Sam Vilk, 1B, Mentor HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Seton Hill? 

Vilk:  I chose Seton Hill University because I loved everything about the campus and Greensburg, PA is only a couple hours from home. They have a nationally competitive baseball team as well as a great Education program and I’d like to teach Social Studies and coach someday.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Vilk:  I was considering Lake Erie, Ashland, Mount Union, Morehead State, Oakland and Bowling Green.

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

Vilk:   Coach DeAngelis first saw me at a PBR event last winter. They contacted me in February of this year and kept in touch regularly, invited me to Campus in April for a game. After their season ended he came to watch me play a dozen times over the summer. I also emailed, texted and talked to him and Coach Marizzaldi on the phone and got to know them both better.

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

Vilk:  The coaches expect me to come in ready to compete for innings on the infield corners or as a left-handed hitting DH.

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

Vilk:  My biggest strength as a player is my work ethic and attitude. They’ll know they can rely on me as a freshman to contribute wherever needed.

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

Vilk:  I play for Northern Ohio Baseball Club coached by Dave Pastors and Danny Yonkoff. My most memorable experience from this summer was going 11-0 and beating Bergen Beach and the Pelicans twice in the Finals to win the C.A.B.A High School World Series.

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

Vilk:   I hit .337 with 24 RBI’s.

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

Vilk:  Butch Baird (West Holmes)