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Trace Hatfield, 3B, Frederickstown, Class of 2017

PBR: Why did you choose Toledo?

Hatfield:  I have developed a good relationship with Coach Mee and Coach McIntyre.  I feel they have really invested their time and effort into that relationship. Baseball wise I hope to come in and help make an impact on the program as a freshman. I am also fortunate that Toledo has the major I am most interested in. Toledo felt comfortable from the very first visit. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?  

Hatfield:  Through this whole process I have had communications or visited Kent State, OU, EKU, Wright State and Walsh.

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

Hatfield: Last winter my Triple Crown Royals 17u Head Coach, David Lee, made a phone call to Coach McIntyre asking what kind of 2017 players they were looking for. They were looking for a player that could swing it, Coach Lee recommended they should take a look at me. I think that was right before one of Toledo's hitting camps and I was able to attend.  Soon after the camp I was able to visit the campus and sit down and talk with the staff. From that point on we kept in contact through phone calls and text. They also came to watch me play several times through the summer.  I am really blessed that my summer coach took the time to make that phone call. 

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

Hatfield: That was a big factor in choosing Toledo. The Coaches have the confidence in me, to believe I will have a good opportunity to earn a playing position my freshman year. I don't care where I play on the field I just want to play.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Rocket baseball?

Hatfield: My biggest strength is my hitting. I hope to come in, work hard and earn a spot in the line-up. I want to come in and help the Rockets  win games with quality defense, at bats and RBI's.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Hatfield: I play for Triple Crown Royals 17u. We have had a great summer, my coaches and teammates are great, and we have won 4-5 tournaments, but there were a couple games along the way that were very sweet victories. 

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

Hatfield: I would really like to improve on my stats from last year. I would also like to help lead our Fredericktown Freddie's back to Huntington Park.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring?

Hatfield: ab 72. H 40 1b 22 2b 9. 3b 3. HR 6  ba .556 slg 1.014   R-32 RBI's 40 sb 11
 
PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced?

Hatfield: We faced a couple pitchers that were going D1 and had nasty stuff. I just don't remember their names.