Chris Elam, RHP/INF, Lakota East HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Lincoln Trail?

Elam: I have chosen to attend Lincoln Trail based on Coach Bowers proven track record of pushing guys and developing them so they are better prepared for the next level.  The Lincoln Trail program consistently has guys moving on to play D1, and even a few that have been drafted to play professionally.  That is important to me.  Through the recruiting process coaches have told me that I have a projectable build and the tools to play at the D1 level, but I need to physically mature and get stronger; after all I’m a young senior and do not turn 18 until graduation day.  As a player I need to work on a few things, and Lincoln Trail College gives me a great opportunity to do so.  I’m anxious to get on campus, bust my tail, and work tirelessly to make an impact right away.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Elam: Lake Erie College, Ashland University, Mount Union, Thiel, and Wright State University.

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

Elam: The coaches first evaluated me at the PBR Top Prospect Games.  They continued to follow me over the summer while I played for the Cincy Flames. I later found out the Lincoln Trail coaches watched me play at several summer ball tournaments, and I didn’t even realize they were in attendance.  Coach Bowers initiated contact by reaching out to Coach Hamilton, my high school coach at Lakota East.  Coach Hamilton had nothing but great things to say about Coach Bowers and the Lincoln Trail Program.   

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

Elam: Coach Bowers and Coach Hutson expect me to get on campus and to compete for a starting spot while adding depth and logging a high number of innings up the middle.  I was recruited by LT as a middle infielder; however the possibility of me throwing a few innings on the mound is still open.  

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

Elam:  Baseball is a game of failure.  As a player we all strive to make every play; get on base every at bat, or to strike out every batter we face, but this is just not reality.  That doesn’t mean you have to accept failure, it just means you have to learn to deal with it and work to ensure it doesn’t happen again on the next play.  I feel one of my biggest strengths as a player is my ability to let the last play go, and play the next pitch.  Lincoln Trail will be getting a player and a teammate that is committed to do everything I can to make that next play, and to help the team reach our goals.

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

Elam: I played for the Cincy Flames the last three seasons, and will be playing for the 18U Ohio Force this upcoming season. I will always remember this past summer and the comradery with my teammates.  I’ve been playing with a lot of these guys like Ryan Kennedy, Darren Sackett, Kyle Sambor, and Ryan Dugan since I was 12 years old.  I knew it was the last summer I would be playing with this group of guys and we had a lot of fun. 

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

Elam: I got off to a great start and was hitting .390 through the midpoint of the season.  I started to battle through a nagging injury that really affected my production.  But finished the season playing in 26 games.  Had 83 at bats, scored 20 runs, with 25 hits, 4 stolen bases, with a on base % .346, hitting .290.  On the mound saw action in 2 games.  Record was 1-1 with 9 innings pitched.  5K’s with a 3.11ERA.

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

Elam:  The toughest pitcher I have ever faced would have to be one of my past teammates and current Cincinnati Bearcat LHP Michael Conrad.  He goes right after the hitter and doesn’t try and fool them with mind games.  His fastball runs into right hand hitters like no one I have ever faced or played behind.  Not only is he a great pitcher, but a leader on the mound.  If someone had an error behind him, you knew Mike would point at you and say “Don’t worry about it, if I don’t strike him out (Chuckles) it’s coming right back to you, make a play kid”.  His presence on the mound kept the team loose but serious at the same time.