James Hilliard, LHP, Clinton Massie

PBR: Why did you choose Shawnee State?
Hilliard: I chose Shawnee State because I loved the campus and the coaching staff. They're very nice and like to win; that's what I want in a team.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Hilliard: To be honest, Shawnee State was my first offer and I wasn’t really considering anywhere else.

PBR:  What were your expectations for recruiting going into your senior season?
Hilliard: My expectations were fairly high because my pitching instructor had said I have a very good chance at playing at the next level. So I just kept doing what I have been doing.

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?
Hilliard: I went to their Fall Prospect Camp and that's when I talked to Coach Moore about my performance and he said he would like to have me back on a visit.

PBR: What role does Coach Tom expect you to play during your first year on campus?
Hilliard: From the way I interpreted it, that isn't determined until after fall ball. But Coach Moore told me at the Camp that I have a good chance at helping out the organization as a freshman.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help SSU?
Hilliard: I think being commited to the team. I feel it will help SSU because I am willing to do whatever it takes to benefit the team.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Hilliard: No one specific, but my family in general. They come to all of my baseball games, pay for my showcases and lessons. Tell me what I am doing wrong and just telling me that I've had a good game or doing the little things that count. Even if they can't make it to a game they are texting someone who is at the game to see how I am doing.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?
Hilliard: Cincinnati (Kinect) Nationals, I just joined this summer team for this upcoming summer. But last year, I played for the Lakota Diamond Dawgs and the tournament we had at the end of the year at University of Cincinnati. We lost the last game but it was the best game we played all year and it was one of those games where it felt like you lost the World Series.

PBR: What were your stats last season for Clinton Massie?
Hilliard: I didn't receive my stats at the end of the year, but they weren't the best and they weren't the worst. Last year I had an average year.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Ohio?
Hilliard: A lot of the hitters I faced in the Champions Elite Fall Ball League were very good hitters. I would have to go with David Baker. He can hit the ball, plus he was an old teammate of mine when I attended Mason High School.