Q and A with 2012 Evansville Commit Phillip Diehl

Phillip Diehl, a left-handed pitcher from Cincinnati Moeller has committed to Evansville. Read more ...

PBR: Why did you choose Evansville?
Diehl: I choose Evansville because I loved the coaches, players, and school. The reputation of the baseball program and the Missouri Valley Confrence played a major role.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Diehl: I had it down to King College, Miami, Bowling Green.

PBR: Where did Evansville first see you? How did your relationship develop with Coach Wagner and the coaching staff?
Diehl: Evansville fist saw me at the Champions Winter Showcase in February. They then saw me at the Champions Fall Elite Showcase at Midland and Coach Wagner called me the next day. I went to Evansville a week later for a visit where I met Coach Carroll, Coach Gilner, and Coach Wagner. They showed me the baseball facilities and made me feel very confortable. I knew then that it was the right choice for me.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Diehl: They see me as a mid week starter with a good chance to make the weekend rotation.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Evansville?
Diehl: My biggest strength would be my relaxed attitude on the mound with good mound presence and determination. I feel like this will help Evansville becasue they know that I will deliver in the clutch and won't get flustered.

PBR: What areas are you focusing on?
Diehl: I am going to add more weight by working very hard in the weight room with Moeller. I want to perfect my changeup and increasing my velocity.

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Diehl: Going down to Cary, North Carolina to participate at the USA Baseball NTIS at the official training complex for USA Baseball. I got to play against the best players all around the country and was seen by hundreds of coaches.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Diehl: My former summer coach, Steve Marshall. He first got me into select baseball and worked with me and developed me into the player that I am today.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of the Moeller baseball tradition?
Diehl: I have always wanted to play for Moeller since I was a little kid. Having the chance to put on the same uniform that Griffey, Larkin, and Surkamp is an honor. Hopefully this year we will win a state championship.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Moeller?
Diehl: 7.1 innings pitched, 9 strikeouts with a 1.09 whip and 1.91 ERA

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Diehl: All the hitters at Moeller. I feel like we have the best players in Ohio and everyday in practice I had to face players such as Ty Amann, Jordan Simpson, Ryan LeFevers, Brad Macciocchi, and Nick Edwards.