Jack Martin, a senior from Carmel High School, recently committed to Eastern Illinois University. PBR had a chance to talk with the 6-foot-4 first baseman about his decision.

PBR: Why did you choose Eastern Illinois?
Jack: I chose Eastern because for many reasons. I really like the atmosphere of the campus and how it feels to be there. The biggest reason I chose Eastern is because I feel like I fit in there with how they run their program and I really like the philosophies of Coach Schmitz and his staff.

PBR: Where did Eastern Illinois first see you compete?
Jack: Eastern first saw me compete at the Indiana State Winter camp this off-season.

PBR: What other schools did you consider?
Jack: The other schools I was considering were Depauw, Manchester, and Bradley.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play during your first year on campus?
Jack: In my first year at Eastern the coaching staff expects me to compete for a starting job whether that be at first base or DH and really work hard to improve my game and contribute to the team.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Jack: The person with the biggest impact on me as a player is my long time summer coach and now high school coach Dan Roman. He has helped me so much along the way with everything from baseball to life and I can't thank him enough for the things he has done for me.

PBR: Heading into your senior year at Carmel what are your goals individually and as a team?
Jack: Heading into my senior year at Carmel my goals are to help my team as much as I can as a leader and to hit above 500 for the year. As a team I feel like we should have a great year and our goal as always is to be the best we can be and as always the number one goal is to win state.

PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?
Jack: The aspect of my game that needs the most improvement is speed. I have been working very hard this off-season to improve that and the results will come.

PBR: Have you decided on a major, or narrowed it down?
Jack: I have not decided on a major specifically yet, but I would like to do something along the lines of environmental sciences.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and how have they helped you as a baseball player?
Jack: During the summer I play for the Indiana Mustangs out of Roundtrippers Academy in Westfield. I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance and teachings of the instructors there and I am grateful for their help during this process.