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Ben Pratt, 2B Tallmadge HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Marietta?

Pratt: I choose Marietta for a few reasons. I wanted to start in a program that was going to win, being able to contend for national championships was the cherry on top. I also liked the culture of the team as well as the school as a whole. Lastly, the players respect Coach Brewer tremendously. I believe that with this attitude among the players, I will be able to grow to be the best possible player.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Pratt: Ohio Wesleyan, Oberlin, RIT, and Trine.

PBR: Where did Coach Brewer first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?

Pratt: Coach Brewer and I first talked at a Diamond League Tournament game at Tri-C.  He and Coach Rosen came to 3 or 4 more of my games and we just started talking more. I knew the school and baseball program were both great at Marietta so I was interested in learning more. I made three visits including an overnight stay to get a good feel for the team and the school. After my stay I knew Marietta was where I wanted to be.

PBR:  Marietta is a Division III Powerhouse.  How does it feel to be a part of such a great program and instantly be a national contender?

Pratt: I'm really excited about it. When we toured the facilities and the stadium I loved how much tradition there is with the Marietta baseball program. They have won multiple national championships and have had numerous All-Americans over the years. The coaches are also serious and intense and I love that. Their goal is to be in the National Championship picture every year and I want to win at least one Championship while I am there.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Pratt:  They expect everyone to come in and compete.  I am looking forward to doing that and doing whatever the coaches need of me to help the team win.  I have played every position on the field so I am open to whatever they need me to do. 

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Pratt:  The Ohio Longhorns. Coach Debord is a great coach and the whole program has quality guys in it. I played my whole high school career with the Horns and I have learned a lot. Coach Debord knows how to push guys but also trusts them to do their job. Our personalities really fit well. Coach Debord has the mentality that he will play anyone at anytime so we sought out the best competition we could.  Playing tough games everyday makes you better and gives you the confidence you need to play well. 

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Pratt: My dad! He was my first coach and coached me thru 14u. We spent so many hours at the field, in the cages, in hotels around in the car together.  We were always talking baseball and he was always big on talking strategy and the mental part of the game. We still hit together and long toss together and whenever I struggle with hitting or defense he knows exactly how to fix my issue.  I started playing travel ball at 11 for the Brownlee Lookouts. Coach Brownlee has been a great mentor to me ever since.  He has helped me thru my ups and downs and really pushed me hard at times and that helped me with the mental aspect of the game.  Coach Massarelli has been my hitting instructor for years and it is crazy to look back and see how much he has helped me improve.  He also knows how to push my buttons to get better and I love that.  There are a lot of other guys as well like Allen Price my strength Coach, Coach Maragas who helped me with Catching and Coach Tabaka who was my pitching coach. I've had a lot of help.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring?

Pratt:  I'm not really sure of my stats.  They were not a big part of our high school or summer team program.  I hit over .300 in high school and led the team in runs, walks and stolen bases and my summer season was even better. Towards the end of summer Coach Debord told me I was leading the team in many offensive categories.  My coaches emphasized quality at bats so that was my focus. I was most proud of my RBIs and average with runners in scoring position. Those are exciting at bats and a lot of fun.

PBR: Who is the best pitcher in Ohio that you have ever faced?

Pratt: Coach Linn always loads up our high school schedule against great teams and Coach Debord put us in the best tournaments he could.  So we faced some great pitchers from all over. The best Ohio guy was Colin Floyd from Springfield, who is going to YSU.  He was nearly unhittable and threw two one-hitters against my teams.