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Q&A with Eastern Illinois Commit Grant Emme

September 6, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Grant Emme of Kaukauna recently committed to Eastern Illinois. Emme is currently ranked No. 34 in the Wisconsin class of 2018. Here is a report on Emme from the Fox Cities Preseason ID Showcase this past February.

Grant Emme2/21/16 - 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a lanky, athletic frame. Showed off athleticism running an event best 6.70 60-yard dash. Offensively hits form a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Line drive gap to gap hitter with a short path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact at 86 mph from a tee. Defensively has a long arm action from a low ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork and average hands. Threw 80 mph from the outfield.

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

Emme: I didn't expect the recruiting process to be very difficult. I was confident that if I worked hard and surrounded myself with the right people I would find the school that I was looking for. The process turned out to be mostly what I expected. It was a little stressful at times, but I eventually found the perfect fit with Eastern Illinois.

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

Emme: A few things I was looking for were a quality education, a campus that I felt comfortable with, and a coaching staff that would develop me not only as a baseball player but as a person. Eastern Illinois had all of those and more.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Emme: Location was not a factor in my decision. I was willing to go anywhere in the country if the school was the right fit.

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?

Emme: The recruiting process started to heat up during my summer tournaments with the Wisconsin Panthers. One particular tournament was the Chicago Scouts Showcase in Kenosha, WI. There were many college coaches in attendance, including Coach Godinez from Eastern Illinois. I played really well and it gave me a good base for the rest of the summer.

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

Emme: Coach Beemer with Eastern Illinois first saw me at a winter showcase hosted by the Wisconsin Panthers out of Appleton, WI.  He saw me one more time in winter at the Hitters Top Prospect Camp. He came to a couple of my games in the summer while we were also talking regularly. I eventually went down for a visit and worked out at their showcase. A few weeks later I was invited back to Charleston where I later made my decision.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Emme: I really enjoyed the size of the campus.  In less than 15 minutes you can walk from one side to another.  Other key factors were a coaching staff I was comfortable with, and the major I am interested in was offered.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Emme: Northern Illinois and Illinois State were a few others that I was interested in.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Emme: The best player I have faced is Jeff Holtz of Arrowhead. He's a great hitter and he keeps baserunners on their toes from behind the plate.

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

Emme: I always felt like I could do anything that I worked hard at. During my first season with the Wisconsin Panthers (13u) we played in some highly competitive tournaments with really good pitching. I had some success and thought I could take it to the next level with hard work.

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

Emme: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. If you work hard, good things will come.

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

Emme: My most memorable moment is winning the Gameday National Championship last summer. We came into Sunday in a tough position but we battled all day and  beat British Columbia for the ring.

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

Emme: Kaukauna lost some good pitching from last season but we also have some talent coming up. I believe we will finish in the top half of the conference this year. We expect to win every time we step on the field. The goal is always to get to Appleton and bring home a state title.

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

Emme: In the summer I play with the Wisconsin Panthers based in Appleton, WI.  Aside from the Gameday National Championship my most memorable experience is when we beat Japan at the International Championships last summer in Crystal Lake, IL.

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