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Blake Baldridge, LHP, Dublin Coffman HS, Class of 2017

PBR: Why did you choose Otterbein?

Baldridge: I chose Otterbein because of the coaching staff. I really felt they were willing to invest in my development as a player and person and that was very important to me for making my college decision. I also had past experience with the pitching coach,  coach LaCorte when I did a velocity training program with him last winter.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Baldridge: Wittenberg 

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Baldridge: They saw me in the PBR fall prospect program, and they asked me to visit campus and meet them. They are all great coaches and great people and I can't wait to get on campus.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Baldridge: They just want me to come and be willing to grind everyday and become the best player and pitcher I can be for them.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Baldridge: I think my varsity coach Tim Saunders and JV coach Nick Blake. Coach Saunders always believed in my ability even through the rough parts of my high school career. Coach Blake was the weight trainer for our program and he constantly pushed me to the limit to get me stronger mentally and physically.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Baldridge: I played for the Ohio Bandits this past summer. My most exciting memory playing for them was we played a team that some of the guys on my team played high school ball with a lot of their guys so it was a pretty heated game but we ended up pulling it out in the end it was a close one though. We all went a little crazy afterwards but it was fun. I had a great group of guys on my team we always had fun   

PBR: The Otterbein campus is extremely close to home.  How much of a role did distance play in your decision?

Baldridge: It most definitely played a part. My parents want to be able to come watch me play and I want to be able to see them whenever I need to. It was a win win situation for my family and I. 

PBR: What were your stats last season?

Baldridge: I had a few no decisions.  I went 1-1 with a 3.30 ERA 

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

Baldridge: I faced Ohio Elite over the summer. All of them were great players and most of them are going to be playing high level ball in college.