Bobby Paola, INF, CHCA, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio Dominican?

Paola: I chose ODU because of their strong academics, the location being in Columbus, having the opportunity to play for a great coach like Coach Page, and I will be playing in one of the best conferences in the country the GLIAC. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Paola: John Carroll, Centre College, Baldwin Wallace

PBR: Where did Ohio Dominican first see you? How did your relationship develop with Coach Page?

Paola: ODU first contacted my coaches and I after seeing my PBR videos, and then they came down to watch me.  My relationship grew quickly with Coach Page and assistant Coach Matt Davis after my visit.  Coach Page is a lot like my school ball head coach Larry Redwine so I felt very comfortable with him.

PBR: Coach Page has made Ohio Dominican a baseball powerhouse. What will it be like to play under the legendary coach?

Paola: It will be an honor to play for ODU and Coach Page.  Coach Page has built an unbelievable program at ODU and I can't wait to be a part of that tradition.

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

Paola: The coaches expect me to come in work hard everyday both on the field and in the classroom, and compete for some playing time.

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

Paola: My biggest strength as a player is definitely defensively in my ability to make plays in the field, and offensively it is my ability to get on base and hit with some power.

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Paola: Last year I played for the Cincinnati Baseball Club, but this summer I will be playing for the Ohio Force.  Travel Ball has helped me develop as a player playing the best competition in the country every game has really helped me prepare for college ball.

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Paola: I would say my best memory was when we beat National power and former CABA World Series champs Bergen Beach last summer at the CABA World Series in Euclid.

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

Paola: By far my father has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player.  He has always been there for me since day one.  He has coached the game and is very knowledgeable, and is the person I can always go to for help.  All  my coaches have helped me especially Coach Redwine.  Also our strength coach at CHCA coach Bill Schomaker, and my hitting coach Scott Humes has transformed me as a hitter over the past few months.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at CHCA?

Paola: I hit .338 with 12 extra base hits .451 OBP 25 RBI

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

Paola: I have faced many of the top pitchers in the state but by far my CHCA and summer ball teammate Jacob Banks is the toughest pitcher I have faced in Ohio.  I have faced him on a few different occasions.  He throws a hard fastball with a ton of movement, and has the ability to change speeds with his curve ball change up and splitter.