Corey Tipton, C, St. Johns Jesuit HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Toledo?

Tipton:  I had a connection with Toledo which the other schools I had visited could not quite match up to. Most importantly the fact that Toledo has an excellent engineering program as well as a solid performance record on the baseball field. The coaching staff at Toledo really cares about each of the players they recruit and truly finds the best local baseball players, but also the best people as well. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Tipton:  Michigan State and Hillsdale were my other two options.

PBR: Where did the Coach Mee first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Tipton:  Fortunately, living in the Univesity's backyard, Coach Mee had the opportunity to see me play since my Sophomore high school season. We really did not start communicating until this past summer. I went for an unofficial and official visit at Toledo and got a very good feel for the coaching staff and the team. They really helped me through the process of recruiting and I could not thank them enough for that.

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

Tipton:  The coaches expect me to come into the program my Freshman year and compete with the other catchers for playing time.

PBR: The Toledo campus is right in your backyard.  How much of a role did that play in your final decision?

Tipton:  The fact that Toledo is so close to home did not play as big of a role as one would think, but it is certainly a factor in my decision. It was helpful because I was already very familiar with the university.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Rocket baseball?

Tipton:  My greatest strengths on the baseball field would be my ability to command the field as well as my arm strength and hard work ethic. I feel that I can help the team as a valuable defensive catcher with room to work hard and fully touch up my game.

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

Tipton:  I played for Underwood Orr Baseball based out of Tecumseh, Mi. I have to thank Coach Randy Sparks for greatly assisting me in the recruiting process. The most memorable experience was being able to play with many local players as well having the amazing chemistry that our team did.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?

Tipton:  The goals for our team are to compete for our league title again this year as well as helping to develop the younger guys in our program. Individually, my goals are to continue to improve my defense as well as my offensive game.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Toledo St. Johns?

Tipton:  I batted .300, but unfortunately I was injured for about one third of the spring season.

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

Tipton:  Griffin Weir and Zach Farmer at the Top Prospect games last June.