Class of 2014 Spotlight: SS/RHP Dalton Horstmeier from Fulton HS
May 15, 2012
A unknown before the Top Prospect Showcase last November, it is no surprise that Class of 2014 SS/RHP Dalton Horstmeier put together a very complete season, establishing himself as a leader for the Fulton Hornets. Horstmeier is a player who has a good chance at re-writing the record books for the program.
This season, Horstmeier hit .531 with fourteen doubles (a single season school record), one triple, two home runs, and twenty-three RBIs and twenty-six runs scored. Horstmeier made things happen by getting on base consistently (.536 OBP) and stole ten bases in eleven attempts.
Horstmeier is poised for a jump in the Class of 2014 rankings, and is a name that you should hear plenty about over the next few years.
PBR: Talk a little about the Fulton HS team, and your supporting cast’s contributions.
Horstmeier: We had a good four hole hitter that was behind me in the line up. When we were on most of our line up was a threat. Our team had good chemistry and we came on strong late in the season.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?
Horstmeier: I’d say my biggest strength is hitting and the love for the game.
PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?
Horstmeier: I need to stay strong mentally, and take the best swing possible with every pitch that comes to the plate.
PBR: What have are your expectations for the recruiting process?
Horstmeier: I work hard and hope that is seen by a lot of good programs this summer while I am playing ball.
PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?
Horstmeier: All of these aspects are extremely important to me. I want to play baseball at the Div 1 level for a competitive team with a great coaching staff and team. I am 99% sure I want to major in physical therapy.
PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?
Horstmeier: I would love the opportunity to play for schools/programs like Florida, Texas, LSU, North Carolina or Wichita State but I am also keeping my options open and making sure that my area of interest as far as my major is offered as well.
PBR: What are your personal goals for the 2012 season?
Horstmeier: I set several goals for myself this sophomore season. I wanted no strikeouts and I wanted to hit .500 or better. I achieved both of these.
PBR: What are your high school team goals for 2012 season, and are they being met at the halfway point in the season?
Horstmeier: Our team goal was to make it to the final four and to have a winning season. We lost in district tourney, finished the season at .500.
PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?
Horstmeier: I play for the Mid West Outlaws.
PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter that you have faced?
Horstmeier: Collin Brinker, from North Callaway was the toughest pitcher I faced.
PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2011 baseball season (High School or Summer)?
Horstmeier: As a freshman hitting a three run homerun against St Francis Borgia in semifinal game of districts.
PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?
Horstmeier: Winning 3rd place in state tourney 11U year at BC baseball in Columbia, MO.
PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?
Horstmeier: I think it was the right move. The ball still flies if you center it up. It’s a step closer to getting the batter used to wood bats and used to the smaller sweet spot.
To see Dalton's profile and video, click here.