Cam Comer, C, Olentangy Liberty HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Virginia?

Comer: Virginia is truly my ideal school. It has top notch academics, outstanding baseball tradition and winning tradition. The people at Virginia really make it a special place. Starting with Coach McMullan and Coach O’Connor. They aren’t only great coaches but also great people. Also the players are truly some of the nicest guys I have ever been around. While I was visiting all of the 2014 commits were taking their official visits and I got a chance to hang out and get to know them. All of them are really great people and baseball players.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Comer:  I was considering between: The Ohio State University, University of Indiana, Coastal Carolina, Miami University and Xavier University

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

Comer: The first time they go to see me play was while playing with the Ohio Elite this summer at a tournament at the University of Virginia.  They liked the way I played and wanted to see me play again later in the summer.

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

Comer: Distance was never really a factor. If I found the right fit for me as a player and a student I didn’t want distance to really factor into my decision.

PBR:  You recently performed very well in the Perfect Game WWBA in Fort Myers.  How much more attention did you receive after the event?

Comer: After the WWBA tournament in Fort Myers I received some additional interest but most of the coaches watching me at the games were coaches that I had already been in some sort of contact through email or the phone.

PBR:  You have completely been cleared from your Tommy John rehabilitation.  How do you feel physically and talk about how difficult it was to only be able to be a designated hitter your sophomore year.

Comer: It was extremely tough only being a designated hitter for the high school and summer season. It was a big change going from playing the field to just hitting. It takes a while to get used to it but once I did it become much easier. As for the rehabilitation it was a very long a tedious process. I had to make some adjustments to my throwing mechanics so I had to spend even more time making sure I made the adjustments and that all of my mechanics were squared away before I resumed paying.  I have been 100% physically since my first game back which was right around Labor Day.

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?

Comer: I decided to make my decision this early because The University of Virginia was the perfect fit for me as a student and as an athlete. As for the recruiting process I am completely finished.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Comer:  I wasn’t really sure as to what to expect. But after I have experienced the process I can say that it can become very hectic. Between email and calling coaches it takes up a lot of your time so if you’re not very organized it can become a huge mess and very stressful. I really enjoyed the whole process because it is a once in a lifetime experience and something I will never forget.

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

Comer: There wasn’t just one person who has helped me throughout my whole baseball career. The first person that has had a huge person on is my Dad. He is always able to take time out of his schedule and help me become a better player and person. The second person is my summer coach from the last 4 years David Lee. He has spent countless hours building relationships with college coaches and putting together one the best travel teams in the state of Ohio. The last person that has helped me is my Summer Coach for this upcoming year Chris Valentine. Whether it is talking with colleges or technique Chris has been a huge part of my development as a player.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Olentangy Liberty?

Comer: I hit around .380 9 doubles 2 triples 1 homerun.

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

Comer: The toughest pitcher I have faced in Ohio was probably Robert Sexton last year in the district Semifinal. Also Ty Shoaff has always pitched very well against me in the couple of times that I have faced him.