Follow @PBR_Ohio

Cole Murphy, 1B, Walnut Hills HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Murphy:  I chose Cincinnati’s baseball program because of the great facilities, great coaching, and the opportunity to come in and help coach Neal build a program. The business program at UC is also one of the top in the country and academics are important to me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Murphy:  I had a number of schools that expressed interest and Coach Neal and his staff at UC provided me with a clear set of expectations that will challenge me as a player.  My final list of schools ranged from the 2 ACC schools, 1 Big Ten and a MAC school.

PBR:  How does it feel to get your commitment out of the way so early and are you finished with the recruiting process? 

Murphy:  I’m glad to have the process behind me.  I had a tough decision this past summer between football and baseball.  I was offered many high level division 1 football offers but after this summer I decided to focus 100% on baseball.  Many schools were slow to talk with me because of the football offers but once the decision was made the baseball conversations picked up.

PBR:  Coach Neal was a big part of the success at why Indiana went to the College World Series.  How quickly do you think that success can transfer to Bearcat baseball?

Murphy:  Coach Neal has been given tools the previous coaches did not have and I’m confident the university, the athletic department and Coach Neal are on a mission to establish UC baseball to a dominate program.  In 2008 they won the Big East and then the university made budget cuts that impacted the baseball program.  With the reestablishment of the full scholarship allotment, the new turf and new commitment to the program I think Coach Neal will quickly have UC baseball back on track.

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

Murphy:  I’m not sure but I think he first saw me play for the Ohio PBR Futures team at Indiana in July 2013 and then again this spring in the PBR Top Prospects showcase.

 
PBR: Was the recruiting process what you expected?

Murphy:  Yes and No, deciding on the right college is a challenge but when you add the athletics it can be more challenging.  I made sure I communicated with anyone who reached out, I just wish a few of the coaches would have communicated the way they expect players too.  Overall it was a great experience and I learned a lot.

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

Murphy:  I played for Triple Crown Warriors this past summer.  We made it to the final 16 in Ft Meyers Florida for the 16u nationals and our team played great.

This fall I play with the Midwest Redbirds which has been a blast and next summer I’m excited to be playing for the Cincinnati Baseball Club.

PBR: What were your stats last season?

Murphy:  High School:  Walnut Hills Avg: 438 with an OBP of .548

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced?

Murphy: In the Cincinnati area it would be Zach Shannon.