Riley Minorik, INF, Walsh Jesuit, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Bowling Green?

Minorik:  I chose Bowling Green because it was a great fit for my family and I. It is close to home, the coaches are great, and it is an overall outstanding baseball program. The first time I met Coach Schmitz and Coach Blanc, I felt an immediate connection, and knew Bowling Green was where I wanted to go. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Minorik:  I was considering Ohio, Buffalo, Oakland, and Dayton. 

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

Minorik:  Coach Schmitz first saw me at The Top Prospect Games and Coach Blanc first saw me at the University of Akron in the All Prospect League. Coach Blanc contacted me many times over the past month and they offered me after my visit this past week. 

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Minorik:  It is has been a goal of mine to play Division 1 baseball ever since I was young and it is truly a dream come true. 

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

Minorik:  The coaches expect me to be a leader on and off the field and to be a great teammate.  They want me to work hard everyday to earn a starting spot. 

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

Minorik:  My biggest strength is my gap to gap hitting and my glove. I had the opportunity of playing shortstop for Walsh Jesuit High School and for the Pelicans DeMarini team. Typically I am a left center, right center hitter and have batted anywhere from 1-5 in the lineup. I have played shortstop, second base, and third base, giving me a great opportunity to show the coaches at BG that I can play anywhere in the infield. 

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

Minorik:  During the summer, I played for the Midwest Pelicans DeMarini team. My most memorable experience was just going out every day with a team that loves to play hard. Every guy on the team gave 100% from the beginning to end and that really motivated me to leave it all on the field. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Minorik: I expected the recruiting process to be very difficult. With multiple colleges being interested in me, it was a very tough decision to make.  

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Walsh Jesuit?

Minorik:  Batting: .328 avg, OBP: .446, H: 20, RBI: 11, R: 19, BB: 9, HR: 2 

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

Minorik:  The toughest pitcher that I have faced in Ohio is between Missouri Commit, Ty Shoaff and Chris Machamer.