Q&A With St. Cloud State Commit: Shannon Ahern, LHP/OF, Holy Angels

February 8, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

PBR Minnesota strives to be the most comprehensive source of player information across the state. The Prep Baseball Report is the No. 1 resource for high school baseball in each state we cover through our variety of events, boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, daily coverage, and multimedia platforms. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem, ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in each state. While other organizations take a national approach, our goal is to become the authoritative voice on the ground level of each state.

Interested in attending a PBR Minnesota event? Check out our schedule by Clicking Here.

Interested in subscribing to Prep Baseball Report? Click Here.

Name: Shannon Ahern
Position: LHP/OF
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds
High School: Holy Angels
PBR Rank: #38 in MN 2016 Class

Evaluation: 5-foot-10, 155-pound 2-way player who ran a 7.35 60. Upside on mound with pitchability. Throws 79-81 mph topping out at 83 mph. FB shows arm-side sink. Back-foot breaking ball to RHH is a plus pitch. Stays around the zone; attacks hitters; and should contribute immediately at college level. Spray hitter with solid contact who uses the whole field. Level line drive swing plane with 85 mph exit velocity off tee. Loose body with actions in outfield. Short arm action with decent carry and above average accuracy. 86 mph arm strength from outfield.

PBR: Why did you choose St. Cloud State University?
AHERN: St. Cloud felt like the overall best fit for me. The coaches developed a close relationship with me from the very beginning and were very patient with me about my decision. It is a top-notch baseball program and the campus size seemed perfect for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
AHERN: I was considering St. Thomas, DMACC, and Minnesota State.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
AHERN: They first saw me at their prospect camp the fall of my junior year. The coaching staff reconnected with me after they saw me at the PBR Top Prospect Games. After that we kept in touch a couple times a week.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
AHERN: I do feel relieved. Now I can enjoy the rest of my senior year and get ready for the upcoming varsity season.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
AHERN: Yes. Coach Dolan was very consistent with keeping in contact with me and I felt that was important. SCSU is a contender every year to go to a national championship. Also, they have the academic program that I want to major in.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
AHERN: My parents. They have sacrificed a lot for me and they have always been by my side through school and athletics. Baseball wise, my club coaches Tom Buske and Steve McGuiggan with the Minnesota Mash have helped me improve the most as a player. Also, Justin Musil with Elite Sports Advising helped guide me through the recruiting process which at times could get difficult.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
AHERN: At times it could get tough, but I enjoyed hearing from numerous coaches. I’m glad I made my decision and I can focus on the rest of the school year.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
AHERN: They want me to get stronger in the fall and expect me to compete for a spot. I’ll do what the coaches need me to do whether it’s starting or coming out of the bullpen.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
AHERN: The most memorable moment was making a run through the section loser bracket in the 2014 varsity season as an 8 seed. We beat the #1, 2, 4, 5 seeds but ended up falling short in the second game of the section final. Hopefully it is a different outcome for my team this year.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
AHERN: Probably Ty Denzer from Chanhassen. I pitched against him my sophomore year and he was always a tough out.

Q&A With St. Cloud State Commit: Shannon Ahern, LHP/OF, Holy Angels

RECENT NEWS