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No. 9 Chris Ayers talks Indiana State

February 17, 2014



By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

Chris AyersWestfield High School OF/RHP Chris Ayers recently committed to Indiana State and head coach Mitch Hannahs.  Ayers is the latest Top 20 player to commit to the Sycamores who now have four verbals from the No. 9, 10, 11, and 17 ranked players in Indiana's class of 2015 rankings.

Ayers, a member of Team Indiana in last August's Midwest Future Games, is a left handed hitting outfielder with lots of projectability.  He possesses a strong arm from the OF at 89 mph and has been up to 86 mph on the mound.  

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Indiana State?

Ayers: I really felt comfortable with the coaching staff.  The program has a history of winning, developing players for the next level and Coach Hannahs has a reputation for being one of the top hitting instructors in the Midwest.

PBR: Where did they first see you compete?

Ayers: I believe coach Hannahs saw me play at the PBR Labor Day challenge event at Illinois State University for the first time, but I know all 3 coaches have seen me play a number of times at PBR events, a showcase, and during my Mustangs and Giants Scout Team seasons.

PBR: When did you first take your visit to ISU and what was that experience like?

Ayers: My first conversation with coach Hannahs was after a double header at their facility back in September, my campus visit was on November 9th.  I was able to spend quite a bit of time getting to know the coaches and we caught a basketball game on the day they honored Larry Bird. 

PBR:  What other schools were you highly interested in? 

Ayers: I had visited Cincinnati, Xavier, Michigan State, Wright State, Kent State and Butler.

PBR: What does Coach Hannah's and the rest of the coaching staff at ISU expect from you when you first arrive on campus? 

Ayers: They expect me to continue to work hard on my game for the next two high school seasons and be prepared to compete and contribute as a freshman in CF and perhaps on the mound.

PBR: Your commitment gives the Sycamores four Top 20 commits in Indiana's 2015 class, with you at #9, Dillin Diehm at #10 , Evan Giles at #11, and Tyler Ward at #17.  Why do you think the Sycamores are landing such highly ranked players, when prior to this year they did not have a commitment from an Indiana player ranked higher than #40?

Ayers: I'm not really sure about the past coach's approach, but coach Hannahs and his staff are committed to recruit top players in Indiana now and in the future. The 2015 class is the start to that process.

PBR: Did Diehm, Giles, and or Ward have any influence on you committing to Indiana State?

Ayers: Evan Giles and Tyler Ward were on my MWFG team and I have played against Dillin Diehm several times and know they are all good players. I could tell ISU was bringing in a great 2015 class so that definitely had some influence on my decision.

PBR: You were a member of Team IN in last year's Midwest Future Games, discuss that experience.

Ayers: I really enjoyed competing against the top talent in the Midwest, and felt that the event really helped me and all of the players get in front of a ton of schools.  I now make the third player on that MWFG team to commit to ISU. 

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

Ayers: Both of my parents and all of my coaches have always been supportive, but definitely my Dad. He played in college and pro ball for a few years and has coached me since I started playing at 6 yrs old. He's taught me a lot about the game, the importance of hard work and how to never get too high with success or too low emotionally when I struggle.

PBR: You play for the Indiana Mustangs and Giants scout team throughout the summer and then fall, how has playing for them helped you as a baseball player?

Ayers: Both teams are dedicated to developing players and play in challenging tournaments that are being scouted by college coaches which ultimately provides visibility for our team.  Coach Christman has taught me a lot about how to play the game, what position I should be playing to best use my skills and was a great resource for me and my family during the campus visit and recruiting process.

PBR: What have you been working on most this off-season to help you prepare for upcoming HS season?

Ayers: I have worked to get stronger and faster.  I'm always working on my swing to become a more consistent hitter and working to be a better defensive outfielder. 

PBR: What are your goals both individually and as team this Spring?

Ayers: We had a great season last year and have most of our Westfield team returning, so hopefully making a run to state.  My goals for this season will include being a great teammate, become a more consistent hitter and defensively look to get better reads on balls in center field.

PBR: What is your fondest baseball memory to date?

Ayers: Probably dating back to my little league days back in Vermont when I was 11 yrs old.  I hit 2 home runs in an all star game off of a 12 yr old kid named Davis Mikel.  He was 6'3 and he threw mid 70's. Winning the HCC title last year was also a blast!

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher and hitter you've faced from Indiana?

Ayers: Some of the toughest batters were Devin Mann and Bailey Partlow, and although I've never faced Ashe Russel, we played on the same team for a few years and he's tough.

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