Commitment Q&A with Iowa Commit Brody Irlbeck
January 23, 2024
Irlbeck showed similarly loud stuff throughout the spring with his Staley club, as well as two different stops at Creekside during our summer circuit. He's a clean, athletic, and low-effort mover that seemingly is just starting to scratch his surface on the mound.
Recently we spoke to the Iowa commit about his journey throughout the recruiting process, why he chose the Hawkeyes, his most memorable baseball moment, and more. You'll find that full chat below.
OUR Q&A
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Irlbeck: I thought the recruiting process was going to be a long and slow process, but it was very fast for me as it only took 2 months for me to make my decision. What i was looking for out of a college program was somewhere I would enjoy to play at and also face good competition, while also having a great coaching staff that would help me be a better baseball player throughout college.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Irlbeck: No not at all. Mainly all my family is from Iowa including both my parents who went to Iowa.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Irlbeck: It started to heat up in the summer of 2022 after freshman year. Iowa first saw me through a tweet that Tony L. posted about me pitching in the mid-80’s. I don’t exactly remember when but they eventually came down to watch a few games at Creekside later in the month of july.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Irlbeck: What I liked the most is the coaching staff. They were awesome and ecstatic in hearing that I wanted to commit and they enjoyed having me up there for their camp. I felt like a second home.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Irlbeck: Wichita State.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Irlbeck: Addison Smith (Liberty, 2023; Oklahoma State signee) because he is a beast. When I first faced him at Liberty, he hit a missile to the deepest part of the field and that shook me. But he is a great 6-tool player, he has everything a great baseball player should have. I think he will have a great career at Oklahoma State.
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Irlbeck: The summer after freshman year after I got the first offer to play in college was when I realized I had the talent and skills to do so.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Irlbeck: I would say just to be patient and trust the process that you are going through while working hard, because eventually someone is going to notice you.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Irlbeck: I have two - getting my first offer to play in college and being the winning pitcher against Rock Bridge and Blue Springs South this past school season.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Irlbeck: We have 14 commits on the squad this year so we look good on paper. Most of our guys have been on varsity for 2+ years so they should know what’s up. Plus Coach Wilson is pushing us to be great as it is his last year coaching. I feel like all the talent and passion with Coach Willy and Coach Mac, we will be a great baseball team this year.