By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

Jake Byrd, a senior at Decatur Central HS, discusses his recent commitment to Vincennes University and Head Coach Chris Barney:

PBR: Why did you choose Vincennes? 

Byrd: I chose Vincennes because of the campus and the new baseball facility. I also really like the coaching staff and the direction of the program. 

PBR: Where did Vincennes first see you compete? 

Byrd: I attended several of their showcases. They also came to watch me play this past summer in a travel tournament. 

PBR: Were there any other schools you were considering? 

Byrd: Grace College, OSU Lima, and Harper College. 

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

Byrd: To work hard and to earn my spot in the starting lineup. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer, and how have they impacted you as a baseball player? 

Byrd: The Indy Gators for the last 4 years and the Indy Vipers next summer. Playing with an elite travel team gave me the opportunity to play in front of college scouts and to play against the best competition in the Midwest. 

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

Byrd: My dad has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player, by far. 

PBR: What are your goals heading into the off-season? 

Byrd: To get stronger and faster so I can improve my overall skills and to become a leader on my high school team. 

PBR: What are your goals both personally and as team next spring? 

Byrd: To be an all-conference player and to win sectionals. 

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball memory to date? 

Byrd: My little league all-star team qualifying for the Indiana state championship tournament 3 years in a row.  We also finished state runner-up to Jeffersonville as 11 year olds.