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Get to Know: 2017 LHP Drew Wilden (West Deptford HS, NJ)

January 24, 2017



By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...  


Name: Drew Wilden
High School: West Deptford
Position: LHP
Grad Year: 2017
State Rank: 3
Commitment: Maryland 

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Maryland. Tell us about the decision-making process? How excited are you to play in the Big Ten?   

Wilden: The University of Maryland was one of the first teams to contact me during my sophomore season and they watched me develop a ton before I made my
commitment. I decided to go there because of the great academics, the beautiful
campus, the great baseball facilities, and the awesome coaching staff. I am very
excited to play in the Big Ten with some of the best players in the country. 

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young men on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?   

Wilden:  Baseball has a great way teaching individuals lessons. One life-lesson that I have picked up from the game of baseball is to never lose confidence in yourself.
Whenever things aren’t going too well, just forget about it and move on. Once you
lose confidence, you’ll dig yourself into a deeper whole and create a bigger mess.

PBR:  If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like?  

Wilden:  My scouting report would include an athletic pitcher who can throw all three
pitches for strikes in any count and can repeat his mechanics well on the mound.

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training and spring preparation.  

Wilden:  During this off-season, I’m working hard to strengthen my lower body and
shoulders. I have pitching workouts late on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the South Jersey Bullpen (Mickleton, NJ), I lift on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I hit Wednesdays and Fridays there, too.

PBR: If you could only pick one, who would be your biggest baseball influence and why?  

Wilden:  My biggest influence is definitely my dad. He always lets me know what I have to improve on and he always gives me words of encouragement before I pitch. He was
my coach during my youth years and he has taught me many lessons through the
game of baseball.

PBR: Name three goals for the upcoming 2017 season.

Wilden:
1. Win the South Jersey Championship
2. Win the State Championship for the second straight season
3. Just go out and have fun during my senior season

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career so far?

Wilden:  The best player I have pitched against is (2017 SS) Adam Hall (AB Lucas Secondary HS, ON - Texas A&M commit) at the 2016 Rivalry Classic at Fenway Park.

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Wilden: My pregame superstitions start with wearing the same ¾ sleeve undershirt every
game, I have the same warmup routine before every start, and lastly, I always jump
over the foul line while jogging out to the mound.

PBR: What would be your best walkout song? (clean songs only, of course)

Wilden: My best walkout song would be "Schemin' Up" by Drake.



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