Zach Robbins, INF, Tippecanoe HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose John Hopkins?

Robbins: Academics have always been a priority for me and the reputation that is associated with having a degree from Johns Hopkins was just too much for me to turn down.  Their engineering program is one of the best in the nation and I believe it is the best fit for me as a student-athlete.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Robbins: I was also looking at Case Western, Rose-Hulman, Bucknell University, and a few other smaller Division III schools.

PBR:  John Hopkins is a well known for their academics, how much of a role did that play in your decision and how do you plan to balance the demands of academics with your time and effort on the playing field?

Robbins: Like I said before, academics is the main reason I chose Johns Hopkins.  Since I am planning on studying engineering, one of the toughest majors to balance with college athletics, I knew I would have a tough time balancing school and sports.  However, nearly half of their current team are engineers which really goes to show that it can be done and that the coaches are willing to put school ahead of baseball when necessary.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Robbins: I had e-mailed Coach Babb, the head coach, a couple times during my summer season as well as sent him a video of my skills.  In August of this past summer I went to an academic baseball showcase in New York that included 75 of the most prestigious academic schools around the nation .  One of their assistants saw me in a few at-bats and was impressed with what I was able to do.  From there, I visited a few times and was really able to build a relationship with their coaches as well as a few of their current players.

PBR:  John Hopkins is in Maryland, how much of a factor did distance play in your final decision?

Robbins: I lived in Massachusetts when I was younger and also have a lot of family on the east coast so I've always wanted to end up there eventually.  So the distance factor was actually a positive factor in my decision.

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

Robbins:  At Hopkins they carry a very deep roster so for many, freshman year is used as a transition year.  The coaches want me to really improve the little things in my game as well as get stronger.  I'll get time on the field, but there will be a few upperclassmen at third base ahead of me.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help their baseball program?

Robbins: I think my intangibles, including leadership, work ethic, and attitude are my biggest strengths.  I believe that these skills can help both on and off the field.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Robbins: I play for the Butler County Bombers. I don't know if I could pick out one single moment from the summer considering I'm with my teammates six to seven days a week doing what I love and enjoying every second of it

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Tippecanoe?

Robbins: I played pretty poorly in my high school season and honestly just had embarrassing stats that would be better just to be left out.  However, I realized that if I wanted to continue playing in college I had to make some adjustments.  I began working harder than I ever have before and it paid off for summer.  For my summer team I ended up going 22 for 67 (.328) with 8 doubles, 3 triples, and 1 homerun. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?

Robbins: I don't recall any of the names, but in Columbus we played the Ohio Elite and they threw three guys against us who were pretty tough.