Inside the Recruitment: '17 RHP Henry von Hollen commits to Wright State

PBR: Why did you choose Wright State?

Von Hollen: I chose Wright State because I thought that they had the best program. I really like their philosophy on developing players and I think that they will help me become the best player I can be. They also have a great school on the academic side of things and will really help me get where I want to be.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Von Hollen: Ohio University and Miami of Ohio were also options for me. I was also being looked at by several smaller schools; Ashland University and Denison were also schools that I was considering.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you and how did you did your relationship build with them?

Von Hollen: The first time I was noticed by Wright State was at the Southern Ohio Unsigned Senior games which just so happened to be at Wright State. Coach Mercer happened to be there to see me throw and stopped me to talk after the game and ended up taking me on a tour of the campus. 

PBR: Coach Mercer was promoted to Head Coach this summer.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class?

Von Hollen: It feels great; I'm really thankful for the opportunity. I'm sure it is just as exciting for him and I hope that I can make a good addition to the team.

PBR: Wright State is close to home, how much of a role did distance play in your decision?

Von Hollen: It played a little bit of a role. It will be nice to be close to home, but I wasn't really looking at any schools outside of Ohio. All of the schools that I was considering were relatively close to home.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Von Hollen: It's an incredible feeling. Especially a school the caliber of Wright State. I've always wanted to play at the highest level possible ever since I was a little kid, and now I'm lucky enough to have that opportunity. I'm just really grateful and excited.

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

Von Hollen: Last summer I played for the Ohio Warhawks, the best experience of the summer would have to be going down to Myrtle Beach with the team and playing at the Ripken Experience.

PBR:  What person has the great impact on your baseball career and why?

Von Hollen: The one person who has defiantly had the biggest impact on my baseball career would have to be my dad. He has coached me more than anyone else in my life by a wide margin. He's always been around to play catch, throw me some batting practice, or find a video on YouTube about pitching mechanics to try to help me out. I definitely wouldn't have this opportunity without him.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season?

Von Hollen: App- 8, Ip- 48  0/3, Bf- 201, H- 35, R- 11, ER- 9, BB- 19, So- 45, ERA- 1.8(regular season), .54 (post season), OBA- .190