Reed Schlesner, the top the top ranked 2012 uncommitted player in Ohio, selects Miami University.  The 23^rd rated player in Ohio discusses his college choice.  Read more…

BR: Why did you choose Miami?
Schlesner: I chose Miami for many reasons. One of them was the relationship that I was able to build with Coach Simonds and Coach Bachmann throughout the summer and fall. They made me feel very confident that Miami was the best fit both athletically and academically. Miami is also a strong program that competes for a MAC Championship every year and has a large number of drafted alumni.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Schlesner: Throughout the whole process, I had been speaking with schools in the ACC, Big East, Big Ten and MAC.

PBR: What were your expectations about recruiting heading into the summer?
Schlesner: My expectation was that I would sign with a Division 1 program by the Early Signing Period.

PBR:  Miami is very close to home, did location play a major role in your college decision?
Schlesner: Being close to home is beneficial because it will allow my family to watch me play. However, I wouldn’t say it was a major role in my decision.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus at Miami?
Schlesner: The Coaching staff expects me to prove that I can compete to earn playing time in the outfield and infield as a freshman.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help as a Redskin? Schlesner: I feel like my biggest strength is my work ethic and my commitment to continuously improve as a player. Playing at the next level will be a challenge but if I continue to focus and work hard as I have in the past, I feel confident that I can successfully make this transition.

PBR:  Last summer you played for Baseball U out of New Jersey, what was it like to play for a team out of state?
Schlesner: Playing for a team out of state was a completely new experience for me. I was on the road alone for nearly a month and many of my coaches compared it to playing in the Minor Leagues. Being able to play alongside Perfect Game All-Americans and future SEC, ACC and Big East players was something I will never forget.

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Schlesner: My most memorable experience from this summer was scoring the game winning run at the University of Virginia to beat the Canes Baseball Program, who at the time were ranked 4^th in the country.

PBR:  Now that you are a Senior, how will your leadership role change this spring?  What are your team and individual expectations?
Schlesner: Being a senior, it is my goal and the other seniors’ goal to win a FAVC Championship. Losing the conference championship game two years ago was very hard and my teammates and I are working very hard to make sure that will never happen again.

PBR: What are your career stats for this at Loveland?
Schlesner: My career stats at Loveland are a .330 BA, 20 steals, 46 runs, 50 hits, and a .477 OBP.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?
Schlesner: The toughest pitcher in Ohio that I have faced in Ohio is definitely Anthony Kidston. Nationally, I’d have to say it was Curt Britt, a righty heading to South Carolina.