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Inside the Recruitment: '15 LHP Riley Hoover commits to Tabor College

March 31, 2015

By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

Riley Hoover, a left-handed pitcher from the Ontario Blue Jays 18u team. I have had the privilege of knowing Hoover for some time now. First and foremost a competitor, he has the ability to throw strikes, change speeds and keep hitters off balance.

Riley talks about the recruiting process, his goals for this summer and his freshman year at Tabor College. 

PBR: Why did you choose Tabor College?

Hoover: I chose Tabor college because both academically and athletically i was very impressed and because of those reasons Tabor is a good fit for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Hoover: Concordia University, Siena Heights University and Harris Stowe University.

PBR: Where did Coach Standiford first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?

Hoover: I first met Coach Standiford when I visited their school this week but I have been talking to one of his assistant coaches back and forth for two months now. I have not been able to talk with Coach Staniford very much but I am certain our relationship will develop smoothly.

PBR: What does the coaching staff at Tabor expect from you in your freshman year?

Hoover: The coaching staff at Tabor expects me in my freshmen year to perform to the best of my ability and earn a spot on their varsity team.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

Hoover: My parents, the Ontario Blue Jays and the Ontario Prospects.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?

Hoover: The recruiting process was fairly easy for me. I had seven schools reached out to me, the hard part for me was deciding on what school fit myself the best.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?

Hoover: I play for the Ontario Blue Jays and I have been for three years now. My most memorable moment was to receive the pitcher of the year award last season. 

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?

Hoover: My goals individually are to keep in good physical shape and keep improving in the field physically and mentally. As for the team, I want to help out them out as best I can to have success on the field as a team.

PBR: What do you feel are the strengths about your game?

Hoover: I feel my strengths are that I am very relaxed on the mound and do not freak out if a hitter receives a base hit. I also feel my strengths are I have good command with all my pitches. I feel comfortable to throw any one of my pitches in any count for a strike.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ontario?

Hoover: No one specific comes to mind but some games I find I have to battle to get a tough out.

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