Josh Armbruster, RHP/1B, Broadview Heights, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Notre Dame?

Armbruster:  I really want to be a two-way player in college. D2 is a good fit for me. I am really excited to have Len Barker as my coach since my primary position is RHP. I like the fact that they are building a new turf field on campus. Plus it’s close to home (about 25 minutes), so my family can come and watch me play.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Armbruster:  I narrowed it down to three D2 schools. The other two were Ashland and Ohio Dominican.

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

Armbruster:  One of NDC’s coaches first saw me at the end of my high school season while he was watching one of his recruits on our opposing team. He saw me again in the summer. I then met the whole coaching staff in the fall and worked out for them.

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

Armbruster:  They say I can probably step right into the pitching rotation and get at-bats as a DH.

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

Armbruster:  I feel I can do many things. As a pitcher, I can start or relieve. As a hitter, I can be a good middle-of-the-order power guy.

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

Armbruster:  Last summer I played for Bees Baseball out of Brecksville. One weekend we travelled to Pittsburgh and won a huge tournament. I had a complete game shut-out and saved three games, including the championship. I also hit a three-run homer.

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

Armbruster:  I missed the first half of the season due to an illness. When I came back I had lost 15 pounds and my strength and endurance levels were only about 70%. I played through the recovery but was limited to just 9 pitching appearances. I started 3 games and went 3-0. I was 4 for 4 in save opportunities. My ERA was 2.62 (it was 1.17 as a sophomore). At the plate, I batted .300 and led the team with a .704 slugging percentage.

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

Armbruster:  It would have to be Dan Rowbottom, a 2013 grad from St. Ignatius