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Brady Sarkon, C, Linden HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Chicago?

Sarkon: To me, academics have always been the most important factor in my college search. And to be able to have the opportunity to play baseball at one of the top five schools in the country is such an amazing opportunity.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Sarkon: Hillsdale, Northwood, and Dartmouth

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Sarkon: My high school coach, Steve Buerkel, contacted Coach Fitzgerald shortly after he took the position at Chicago, which sparked the interest. I sent the coaches some video of myself and I took a visit there in October, where I was actually able to meet with them to talk baseball. We have talked back and forth over the past few months and they really made the decision easy for me. I am a big fan of the things they are doing with the program.

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

Sarkon: If anything I think the distance was something my family and I liked about Chicago. Most of the prestigious academic schools are out on the east coast in the Ivy League, which was my goal for a while. When I realized that I could receive an education of the same caliber so close to home, it certainly aided in my decision.

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

Sarkon: I am going to have the same opportunities as anyone else on the roster. I am certainly going to go into my first college season trying to earn a spot and play as much as possible, but at the same time I am going to do whatever the team needs me to do to give us the best shot to win.

PBR: You have participated in a few PBR events.  How has PBR helped you with the recruiting process?

Sarkon: I think PBR was a great way to get my name out there. You work extremely hard for the chance to play college baseball, and at a certain point it is all about being exposed to the right people. I think PBR certainly helped me in terms of getting some coaches to notice and give me a shot.

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?

Sarkon: I have moved around quite a bit the last few summers from team to team, but this year I will be playing for the SWAT Snipers out of Howell. I don't really have any specific memorable experiences. I mean I have played with a ton of great players from around the state of Michigan and every season of summer ball definitely brings plenty of good memories with it.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Sarkon: Hands down my dad. He has worked with me since the day I began playing baseball and he has been there through my entire journey with the sport. He played college baseball himself, and to have someone like him around me all the time as a kid had a huge impact on me. I'm extremely thankful for everything he has done for me up to this point and I hope to have the same sort of impact on my kids someday.

PBR: What were your stats last spring season?

Sarkon: I batted around .380 with one home run and 30 or so RBIs. I don't get too caught up in the stats though. As far as I'm concerned, I could care less as long as we are winning games.

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

Sarkon: I'd say Grant Ruess is probably the best pitcher I've actually had to hit off of. However, I've played with and caught Chandler Sedat for years and he has some of the best stuff I've ever seen. I'm just glad I was always the one catching him and not trying to hit off of him.