By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Aaron Ochsenbein, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound RHP from Paul Laurence Dunbar HS committed to Eastern Kentucky University last week.  Ochsenbein, currently ranked No.13 in Kentucky's 2014 class, showed well at multiple PBR events, including the Top Prospect Games at Eastern Kentucky where he showed a fastball up to 86 mph and one of the top breaking balls of the event.  We have seen Ochsenbein up to 87 and think there is more velocity to come for the right-hander.

We recently caught up with Ochsenbein to discuss his decision.

 

PBR: Why did you choose Eastern Kentucky?

 

Ochsenbein:  I chose Eastern Kentucky because it was the best fit for me with baseball and academics.

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

 

Ochsenbein:  Bellarmine University, Murray State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Louisville, East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, Southeast Missouri State University, and University of the Cumberlands.

  

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Ochsenbein:  A regular season game @ West Jessamine.

PBR: What role does Coach Stein expect you to play during your first year on campus?

 

Ochsenbein:  It all depends on how I do when I get there and where they think I would be the best fit as a pitcher.

 

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

 

Ochsenbein:  Kevin O’Reel (Kentucky Rockers coach) who first discovered me, Kevin Clary (KBC coach) who gave me a plethora of exposure, and Marty Weisler (Dunbar pitching coach) who taught me everything I know about pitching. I couldn’t have made it here without those three coaches and my teammates that pushed me.

 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

 

Ochsenbein:  Kentucky Baseball Club. The most exciting experience was when I pitched against the Diamond Devils @ Lipscomb University and won.

PBR: What are your goals for your senior season at Paul Laurence Dunbar?

 

Ochsenbein:  The teams’ goal is to win state. My personal goals are to have fun and play to the best of my ability.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Kentucky?

 

Ochsenbein:  Griffin Neuer from Lexington Catholic.