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Q & A with Northwestern commit Grant Peikert

January 25, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Wisconsin

We got the opportunity to talk to Northwestern commit Grant Peikert. Peikert is a 2013 graduate of Eau Claire Memorial HS where he is one of the leading offensive threats for the Old Abes. Last season Peikert hit .378 on the season while driving in 15 runs and hitting 6 doubles. Here our conversation with Peikert.

PBR:  Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Peikert “In my opinion, the best player in the state is on my team.  Jake Sparger a right handed pitcher, also a 2013 graduate, with tremendous upside.  Throwing 89-91 with sink is very impressive and hard to hit, and thankfully he happens to be on my team.  But if it had to be someone I have faced, it would be Tony Butler because he is so smooth and fundamentally sound - it's just fun to watch him play.” 

PBR: What is your No. 1 personal goal for the 2013 season?

Peikert: “My No. 1 personal goal would be to lead the conference in BA, runs, doubles, triples, and stolen bases.”

PBR: What are some team goals that you have for 2013?

Peikert: “As a team I think the biggest goal would be to take Eau Claire Memorial back to the state tournament; that would mean a lot to every person in our program.” 

PBR: What are you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Peikert: “I feel as if I have found the best of both worlds at Northwestern University.  I will get to play against some of the top baseball players in the country, but also go to an incredible academic school which will benefit me for the rest of my life.” 

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Peikert: “My best attribute would have to be my speed.  I use my speed to produce runs for our team, but also to make sure that the other team always has to worry when I'm on base. That opens up doors for the other players on the team making it more likely they'll see a fastball.”

PBR: What do you feel is the biggest adjustment you need to make in taking your game to the next level?

Peikert: “I feel my biggest adjustment will be the physicality of the players.  I need to work hard to get bigger and that will add more to my game and help me to compete at the next level.”

PBR: What do you like about the college you have committed to and why did you choose them?

Peikert: “I like everything from the coaches, the baseball program itself to the high standard of academics at Northwestern University.  Coach Stevens really sold me on the opportunity the first time we met, and his character was one of the biggest determining factors on my decision.  I feel that the program is being run correctly and I look forward to helping improve it in the win-loss area.  And no doubt  you cannot beat the quality education I will receive at Northwestern University.”

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Peikert: “Keep playing the game hard and be a student of the game.  Baseball can teach you so many great things, and hard work and discipline eventually pays off.  Also, always work really hard in school because good grades can open doors to incredible schools you might never be able to attend or afford without an athletic scholarship.” 

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Peikert: “In the offseason I do a lifting and running program 5-6 days a week to stay in good physical shape.  I also try to throw and hit as much and play as many games in the offseason as possible.” 

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Peikert: “I would have to say it would be the 3 times our team won state tournaments with Little League and Babe Ruth baseball.  Not much feels better than playing with your friends and knowing you are the best team in the state.”

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