Brian Keller, RHP/1B, Eastlake North HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Walsh?

Keller:  Walsh was a perfect fit for me academically, and the quality of Coach Mead’s baseball program made it my top choice from the beginning. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Keller:  Butler, Slippery Rock, Mount Union and Wright State

PBR: Where did the Walsh coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Keller:  I had attended two different PBR events, one in Ohio and one in PA.  There were many scouts from many different schools.  Both events gave me a great opportunity to showcase.   Also, a very aggressive summer schedule gave coaches some good opportunities to see me play.  After that, it was communication between Walsh, High School coaches, summer league coaches and myself.

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

Keller:  They expect me to work hard and compete for my position.  My goal is to be able to contribute as soon as possible.

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

Keller:  My biggest strength as a player is my ability to produce runs.  Being both a pitcher and a corner infielder, I hope to be a versatile option for any baseball situation that arises.

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

Keller:  I have been playing with Blaze Baseball for the last several years.  The most memorable experience for me last summer was hitting a walk-off rbi in the semi-finals at the Battle of the Southeast in Atlanta, GA, then getting the start and win on the mound for the championship.  My parents were with us, but my Mom had emergency surgery the evening before, so they were unable to attend.  The support I got from teammates, coaches and other parents are what really made it special.

PBR: Walsh is extremely close to home.  How much of a role did distance play in you decision? 

Keller: It was an important factor.  My family has always been supportive of me, and I wanted them to be able to attend games whenever possible.                                          

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Eastlake North?

Keller: Pitching I was 6-2, 42K and a 1.77 era.   Offensively I hit .347 with 8 doubles, 2 HR, slugging .520 and an ops of 1.053.

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

Keller: There’s a lot of power in our conference, but Danny Walters from Riverside HS is a hard hitter, fights off a lot of pitches and is always a tough out.