Follow @PBR_Ohio

AJ Kimes, LHP, Aurora HS, Class of 2016

Why did you choose Dayton?

Kimes: My brother is a sophomore at UD and I have been able to spend time on campus with him over the last two years, as a result I really fell in love with it. I also had a chance to attend a camp on campus and really enjoyed the staff, field and mound. During this process I had the chance to visit several incredible schools  and although I enjoyed each visit Dayton just felt like home. I had the opportunity to  meet coach Romick a few times over the summer and I felt an immediate bond. Coach Vittorio and his staff were very welcoming to me and my family and challenged me to continue to work hard. Dayton also offers me a chance to pursue my interest in becoming a dentist by enrolling into the pre-dental program.

What schools were you considering? 

Kimes: I was considering some amazing schools with outstanding coaches such as  Dennison, John Carrol, Marietta, Earlham, Mercyhurst, Lake Erie College, and Ohio State

Where did the Dayton coaches first see you?

Kimes: Coach Romick first saw me at a Perfect Game event in Atlanta, Georgia when I was pitching for the Ohio Elite 17 team coached by Chris Valentine.

What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable moment?

Kimes: I played this summer with Ohio Elite North coached by Rob McNerney who was an outstanding coach and mentor.  My most memorable moment was throwing a no hitter at Belmont University in  Nashville, Tennessee against the Tennessee Outlaws!

How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 program?

Kimes: Coach McNerney and Ohio Elite do an incredible job preparing its players for baseball and life in general. As part of our winter workouts Mr. John DiJulius was a guest speaker and he shared some goal setting techniques with us. I was able to apply his technique of visual goal setting and turned a dream into reality. I posted my goals one of which was playing division one baseball on my mirror to keep me focused each day. It feels like a dream come true to not only play for a division one program but to play at the school I have longed to attend for the past several years! I also feel a ton of relief to know where I will be playing my next four years and now I can prepare for my senior year of High School baseball with The Aurora Greenmen and Coach Brancazio.

What were your stats last spring?

Kimes: 7-2 record, 56.1 innings. .870 ERA, 1.030 WHIP

Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Ohio?

Kimes: This is difficult as I have faced allot of tough hitters however I have two players in mind. These two players are Andy Weber University of Virginia and Matt Carpenter Ohio State. Facing these guys in practice and intra-squad scrimmages made me realize that Andy and Matt are both completely different hitters. Andy is more of a 3 hole power hitter with outstanding speed who uses the entire field with ease. Matt was more of a contact guy that literally hit every ball solid and also used the whole field. Matt was also a switch hitter lead off type guy with the ability to move runners and bunt from both sides of the plate. They both were exceptionally good at laying off of the curve ball and hitting fastballs. I would always try and keep them off balance with changing locations and speed never wanting  them to dig in or get comfortable. Our battles we long as they both knew how to waste pitches daring me to make a mistake. They gave me fits for 2 seasons!