Mathis Newman, OF/RHP, Class of 2014, Upper Arlington HS

PBR: Why did you choose John Carroll?

Newman: From the moment I stepped on the campus at John Carroll, I knew that it was the right fit for me. I love the feel of the school and what it has to offer both on and off the field. From a baseball standpoint, I really like the coaching staff and what they are doing with the program.

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Newman: I was also considering Otterbein and Mount Union.

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

Newman: The coaching staff first saw me play at PBR's unsigned senior showcase at the end of last summer. Coach Thibeault immediately contacted me the following day and from there, I set up a visit and continued to talk to the coaches as they continually checked up on me to see how I was doing. 

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

Newman: The coaches mostly see me as a pitcher, however, I will get the opportunity to show what I can do in the outfield during the fall. Once fall ball is complete, the coaches and I will sit down and decide if it will be more beneficial for me to become a pitcher only or possibly play both ways. Either way, the expectation is for me to come in and compete for a position day in and day out.

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

Newman: I have decided not to play summer baseball this year and to do a more personalized workout routine. The past two summers, though, I played for Team Columbus, which is mostly comprised of players from Upper Arlington, Thomas Worthington, and Worthington Kilbourne. Summer baseball has been tremendously helpful for me form a developmental standpoint. It has given me the opportunity to get more reps against some very strong competition. It has also allowed me to work on improving specific aspects of my game.  

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

Newman: My dad has definitely had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. Without him, I wouldn't be in the position that I am today. 

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

Newman: Jacob Niggemeyer