Chris Ramsey, OF, Hilliard Darby HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Valpo?

Ramsey: Valpo is one of the top-rated academic schools in the Midwest with a great campus near Chicago. Also, Coach Woodson is building a great baseball program at Valpo. Valpo won the Horizon League regular season and conference tournament championship and qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2012. Coach Woodson recruits nationally with players on the roster from 9 states including California, Texas and Oklahoma.  He also schedules a very strong non-conference schedule. Also, Coach Woodson is a former major league player and World Series champion with strong connections in professional baseball. He has helped several Valpo players get drafted out of college and that is my ultimate goal.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Ramsey: I received interest from several great schools and took several unofficial visits, but Valpo was my clear choice throughout the recruiting process.   

PBR: Where did the Valpo coaches first see you?

Ramsey: The Valpo coaching staff first saw me compete last August at the 2011 PBR Midwest Future Games in Chicago. I was in frequent contact with the Valpo coaching staff after that, and I was invited for an unofficial visit last winter. Coach Woodson came to see one of my high school games this spring and made a very attractive offer.  I took another unofficial visit this spring to see Valpo clinch the regular season championship at home.

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

Ramsey: Coach Woodson has high expectations for me. He sees me as a top-of-the-order hitter. He expects me to work hard this next year so that I am ready to see significant playing time and compete for a starting position in the OF my freshman year.

PBR: You recently attended PBR’s Top Prospect Showcase. How did that help you in the recruiting process?

Ramsey:  The PBR Midwest Future Games and PBR Top Prospect Showcase were the two most-significant showcases in my recruiting process. The exposure was fantastic with over 150 college recruiters attending both events combined.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?

Ramsey: I play for the Cincinnati Flames coached by Brian Phelps. I am lucky to play with such great coaches and teammates.

PBR: What sort of sacrifices did you have to make to play a travel
intensive schedule during the summer?? What sort of advice would you
pass on to players looking to make the same decision?

Ramsey: Travel baseball is a huge commitment, but I love the game and there is nothing I would rather do than play baseball at the highest possible level.  Any player that wants to play at the next level should play for a great travel organization like the Cincinnati Flames or Ohio Elite. That is the best way to develop as a player and get the exposure needed to be successfully recruited.

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

Ramsey: I have had several great coaches that have helped me develop as a baseball player. Coach Phelps with the Cincinnati Flames. Coach Fugitt and the Hilliard Darby coaching staff. Coach Valentine with the Ohio Elite. Coach Black with the Columbus Cobras, and Coach Holdren with the Hilliard Colts. But my parents have been my biggest supporters. My dad taught me the game at an early age and my mom has always been there for me.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Hilliard Darby?

Ramsey: I was injured in practice right before the start of my high school season with a severe grade 3 ankle sprain, but I played through the injury missing only one game. I had 31 hits with 10 doubles, a .352 BA, .and .426 OBP.

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

Ramsey: Matt Smoral, Solon H.S. Class of 2012. A big lefty pitcher that throws 90-plus with control. He was a North Carolina recruit and a first round MLB draft pick out of high school in June. That says it all.