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Wes Earles, LHP, Southeastern HS, Class of 2018

PBR: Why did you choose Wright State?

Earles: I chose Wright State because of how the coaches run the team. They mean it when they say it is a family. The loyalty and trust the players have for the coaches is unreal and that is the kind of program I want to be a part of.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Earles: I really wasn't considering any other schools. I was not really on the radar. I never went to showcases, I always just worked my hardest and hoped the right person saw me.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you and how did you did your relationship build with them?

Earles: I was at a camp at Wright State in January of this year and I was throwing a bullpen. Coach Sogard took notice of me throwing after a few pitches and stopped to watch. After I was finished throwing, he and I had a conversation. That meant a lot to have a conversation about things other than baseball. Coach Mercer and Coach Sogard really appreciate having a quality conversation with people and I really liked that.

PBR: Coach Mercer was promoted to Head Coach this summer.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class?

Earles: Coach Mercer is a great guy. He is very down to earth and honest and that played a huge role in my decision. I feel honored to be a part of his first recruiting class and can't wait to be a raider.

PBR: Wright State is close to home, how much of a role did distance play in your decision?

Earles: I feel Wright State is the perfect distance from home. It is far enough that I can get the college experience but yet close enough to have my family and support system just a phone call and 30 minute drive away. That is a big key, I love my family and want them to be able to see me play as much as possible.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Earles: I have wanted to play collegiate baseball for as long as I can remember. I have worked very very hard to achieve my goal and now that I have achieved it, it's time to set new goals. People always told me that baseball wasn't my sport and that I need to find a new hobby but that just fueled my fire. I don't give up, if I want something, I am going to get it.

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

Earles: I play for the Midland Organization out of Cincinnati, Ohio. I love it down there, we are a family and I love every member of the team and the coaches as well. That is another reason Wright State was going to be the fit for me, the way that Wright State is a family reminded me of Midland and I love Midland. My favorite memory was coming into relief in the semifinals in the CABA World Series in Charleston, South Carolina. I pitched one of the best games of my life that game. My emotion and passion for pitching really showed and I ended up stealing home to win the game.

PBR:  What person has the great impact on your baseball career and why?

Earles: My former Coach Steve Bruce has had the biggest impact on my career. He is the reason I am who I am today as a player and as a leader. He pushed me hard on the field, and even harder off. He believed in me from when I was eight years old and I am very grateful for that. Also my mom, I don't what I'd do without her. She sacrificed a lot of time, money and summers to watch me play the game I love. Without those two I am not sure if I'd be in this position.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have face?

Earles: I don't know who the toughest hitter I've ever faced is. I treat every hitter the same. I tell myself before every pitch that I am going to beat whoever it is at the plate. I'm going to throw my best pitch and you better hit it.