Tyler McKenney, RHP

Senior right-hander Tyler McKenney is putting together an impressive senior season. The 6-1 righty is 8-0 on the season with a 0.61 ERA, while striking out 67 in 46 innings of work.

What interest have you received thus far from colleges?
So far, I have received the most interest from Adrian and BGSU.  I have been contacted by a few other schools but have not stayed in touch with them.

Your brother Ethan is a sophomore pitching at Bowling Green State
University. How has he helped your baseball game?
Ethan has helped me tremendously throughout my high school years.  Whether
it was him verbally telling me what to do or leading by example he was
always showing me how to do things the right way as far as fundamentals and
technique.

What has been your biggest highlight playing for Tinora?
I would have to say that my biggest highlight while playing for Tinora would
be continuing the winning streak in the GMC, winning four GMC titles, and
also making it to the state semi final game last year.

Where have you improved the most as a player since entering high school?
I have improved mainly as a pitcher in my high school years.  My velocity
has increased tremendously as well as my off speed pitches have become more
dependable.

Where do you feel you need the most improvement at this time?
I would say that I need the most improvement with the velocity and location
of my fastball.

How do you feel you can benefit a college baseball program?
I feel that I can benefit a college baseball program by bringing them a
pitcher that they can depend on for innings and someone who is a good, smart
kid that will contribute to the team.

How big is the mental portion of the game when you're on the mound?
The mental portion of the game is huge.  Composure while you are pitching is
something that I believe can make or bring a good pitcher.  When I am on the
mound in a big game, the way that I handle myself through adversity can be
the difference in the game and that is something that I work hard at.

Who has been the toughest hitter you've faced in high school and who
is the toughest pitcher you've went up against?
I would say that the toughest hitter that I have faced in high school would
be either Anthony Kidston or Dace Kime when I pitched against Defiance my
sophomore year.  The best pitcher that I have faced would probably be Anthony
Kidston.

What are your plans as far as baseball this summer and what was the
most enjoyable part of playing last summer?
This summer I will be playing for the Napoleon River Bandits.  The most
enjoyable part of playing last summer would be winning the legion state
tournament and making it to regionals.