Brock Balderson, RHP, Marlington HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Butler?

Balderson: Because the entire coaching staff was great to me, the campus is beautiful & in a great location, great history especially the Hinkle building, great baseball program & an education that is second to none.  They are investing a lot of money into all of their sports programs are really taking it to a new level plus they are in the Big East Conference & will compete to win the conference title every year.  I want to be part of that.  Plus Coach Farley has over 500 wins!  I’ll learn a lot from him & his coaching staff.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Balderson: I had a lot of interaction and offers from MAC schools, a Missouri Valley Conference school, a Conference USA school and a Patriot League school.

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

Balderson: At the PBR TPG event at Prasco Park in early June.  They liked my stuff and my approach on the mound and we were in contact via email & then phone calls from thereafter.  They saw me play 3-4 times during the summer season.  We went on a visit and all the coaches were fantastic to me & my family. 

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

Balderson: It is about 5 hours from home.  My mom had hoped to keep me closer to home but I liked the area & the program so for me the 5 hour drive wasn’t a factor.

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

Balderson: Coach Miller and Coach Farley think I can be a weekend guy for them after a while under their direction and coaching to help them compete for a Big East Championship.  I am going to work hard on my pitches, get bigger, stronger and add a lot of velo to my fastball and go into fall camp at Butler in 2015 ready to compete and do anything they ask of me.

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

Balderson: Yes, many of the PBR has been great for exposure and also gauging myself against my peers for competition to see what I need to do to get better to be amongst the best pitchers in Ohio.

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

Balderson: I play for the Midwest Pelicans Demarini team coached by Neall French.  Our team was a brotherhood, everyone on that team just got after it and played hard all out every game playing to win.  That is the way Coach French sets the tone.  The level of talent across the board for each of my teammates is awesome, it pushed me to be better playing with those guys.  In particular the pitching staff was close & very talented. My pitching buds: Shoaff, Bebout, Machamer, Morrison, Downey, McDonough, Neal.  All of these guys will be playing at the next level.  Also helps when you had guys on the team that can really swing the bat!!  Most memorable was the fun with the whole team especially beating East Cobb in Nashville & the bench clearing way the game ended!

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

Balderson: My father has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. He pushed me to be the best I could possibly be. I would like to thank him for all his effort he has put forth for me to have this opportunity as well as my entire family.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Marlington?

Balderson: Record was 6-3 with 2 saves in 49 innings pitched, 49 strikeouts, 1.43 ERA Opponent batting average .173,

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

Balderson: DJ Wilson from Canton South (Vanderbilt).  I have played with him over the years on my summer teams. We are friends and have fun playing together and competing against each other during the high school season.  I have to face him twice during the high school season.  He is a tough out.