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No. 17 Tyler Ward Discusses Indiana State

December 18, 2013



By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

Tyler Ward, a SS/RHP, from Heritage Hills HS recently committed to Indiana State.  Ward became the third Top 20 player in Indiana's 2015 class to commit to the Sycamores.  

Ward, the No. 17 ranked prospect in the class of 2015, was a member of Team Indiana at last August's Midwest Future Games.  At the MWFG he continued to show great actions up the middle and the ability to pitch. On the mound he pitches 82-85 with good movement on all of his pitches.  At the plate he consistently makes hard contact utilizing the whole field.  

Below Ward discusses his commitment to Coach Hannahs and Indiana State University:

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Indiana State? 

Ward: The reason I chose Indiana State was it was a win-win situation. I get to play baseball at the D1 level in a very competitive conference. It is relatively close to home so my family can come watch me play, which was huge for me, and they have an athletic training major.  The fearless approach Coach Hannahs has in the game just made it a good fit for me. 

PBR: Where did ISU first see you compete? 

Ward: ISU first saw me play at the Midwest Futures Games. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Ward: I had emailed lots of schools, but none showed the interest in me that ISU did. Wichita State, UCF, Ohio and Illinois State were all schools I was considering. 

PBR: What do the coaches expect of you when you first arrive on campus? 

Ward: The coach's expect me to come in and be ready to compete, either for a starting spot or on the field in general. 

PBR: Did ISU recruit you as a MIF or a pitcher?  Will you have the opportunity to do both? 

Ward: One of the biggest reasons for committing to ISU was the opportunity to still be a two way player. They want me as a MIF and also a closer or in the relief role. 

PBR: ISU now has 3 Top 20 commits in PBR Indiana's 2015 class in you, Evan Giles, and Dillin Diehm. 

Ward: Actually I had talked to both of them after their commitments. I asked them questions, and got to know them. I look forward to playing with both of them. 

PBR: You were a member of Team Indiana at this year's Midwest Future Games, describe that experience. 

Ward: Being a part of the Midwest Futures Games was truly a blessing. I played with and against the best of the best in front of a lot of scouts. I enjoyed meeting new teammates and having fun while also competing on the field.  

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

Ward: I would say my brother and dad have had an equal impact on me as a baseball player. Both have pushed me, and made me better. Without them I wouldn't be in the situation I am today.   

PBR: What are your goals individually this off-season?

Ward: My main goal this off season is to put on some muscle and weight by lifting and getting stronger. I also want to improve my hitting to all areas of the field, my footwork up the middle and the command of my changeup.  

PBR: What are your goals personally and as a team heading into next spring? 

Ward: For the spring, personally I want to be up to 88 on the mound and be a leader. For my team, the goal is to ultimately win conference outright and win a sectional.  

PBR: What is your fondest baseball memory to date? 

Ward: I would say my fondest memory as a baseball player to date was the semifinal game in Cooperstown, New York. I went 4-4 with 3 HRs and a double. It was pretty memorable finishing 3rd out of a 103 teams and also seeing the Hall Of Fame.  It was by far my favorite experience as a baseball player! 

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