Roger Danison, OF, Bloom Carroll HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Xavier?

Danison: I chose it because of a combination of things. It's close to home, it's a good school academically, the program is good, the coaches are great, and the whole campus is beautiful. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Danison: Kent State, Toledo, Wright State, Winthrop, Cincinnati, and Ohio University 

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

Danison: Coach O'Connor first saw me I believe at a PBR showcase in Cincinnati. I then attended a hitting camp at Xavier with a visit that followed. He first saw me play in a game in Chillicothe in a high school game against Wheelersburg. Coach O'Connor along with Coach Otte were in contact with me weekly. Coach O'Connor has seen me play many times. The coaches are easy to talk to and Coach O'Connor and Coach Googins sent me several hand written letters to keep the constant communication. Coach O'Connor came to see me play whether it's at Huntington Park, or in the middle of nowhere.

PBR: Your high school team just recently won the State Championship.  How did it feel to be the last team standing?

Danison: It was surreal to win our school's first baseball State Championship. We went into this season on a mission. After losing the State Championship the year before, we knew what we wanted to do and we weren't going to let anything stop us. With every game it felt like we got better and better. Playing under the lights at Huntington with my best friends will be something I will never forget. It was the best feeling in the world. 

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Danison: I play with the Ohio Elite under Coach Chris Valentine. Travel ball has developed me as a player because I face more talented teams and pitchers. 

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

Danison: The people who've had the biggest impact on me are my parents and my high school coach, Brian Thacker. My parents have supported me every single day of my life with baseball. Whether it's driving, paying for camps or equipment, or just keeping me focused for the next day. Coach Thacker is the best hitting coach I've ever had. As a coach he not only teaches us the game, but he teaches us values of life and how to become a better person in society. Without these people, I would be a completely different person and player. 

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Bloom Carroll?

Danison:  League: .413, Non-League: .383. Postseason: .643 ,OBP: .491, SLG: .660, Hits : 41, Doubles: 8, Triples, Home Runs: 3, RBI: 28 and Runs: 33

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

Danison: My short pal and teammate Sam Bordner. I am much taller than him, even without shoes.