Follow @PBRMichigan 

 Hunter Piesko, INF, Howell HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Lansing?

Piesko:  Coach Merchant and I have continued to communicate and connect over a period of time.  Within those discussions, it is understood how I can fit into the Lansing program. Coach Merchant and the LCC program offers me a location and program that works well for me with how I would like to pursue my collegiate baseball and academic future.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Piesko: Ohio Wesleyan, Northland University, MCC, JCC and Benedictine University.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you?

Piesko:  Coach Merchant and I have been in touch for about a year. We have had most of our interactions within the past five (5) months as we began to get more serious about our plans for 2015.  The first time Coach seen me was a PBR event at MSU in 2013.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable moment?

Piesko: I play for the Hawks Gold out of Howell.  My most memorable moment was in semi-finals of the CABA World Series.  Our team was down 0-8 to a team out of Pennsylvania.  It was our last at-bats and down to our last out, with no runners on base.  From that point, the team combined for 10 straight base hits to a 9-8 victory.  Good lesson on working hard and never giving up.

PBR: What are your personal and team goals for your senior season?

Piesko:  My goals for my senior season include one thing, winning a State Championship!  I will continue to work hard on improving my strength / speed and my overall game to be able to contribute to this goal. Nothing I would like more than to be a part of that and share that with the community, school, teammates and friends.  Especially, those teammates that I have played and continue to play summer baseball with me since we were 6 years old (Ackerman, Palo, Mercer and Rendell).

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Piesko:  My dad and I did a lot of reading, using information that is available on the internet and talking with those that have gone through the process and pulling critical information from sources like www.prepbaseballreport.com.  So, I understood there was a lot of decisions I needed to make.  Understanding clearly "what I wanted to do" ended up being the hardest part.  I guess what I didn't expect but, became a lot of fun was the amount of effort involved to understand what the needs were of the colleges I was pursuing and how I fit with that need.  Then starting communication with these coaches and stepping through a process that I designed for myself.

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

Piesko:  Well I have had a lot of help.  Cory Conrad my hitting instructor was critical in helping me with my mental approach and preparation for my at-bats, understanding my swing and improving my performance.  Chris Downs who I work with on strength and conditioning allows me a great plan for physical preparation.  But, if I had to pick one person that has impacted me most both as a person and as a baseball player. It would have to be my dad.  He has easily had the biggest impact on me.  Through all the training, the effort and time he takes to help me improve and be a better person and player.  I truly cannot thank him enough for all he has done with me and for me.  

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced?

Piesko:  Hector Santiago from a team called Team Gameface out of Puerto Rico.  Near 90 mph fastball with good movement.