Q and A with Walsh Commit AJ Schraffenberger (Fenwick)

AJ Schraffenberger, LHP, Fenwick

PBR: Why did you choose Walsh?
Schraffenberger: I chose Walsh University because I felt very comfortable on both of my visits to the university and I felt I had good chemistry with all the baseball players and look forward to joining the team next year.   

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Schraffenberger: Walsh was the first school I visited and felt so at home there, I largely discontinued my search for another school.    

PBR: Where did the   Walsh coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Schraffenberger: The Walsh coaching staff first heard of me from their conversations with Coach Sherlock at Fenwick High School, and first saw me pitch on my overnight visit in January. Our conversations have mainly been by phone and email throughout the recruitment process. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Schraffenberger: Coach Mead and I haven't fully discussed my exact role my first year on campus, but I know I will be working hard to earn my time and continue to develop my skills.   

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help  Walsh baseball?
Schraffenberger: My biggest strength as a player is my competitive spirit. Every batter I face out on the mound is a battle in my head, and in my experience that tenacity wears off on my teammates and helps them to stay in the game. This strength is one way I feel I can help Walsh baseball next year   

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorableexperience from this summer?
Schraffenberger: I play for the Ohio Force and my most memorable experience from my 16 year old summer is throwing a complete game 5-hit shutout against the NE Ruffnecks in a 1-0 win in an elimination game at the CABA World Series  in East Cobb, GA where we finished in 3rd place out of 40 of the best programs in the country.    
 
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?
Schraffenberger: My individual goals for the rest of my senior season are to get two more regular season wins while reducing my ERA to 2.25 or below. My team goals are to make it to Columbus for the State Final Four.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Fenwick?
Schraffenberger: As my senior year at Fenwick winds down, I'm currently 2-2 and lead the GCL in innings pitched (34.1) with a 2.65 ERA and second in the lead in strikeouts (34). 
  
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Schraffenberger: The toughest hitter I've faced in Ohio would have to be Zane Pitzer from Alter grad class 2011