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Nick Ely, OF, Aurora HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Notre Dame College?

Ely:  I loved the coaches, the campus, and the atmosphere along with the direction of the program when I went on my visit. I heard and saw nothing but good things and it got me really excited about my future there. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Ely:  Ohio Dominican, Ohio Northern, University of the Cumberlands, and West Virginia

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Ely:  I believe the coaches first saw me play at my high school field during the CABA High School World Series in mid July. Coach Burkle talked to me after the game and then the coaching staff came to my next game that same day. I stayed in contact with them and enjoyed conversing with them until my visit in late October where I received my offer. Since then, I talked with Coach Erdelyi a few times a week until I accepted the offer.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Ely:  The coaches think I can contribute and make a difference right away. They want me to compete for the starting job at 3rd base and show I can be an impact player from the start. 

PBR: Notre Dame College is very close to home.  Did distance play a major part of your decision?

Ely: Distance did not play a role. I was a looking for the school that was the best fit for me not only from a baseball standpoint, but academically as well along with the comfort level and overall atmosphere. Notre Dame College is a school I can see myself succeeding at, and it had everything I wanted in a school, so it was the best choice for me.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help NDC baseball?

Ely:  I think my biggest strength would my defensive skill set. Ever since I have been a little kid I have always enjoyed playing defense, more so than hitting. I think my defense will help NDC baseball because they lost a few games by one run last year and totaled 60 unearned runs, and the goal is to lessen both of those numbers while I'm there  in the hopes of winning more games and reach the ultimate dream of winning a College World Series. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Ely:  I play for the Diamond Boys Baseball Club and the Aurora Greenmen, and the most memorable experience from this summer would have to be when our team went 6-0 in the High School World Series and finished 7th overall in the tournament. 

PBR: What were your stats for last spring?

Ely:  Hitting: 37/98 (.378 avg.), .422OBP, 4 doubles, 20 runs scored, 18 RBIs,   Fielding: 58 assists, 30 put-outs, 6 double plays

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?

Ely:  Nate Alstadt, an Alabama commit from Solon.