Another senior leader for CBC, the early favorite to contend for a state championship, Joe Schrimpf has shown to be an impact player and leader who will do what it takens to contribute to his team. 

A starter since his sophomore season, Schrimpf has impressed behind the plate and in the outfield at numerous PBR events, culminating with a standout performance in the Class of 2013 Midwest Future Games last year, where he stepped in for an injured player and established himself as an elite player in the midwest.

Recently committed to Arkansas State, we recently caught up with Schrimpf to get his thoughts on his committment and future.

Joe Schrimpf, C, CBC

PBR: What were the reasons that you ultimately chose Arkansas State?
Schrimpf: I ultimately chose Arkansas State because it felt like home.

PBR: What was the relationship you had with the Arkansas State coaches in the recruitment process?
Schrimpf: I first played on Arkansas State’s campus last fall, and enjoyed it.  I felt a connection with the coaching staff right off the bat (no pun intended).  The coaches and I seemed to have the same goals for the future.

PBR: Do you feel that playing in Missouri and facing the competition you do has prepared you to be a DI player?
Schrimpf: I believe that the competition is Missouri has improved and still is improving.  There are a lot of great players and coaches here that have helped me throughout my life.  They have prepared me to become the player I am today.

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from a hitting and pitching perspective?
Schrimpf: The implementation of BBCOR bats has definitely changed the game.  The focus is more on pitching and defense.  As a hitter, you have to focus more on small ball.  Being able to bunt and know how to hit in certain situations are key with the new bats.  From a pitchers perspective, you got to love it.

PBR: What team did you play for over the summer and how did it go for you? Were there any aspects of your game that you wanted to improve during the summer?
Schrimpf: Over the summer, I played for the St. Louis Gamers.  It went well, we had a tough schedule and played in some competitive tournaments.  I wanted to improve my skills on the infield, because that is where I project myself playing in the future.

PBR: As you head into your senior year, is it good to have the commitment and recruiting process done?
Schrimpf: It is great to have my commitment and recruiting process done.  I have been able to relax and just go out and have fun playing baseball.  I can now focus on my final year of school and start getting ready for college.

PBR: Do you feel that this season will be any different considering that you know where you’ll attend college?
Schrimpf: It is nice knowing where I will be attending, but you still have to go out there and play baseball.  The game hasn’t changed just because I have made my decision.

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish in this upcoming season on an individual level?
Schrimpf: This season, I hope to become a better switch hitter.  I will be working on it in the off-season and hope to be a full time switch hitter by next fall.

 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from the past summer?
Schrimpf: I play for the St. Louis Gamers.  The most memorable experience from the summer was committing to Arkansas State.  I was lucky enough to be playing in a showcase tournament when I made my decision.  It was a special day for my family and I.

 

PBR: What advice would you give to other players who are just beginning the recruiting process?
Schrimpf: My advice would be to be as proactive as possible.  Being able to reach out to colleges is just as important as them reaching out to you.  Also, it is important to play 100% all the time, because you never know who is watching.