Q&A with Indiana Commit Patrick Loeffler

February 18, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2016 3B Patrick Loeffler of Stevenson recently committed to Indiana. Loeffler is currently ranked No. 83 in the Illinois Class of 2016. He has impressed with his bat since his first PBR event in October of 2014. Here is a report on him from the 2015 Top Prospect Showcase.

6/18/15 - Solid build with strength, 6-foot-1, 200-pound left-handed hitting third baseman. Hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, stride slightly dives, uses lower half and maintains good balance through contact. Barrel aware, showed bat strength and made hard contact. Path is short to the baseball, has a middle to opposite field approach. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played well from third, short high ¾ arm action, showed occasional carry, 78 mph across the diamond, longer release. Should have the ability to improve footwork at third, runs well, 6.98 runner in the 60.

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

Loeffler: I really didn't know what to expect going into the recruiting process. I kind of thought that the schools would come find you but that was not the case. I soon began to realize that I needed to find the schools that I was interested in, contact them directly, and then try and get out to their camps so I get the opportunity to work with the coaching staff and develop a relationship. It was more difficult than expected based solely on the fact that there are so many kids fighting for such a limited number of spots.

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

Loeffler: Looking solely at the baseball program a number of factors played a role in my decision. One being the coaching staff. You really have to like the coaches because you are going to be spending a lot of your time with them and it is important to develop a good bond. To go along with that, a place with excellent facilities both indoor and outdoor giving you the best opportunity to get better day in and day out. Academics have always been important to me and Indiana presents an excellent environment to be successful in the classroom.

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

Loeffler: I wanted to get away from home but didn't want to go too far which is why schools in the Midwest were so appealing.

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?

Loeffler: Things began picking up during fall ball of my junior year and then leading into the winter where I had attended various camps/showcases and picked up interest from numerous schools. Following the spring season of my junior year where we made a playoff run winning a regional and sectional championship things heated up quickly. I attending the Top Prospects Showcase and then the following weekend I participated in the Chicagoland classic held at UIC, which gave me plenty of exposure to coaches.

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

Loeffler: My relationship with the coaches at Indiana first started when I attended their camp in the winter of my junior year. I did really well and we kept in contact via email and phone calls throughout the spring season. Then they saw me play at the Top Prospects showcase and then Coach made the trip out to see me play at the Chicagoland Classic. Following that I took a visit and we continued to develop a relationship.

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

Loeffler: Ever since I took my first visit and took a tour of the campus I knew it was the place I wanted to go. Indiana has so much to offer but the world class facilities to go along with an excellent coaching staff really give you everything you need to succeed all in one place. They have had a lot of success in the past and the future looks bright making my decision that much easier. Not to mention the academics are second to none.

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

Loeffler: Illinois State and Western Michigan.

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

Loeffler: I would have to say Cooper Johnson. He's a stud behind the plate and made one of the best defensive plays I've ever seen a catcher make last spring. He reacted to a foul tip off the bat, caught it for strike 3 and then threw a bullet to second from his knees to pick our guy off second. Throw couldn't have been any better.

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?

Loeffler: Following a successful spring and summer season my sophomore year playing against some good competition I talked with my coach and realized I had the potential to play at the next level. I attended a few showcases and the recruiting process took off from there.

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

Loeffler: Be the hardest worker on the team and always stay focused on your goals, never get too high or get too low. Stay level headed. Also, if you find a school you are interested in, reach out to them, don't wait for the schools to come find you. Be proactive.

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

Loeffler: Winning a Regional and Sectional championship last spring.

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

Loeffler: There's no question it is going to be a fun and exciting season. Coming off a long playoff run last year expectations are high as we are returning the majority of our team. Experience is going to be our greatest asset only losing 1 pitcher and 3 position players. We know we have some unfinished business to take care of so we'll be ready to go from the start of the season.

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

Loeffler: I play for the Northern Knights. I don't think I could pick out just one moment with such a great group of guys who made every tournament and practice memorable. Definitely memories and friendships I'll have for a long time.

Q&A with Indiana Commit Patrick Loeffler

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