PBR: Why did you choose Ball State?

Eppers:  I chose Ball State because I realized that my best opportunity to succeed academically and athletically was at BSU. Coach Maloney is a great coach who really sold me on what Ball State has to offer and I'm really excited to be able to play for him. Coach French and the rest of the coaching staff really impressed me as well and I believe in their vision for Ball State. 

PBR: Where did Ball State first see you compete?

Eppers:  The first time that they saw me was at the Area Code Tryout, but Coach Maloney also came out and watched me play multiple times this summer. 

PBR: What other schools did you consider?

Eppers:  I took visits to Michigan State, Central Michigan, and Navy, but in the end, I narrowed it down to Navy and Ball State. It was the toughest decision that I've ever had to make, but I'm confident that I made the right choice. 

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

Eppers:  They expect me to come in and compete for a starting spot as a freshman.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience during summer ball?

Eppers:  I played for the Indiana Chargers under Ben Bailey and Joel Mishler. Playing for the Chargers was one of the best baseball experiences I've ever had and they helped me succeed and gave me many opportunities to play in front of college coaches. My most memorable experience during the summer was competing against the other Charger 17u team in the championship of a tournament. 

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

Eppers:  My family, especially my parents, have had the biggest impact on me not only as a baseball player, but as an overall athlete and person. The Chargers Organization, Joel Mishler, Ben Bailey, and my summer coach, Ryan Marken, all helped me become the player I am today. Coach Stutsman and the rest of the staff at Central have helped me as well. Also, I can't forget about Jimmy Malcom, who really furthered my offensive impact as a player.

PBR: Heading into your senior year, what are your goals individually and as a team?

Eppers:  Our team goals are to go out and compete as hard as we can every game of the season, no matter who the opponent, and do our best to win the last game of the post season. My individual goals are to become a better, smarter baseball player, while becoming stronger and faster. 

PBR: You played for Team Indiana in the inaugural Under Armour Midwest Futures Games, what was that experience like? Did it help you in your recruiting process?

Eppers:  Participating in the Future's Games ranks right up there with the Area Code Tryout as being one of my greatest baseball achievements. It gave me the opportunity to go out and showcase my baseball abilities in front of many premier college coaches, not only in a showcase format, but also show them what I could do on the field during the two games that we played. This event was instrumental for me during the recruiting process and allowed me to be seen by many colleges, and after the event, schools contacted me and I began to take visits.