Commitment Corner: 2018 1B Andrew Roden (Vernon-Verona HS)

PBR:  Tell us all about your recruitment process, when it started, and why you decided to commit to ? (enter your school into this question)

Roden: My recruitment process started my sophomore year at an indoor showcase. That's when I first got into contact with Umass Lowell. I then visited there spring of my sophomore year and I really liked it there. I kept in contact and visited again during the summer because I was in Massachusetts for a baseball tournament. That's when things got serious and I then visited in the fall of my junior year and that's when I committed.

PBR:   Looking at your skill-set on the baseball field, what would you say your biggest strength at the next-level will be?

Roden: My biggest skill-set at the next level will being able to drive the ball to the opposite side of the field.

PBR:  What’s your No. 1 priority going into the Winter in terms of getting prepared for next spring?

Roden: This winter I will continue working on my swing and hitting the weights. I want to make sure that I am fully prepared for my senior year and transitioning into summer baseball and college.

PBR:   Who is your biggest influence when it comes to playing the game of baseball?

Roden:  My biggest influence is definitely my dad. I've always looked up to him when it comes to sports and how he adapts to tough situations. He's always taught me to keep my cool on and off the baseball field and to never give up no matter the deficit or the lead. Also when you're knocked down to always get up because it's not how hard you can hit, it's how hard you can get hit and continue moving forward. Every step of the way my dad and mom have had my back and have done everything in there power to set me up for success.

PBR:   Prep Baseball Report’s No. 1 goal is to provide players with an unrivaled platform filled with next-level exposure through events and multi-media avenues. What’s your experience been with us?

Roden: I've only went to one PBR event but all the staff and people who represent PBR are very professional and awesome people to be around. I had a great experience at that event and it was very well structured. They also had a very good turnout of scouts and they do an excellent job of getting players names out to the right people. I highly recommend PBR events and working with them.