Christian Steele, 1B, Lebanon HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Cincinnati?

Steele: Cincinnati all around is an amazing University, but the baseball program is heading in the right direction. Being close to friends, and family, also played a large role in my decision.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Steele: West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Michigan State, Ohio, Miami, Ohio State

PBR:  Cincinnati is very close to home.  How much did distance play a role in your decision?

Steele: Distance didn't really play a role in the process, however, it is nice to be that close to family and friends. In the end, Cincinnati was the perfect fit for me and I really believe in Coach Neal and the UC staff.

PBR:  Coach Neal was a big part of the success at why Indiana went to the College World Series. How quickly do you think that success can transfer to Bearcat baseball?

Steele: I feel that the process has already started. Improving facilities, higher RPI, different expectations. Cincinnati has a rich tradition, but I believe Coach Neal will only build upon them.

PBR:  Where did the Coach Neal first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Steele: Coach Neal first saw me at a PBR event held at SWOBAT this past winter. After that day, we continued to build our relationship. I feel that the relationships that have been established with the coaching staff will continue to grow. I'm really looking forward to working with Coach Bourassa and Coach Lackaff.

PBR: Was the recruiting process what you expected?

Steele: No, not at all. I believe my situation might be a little different than some other players. Unfortunately, it did not go the way that I expected it to go due to injuries, mostly in the lower half of my body. As any ball player would know, if you don't have your legs under you, then it’s tough to perform the way that you normally do. I was very fortunate that Coach Neal and the rest of the staff saw past the injuries and saw my projected ability. I'm healthy now, but at the time, it was very stressful not being able to perform the way that you know you are capable of.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Steele: I played on the 17U Ohio Elite Baseball Club under Coach Noe. I had the opportunity to play with some very talented teammates from all over the state of Ohio. We also played a very competitive schedule. The excitement never stopped under these circumstances.

PBR: What were your stats last season for Lebannon?

Steele: They were nothing compared to what they should have been. Again, the injuries played a huge part in that. Many did not know that I was playing through a stress fracture in my 3rd metatarsal of my right foot, but also affecting the 4th and 5th. Fortunately, I was able to still do my job defensively. Offensively, I was still able to move the ball around, and baserunners, but nothing close to what it should have been. After we clinched the conference title, I shut it down. It definitely affected me this summer also. Didn't feel like myself until about two weeks ago. I'm completely healthy now.

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

Steele: I'm going to say Taylore Cherry (North Carolina), for me anyways. So far, he's the toughest I've seen at the high school level.