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Dan Zdinak, OF/RHP, Toronto HS, Class of 2017

PBR: Why did you choose Ashland?
Zdinak: I chose Ashland because the coaches really made me feel welcome and made me feel like they really wanted me.  I think the new recruiting class is very good and I believe we are a god fit to the existing players who made me feel welcome.  I like there facilities, their strong baseball tradition, and the small school feel.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Zdinak: I was considering Malone University and California University of Pa.

PBR: Where did the Coach Schaly first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?

Zdinak: The coaches haven't seen me play yet but loved my workouts!  My relationship with the coaches became easy and very comfortable the more we spoke.

PBR: Ashland is making several new upgrades to their baseball facility. How much of a role did that play in your decision?

Zdinak: The upgrades are great and made the decision easier but the coaches and team really sold me.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?

Zdinak: Our goals as a team is to win the OVAC championship and then to win the state championship.  We believe we can win and were very upset at losing in 10 innings to Newark Catholic in the regional championship.  I'm not concerned with individual goals, we just focus on the next game in front of us and the stats will take care of themselves.

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

Zdinak: I played for coach Smiley and the Pittsburgh Outlaws out of the Western Pennsylvania Elite Baseball League. This year I may just play for my local legion team, since I will be taking time off in the summer to be in the OVAC all-star football game and the Penn-Ohio Stateline Classic all-star football game.  I loved going away for tournaments and just hanging out with my teammates.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring?

Zdinak: I batted .461,  27R, 18RBI, 16SB, 58.2IP, 6-2, 1.31ERA, 58K, and 1 no hitter in high school.  I batted .488,  55R, 36RBI, 24SB, 76.2IP, 10-1, 1.89ERA, 68K, in travel ball.

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

Zdinak: Berlin Hiland hitters are very tough and made me work hard but I can't single out just one.