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Sam Browning, RHP, McNicholas HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Lake Erie?

Browning: The coaches and players were great to me when I visited in the fall. I really liked the atmosphere on campus and it just felt like home. I also believe the caliber of baseball at that level and within the league is pretty solid, plus Coach McGee was honest with me about my opportunities. On the academic side, I plan on studying accounting and Lake Erie has a solid business school.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Browning: I initially considered many schools but narrowed them down to Ohio Wesleyan, Concordia University (Ann Arbor), Earlham College and Lake Erie. But in the end the best fit for me was Lake Erie.

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

Browning: Coach McGee first saw me in a tournament game at Otterbein University back in July. After that we just continued to talk and built a good relationship. Once I visited the campus, I built an even closer relationship with Coach McGee and the other coaches on his staff.

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

Browning: I am expected to be a two-way player. Pitcher and 3^rd base with the hopes of hitting in the middle of the line-up.

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

Browning: I feel my biggest strength as a player would be my ability to pitch. I feel I can help Lake Erie next season with both being a starter and coming in as a relief pitcher. I also believe my power as a hitter could help Lake Erie next season as well.

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

Browning: I play for Cincinnati Baseball Club in the summer and the most memorable experience for me was probably when I hit a home run at Dayton University.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season?

Browning: I batted a .320 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI’s along with a 6-1 pitching record and a 1.06 ERA.

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

Browning: The toughest hitter I have faced was Riley Mahan (Moeller) when I pitched against him my sophomore year at McNick.