PBR recently caught up with Dusty Isaacs, a former Lebanon baseball and football standout. Isaacs, who is currently a sophomore at Georgia Tech, began the season as the team's Sunday starter. Learn more about his recruiting process, ability to juggle multiple sports in high school, and reasons behind his early success at Georgia Tech.


PBR: Just to refresh our readers ... Where did you have offers from and why did you end up choosing Georgia Tech?

Isaacs: I had looked at a handful of school but eventually narrowed it down to the schools I liked best; Georgia Tech, Virginia, MIchigan, Kent State and Tennessee. I chose tech because of their great academics and baseball tradition. Once I visited and got to know the coaches on a more personal level, it became a great fit.

PBR: Where did Georgia Tech first see you?

Isaacs: Tech first saw me at the Perfect Game National Showcase in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

PBR: If you were talking to a high profile prospect going through the recruiting process, what advice would you give him?

Isaacs: The biggest thing I would tell them is take your time and make sure that you are comfortable with your decision. Also, make sure you that the coaches are fair and true to what they are saying to you during the process; that will reflect the way they coach.

PBR: Was there a single moment during your amateur career that you knew you were going to be playing Division I college baseball?

Isaacs: I was at a showcase in Florida during winter of my junior year and i struck out all 9 batters that I faced in 3 innings and my velocity was really good. After that, I realized my chances were good, but it took me until I got my first offer from Wright State that it became reality.

PBR: Were there any particular showcase events that helped you along the way? Did you have a breakout showcase or tournament?

Isaacs: Definitely. I got most of my big looks from the Perfect Game National Event, East Coast Pro Showcase Tryouts and various showcases through my summer team. 

PBR: How did travel baseball and your time with the Cincy Flames help you develop as a player and prepare you for the next level?

Isaacs: The Cincinnati Flames made me the player I am today.
I played with them from ages 15-18, so most of my development came from that program. I owe so much to my pitching coach Roger Hart. He really helped break down my mechanics and made tweaks when needed. I still go back and work with him when I have a chance to go home. Coach Hart prepared me physically as well as mentally for Division One baseball.

PBR: In high school, you played both football and baseball. You even lead the state of Ohio in passing yards one year. Did you ever seriously consider playing football in college?

Isaacs: Growing up football was my favorite sport. It was really tough for me to give it up after high school. I thought about playing football for awhile and took the recruiting as serious as a I did for baseball. Then I considered maybe doing both in college. I just did not have "ideal size" to play big time college football; a lot of coaches told me if i was 6'3 it would be a different story. I do miss it, but I love baseball and I am blessed to still be able to play a game a love. It was a great experience to be recruited in both sports, so no complaints and I am actually happy about the choice I made and the way things are working out.

PBR: How did you juggle your baseball duties and football duties during the summer when you started to run into 7 on 7’s and other football related activities?

Isaacs: I played baseball every summer until about mid July. Then I only did football. I never missed a 7 on 7 or a team function for football. Both my summer coach and my football coach Shawn Lamb were good about understanding my hectic schedule.

PBR: When you were drafted by the Pirates, what was your initial reaction?

Isaacs: Happy. It was a great process to go through, and hopefully I can experience it again next year. I learned a lot. Although I knew the chances of me signing were slim, having the opportunity to play professional baseball is every kids dream. It felt good to know that all the baseball I had played and work I had put it was adding up to something. Just a really exciting time for me and my family.

PBR: For aspiring college prospects, what sort of advice would you give them when it comes to the difference between high school/travel baseball and college baseball?

Isaacs: A lot of kids say that it is more of a "job" than a game anymore. I will admit that there is a lot of work that goes into it. It was a change for me because I was not used to working out year round for baseball, since I was a multi-sport athlete in High School. It is nice to be playing on a bigger stage. That's always fun.

PBR: What has been your most memorable experience at Georgia Tech so far?

Isaacs: I will always remember the first inning I threw. But the most memorable to me was probably winning the Sunday starter spot to start this year, and getting a win in my first start this season. Something that I really had to work hard for.

PBR: Initially, you started out as a reliever at Georgia Tech. How difficult was that adjustment after starting most of the time in high school and summer ball?

Isaacs: It was huge. Luckily I had a lot of veteran guys last year I could learn from, and I picked up on some tricks. It started to grow on me. I like coming to the park every day knowing I have a chance to get in the game. Starting or relieving, I just like to be out there with the ball in my hand.

PBR: Has it been difficult juggling academics and the responsibilities of being a D1 athlete?

Isaacs: Yeah it's tough. But Georgia Tech does a great job of putting you in situations to succeed. There are so many resources you can use and tutors that are available. It's definitely a chore to balance the two, but a degree from Tech is pretty prestigious.

PBR: What was it like pitching against Ohio State?

Isaacs: It was awesome. When I saw we opened at home with Ohio State, I marked my calendar. I kind of approached that series with a chip on my shoulder, since I am an Ohio kid and was not recruited by them. But they have a new coach and he is doing a great job with their program. I am really hoping we will travel up there next year; to be able to play back home would be special.