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter that you have faced?

Horstmeier: Collin Brinker, from North Callaway was the toughest pitcher I faced.

PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2011 baseball season (High School or Summer)?

Horstmeier: As a freshman hitting a three run homerun against St Francis Borgia in semifinal game of districts.

PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?

Horstmeier: Winning 3^rd place in state tourney 11U year at BC baseball in Columbia, MO.

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?

Horstmeier: I think it was the right move.  The ball still flies if you center it up.  It’s a step closer to getting the batter used to wood bats and used to the smaller sweet spot.

To see Dalton's profile and video, click here.