Ranked No. 4 in the Clas of 2014, Elijah Dilday is a solidly built 6-foot, 188-pound player who is on the fast track to becoming a premier talent in the Midwest. The left handed hitter impressed college coaches and scouts at the Midwest Future Games with quick bat speed and the ability to drive the ball with power, gap to gap. He also recorded the second fastest throw from the outfield, a 91-mph strike from right field to home.

Last season at Christian HS, Dilday hit .439 with five doubles, five triples, four homeruns,and thirty-four RBIs. Dilday will look to improve on these numbers after a transfer to Francis Howell HS for the 2013 season.

Elijay Dilday, OF/SS, Francis Howell HS

PBR: Talk a little about your experience at the Midwest Future Games.
Dilday: It was a great experience. I had the opportunity to play with and against some very good players, as well as play in front of many coaches and scouts. It was a lot of fun.

PBR: What do you expect going into your junior season?
Dilday: I have experienced a lot more exposure over the last year and learned a lot about where I need to be. This offseason I will work harder than ever before and be sure to do my best to perfect my game going in to my junior season. I also expect to compete for a state championship this spring.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?
Dilday: I think that my biggest strength is my bat, specifically my bat speed.

PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?
Dilday: I need to improve my throwing accuracy, consistency wise. I also need to be more patient at the plate.

PBR: What are your expectations for the recruiting process?
Dilday: Choosing my future college destination is such an important decision; therefore, I need to make sure that the school I choose is the right fit for me. I definitely do not want to rush into the wrong decision. At this point I am trying to stay focused on the things that are within my control.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?
Dilday: I want to play at the highest level, for a competitive program that really wants me and where I have a chance to play early. I am looking for a school where I can excel academically and spiritually, as well as on the field.

PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?
Dilday: At this point it is still very early in the recruiting process for me. I would have to say that I am open to any schools that meet my criteria above.

PBR: What were your personal goals for the 2012 season and were they met? Goals for the 2013 season?
Dilday: I wanted to get faster and stronger which I accomplished.  For 2013 I would like to win a state championship and be selected first team all-state.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?
Dilday: Last summer I played for the Rawlings Prospects coached by Andy Benes. It was a great experience playing for him. Next summer I will play for the Rawlings Prospects Academy team.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter that you have faced?
Dilday: A pitcher that I faced in the WWBA National Championship tournament. I do not know his name.

PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2012 baseball season (High School or Summer)?
Dilday: Playing with a great group of guys and great coaches last summer.

PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?
Dilday: When I was 14 I hit a game winning grand slam in the last inning of the championship game of a tournament.

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?
Dilday: I like the idea of BBCOR bats and how they are more like wood. I think they separate the good hitters from the great hitters.