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Inside the Recruitment: 2017 C Tyson Scheumann Picks Purdue

September 23, 2016



By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

2017 catcher Tyson Scheumann of McCutcheon HS recently committed to Purdue. 

PBR: Why did you choose Purdue? What were some key factors in making your decision?

Scheumann: I chose Purdue for many reasons. It is close to home, the new coaching staff is extremely good at what they do, I'll have an opportunity to compete in the Big Ten, and I'll be able to play in a beautiful stadium.  

PBR: Where did they first see you compete?

Scheumann: Coach Crancer (assistant coach) has seen me compete many times since I was 16. The new coaching staff had not seen me until 3 weeks ago when Coach Waz called and invited me to a camp. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Scheumann: I was also considering Northern Illinois University and St. Joseph's College. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Scheumann: I knew going in that it was going to be crazy. There is so much talent out there and players are constantly getting picked up. My process was personally difficult. I had a complete tear in my UCL and had Tommy John surgery in December and the process slowed down dramatically. I wasn't able to swing a bat until April and started a throwing program in May. I missed my junior season and the summer except for some pinch hitting duties and a DH role. But I knew I wanted to play at the next level, so I never gave up on my end of the recruiting process. I continued to make contact with coaches. 

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue you baseball career?

Scheumann: A program that aspired to win championships. The new coaching staff has already put that feeling into play - they are building excitement. I also wanted a program where I could continue to develop.  

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you?  Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Scheumann: As I said before, I didn't catch this spring or summer as I continued to progress in my rehab program. The recruiting process never really heated up until 3 or 4 weeks ago. I started getting more phone calls and was scheduling visits when Purdue came around.  

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and become serious about taking your game to the next level?

Scheumann: Probably my freshman year or just before. I worked as hard as I could and became the starting catcher on varsity (McCutcheon) that year. I had good catch and throw skills and realized that if I continued working on that and the rest of my game, I could play at one of the levels in college.  

PBR: Who is the best player you've faced in Indiana, and why?

Scheumann: T.J. Collett. He is a pure hitter. His approach to the plate was unlike any I've seen. He has no hole in his swing, so it was hard calling pitches against him. If my pitcher missed a little bit with any pitch, T.J. would make him pay.  

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Scheumann: Listen to your body, take care of it and stay healthy. Play the game with passion no matter what else may be going on in your life. 

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Scheumann: Winning sectionals against Logansport my Freshman year.  

PBR: Preview your high school season for us.  How do you feel your team will be?  What are your expectations and goals?

Scheumann: If everyone stays healthy, I expect our team to make a state championship run. We have a lot of depth on our roster and a lot of guys who are hungry to compete at a high level this coming spring.  

PBR: Where do you play in the summer?  What has been your most memorable experience with them?

Scheumann:  I play for the Lids Indiana Bulls. My favorite baseball experience with the Bulls organization was getting 2nd place out of a 145 team 18U tournament.  

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