Q&A With Valpo Commit: '16 Steven Fitzsimmons, OF, Robbinsdale Cooper

February 12, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

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Name: Steven Fitzsimmons
Position: OF
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 175-pounds
High School: Robbinsdale Cooper
PBR Rank: #16 in MN 2016 Class

Evaluation: 6-foot, 175-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Athletic framed outfielder who shows loose hands and ability at plate. Mid-pull approach with balance. Aggressive swings. Some length to contact. Good energy in outfield with above average actions. Arm is free and clean producing 82 mph throws with above average accuracy and carry. Lean build that will continue to fill out and develop.

PBR: Why did you choose Valparaiso University?
FITZSIMMONS: I chose Valparaiso University because I felt comfortable there and had a great time on my visit. Their current team really made me feel like it was something I wanted to be a part of. Valpo's academic reputation was a large factor in my decision as well.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
FITZSIMMONS: Western Illinois, Kirkwood CC, Iowa Central CC, and Hutchinson CC.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them? FITZSIMMONS: Their coaching staff got in contact with me in September and things progressed quickly from there. They saw me play numerous times in the PG WWBA Kernels Foundation tournament in Cedar Rapids, IA on October 2-5. Following that, I went on an official visit on October 17-18 and committed soon after.

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?
FITZSIMMONS: I'm extremely relieved to be done with the recruiting process. Deciding where to go to college was one of the most important decisions I've had to make, and I'm glad that I can now turn my attention to enjoying my last year of high school. It's going to be great to step on the field this upcoming spring and just have fun playing the game I love with my teammates.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
FITZSIMMONS: The facilities at Valpo were a factor that really put it over the top for me. Having an indoor hitting facility, clubhouse, and locker room connected to the dugout is a convenience that few college programs have. Also, many of the academic buildings have been renovated in recent years. My decision was easy because I could really envision myself on campus there.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
FITZSIMMONS: Brett Thorney and all the coaches at TCBA have had the largest impact on my baseball career. I've worked with Coach Thorney since I was a freshman and he has pushed me and motivated me to be the best I can be. He has put a ton of time and effort into my development as a player and I can't thank him enough. My family has been extremely supportive throughout the entire process and I am so grateful for them. My advisor Justin Musil has also helped a lot by putting me in a position to be successful and informing my family on the recruiting process. Lastly, my high school coach Tim Palm has helped me develop as a leader both on and off the field and I thank him for that.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
FITZSIMMONS: I expected it to be a bit difficult, and it definitely was. The recruiting process has ups and downs but overall I am very satisfied with how everything turned out.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
FITZSIMMONS: With three senior outfielders graduating this year, they believe I can compete for a starting spot in the outfield right away. No matter how things play out my freshman year, I'm excited to work hard and compete for my spot.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
FITZSIMMONS: All the great times with my TCBA teammates. Some of my favorite memories with TCBA are hitting back-to-back home runs with Nolan Friedrichs and taking 3rd place in the PG WWBA Kernels Foundation tourney in October. It's been fun to win so many games with these guys and I can't wait to play with them again this winter and summer.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
FITZSIMMONS: Either Gavin Lux from Wisconsin or Alex Speas from Georgia.

Q&A With Valpo Commit: '16 Steven Fitzsimmons, OF, Robbinsdale Cooper

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