Emerson Keppler, OF, Thomas Worthington HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Mount Union?

Keppler:  From the start, Mount Union just clicked with me. I was very impressed with their academics and campus, plus their great athletic tradition. I admire the baseball program Coach Paul Hesse has established at Mount Union.  I feel I can really grow as a player in the Mount Union baseball system.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Keppler:  Other schools I considered were Marshall, Heidelberg, and Muskingum.

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

Keppler:  The Mount Union coaching staff first saw me playing at Northern Kentucky University in the Cincy Flames Summer Classic Tournament.  I visited campus several times, meeting with the coaching staff and current players, and that further solidified my decision. 

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

Keppler:  The coaching staff expects me to fulfill the role as an athletic outfielder that has the versatility to play all three outfield positions.

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

Keppler:  I feel my biggest strength as a player is a combination of speed and power.  I believe that it is important to be fast on both sides of the ball, offense and defense.  I can steal bases, cover ground in the outfield, and put a bat on the ball.

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

Keppler:  During the summer I played for Team Columbus, comprised of players from other Columbus area high schools.  As well as making many new friendships, my most memorable experiences include traveling to many different campuses, and benefiting from the strong competition. 

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?

Keppler:  My goals for my senior year at Thomas Worthington are to help our team win a state title for Coach Stephen Gussler.  This includes working on all aspects of the game: offensive strategies, defensive play, and the chemistry of the team.  Individually, I have my eye on the school's stolen base record.

PBR: What were your stats for this past summer on Team Columbus?

Keppler:  Team Columbus hitting stats include a .360 average, 31 hits, and 21 RBI's in 30 recorded games. 

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

The toughest pitcher I have faced in Ohio would be TJ Zeuch.