Commitment Corner: 2019 SS Johnny Decker (Albany Academy)

PBR:   Tell us all about your recruitment process, when it started, and why you decided to commit to Stony Brook.

Decker:  I started my recruiting process in 9th grade by going to various college showcase camps. By sophomore year I was doing several PBR events, Baseball Factory, and other showcases further down south. By the start of my junior year 6 different college coaches would be attending almost every one of my high school game to look at different players. Stony Brook came to one high school game before they invited me down for a visit. I loved the campus, the facilities, the coaches and everything in between. I really liked everything about Stony Brook and after the head Coach came to watch my high school team compete in the semi and finals of the state championship, I was sold on where I wanted to go to college.

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

Decker:  I’m a pretty athletic kid and although I play shortstop, I think I would have no problem being moved around the diamond.  

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

Decker:   My number one priority is to gain weight, and improve my skills as much as possible before the spring time comes.

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

Decker:   My biggest influence throughout my life would have to be my dad, he played at the D3 level and always pushed me a taught me the game. At the professional level I looked up to Derek Jeter as a kid, the way he played the game and carried himself on the field is something any baseball player would love to have inside them.

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?

Decker:  I have had a pleasant experience working with PBR. I attended a few winter showcases where videos and comments were made based on my performance and I think that really helped mold me into the player I am today.