Mason Daniels, RHP, Gahanna Lincoln HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Elon?

Daniels:  After being down there at Elon and then visiting the school, meeting the coaches, and seeing what the school has to offer along with their great baseball tradition it became very easy for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Daniels:  I really liked Wright State a lot and their coaches.  Other schools had asked to see me more like OSU, WV, and UC.

PBR: Where did the Elon coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Daniels:  I believe they first saw me at Huntington Park in the State Final Four.  Then they saw me again down South for a tournament that my Ohio Warhawks were playing in.  From there my summer coach got me a visit so I could see the campus and meet the coaches. 

PBR:  Was distance from home a factor in your decision?  

Daniels:  Yes.  I’m very close with my family and grandparents so it made the decision more difficult.  However, my parents wanted what was best for me and we thought this fit was right. 

PBR:  Former Gahanna product Joey Tomko is on the roster at Elon.  How much of a factor was that in your decision? 

Daniels:  Tomko was a great player for Gahanna and someone I really admire.  Knowing that he is there now and loves it made the decision easier.  I can’t wait to spend some more time talking with him to better prepare myself.

PBR:  You are going in to your Junior season.  Why did you choose to make your decision so early?  Are you completely finished with the recruiting process or are you still open to other options?

Daniels:  I knew I had a chance to go to a great program that is very successful and also be in the South.  The fit felt right after meeting with the coaches and seeing things.  I’m completely done with recruiting process and am looking forward to being a Phoenix.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Daniels:  I really didn’t have a ton of expectations.  I talk to my coach quite a bit about college stuff and he’s been through it with many other players so I really just let things happen.

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

Daniels:  My Grandpa.  Whenever I was younger he would always tell me stories of when he played.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Gahanna?

Daniels:  58 innings.  5-3.  ERA: 2.05---Along with winning the District Championship and Regional Championship Games 

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

Daniels:  Kyle Casserly