TJ Alas, IF, Columbus DeSales, 2012

PBR: Why did you choose Eastern Kentucky University?
Alas: I committed to Eastern Kentucky for many reasons. They had first seen me play during the State Championship game back in June and had remained in contact throughout the process. I built a relationship with Coach Edwards and set up a visit to the campus. After walking on campus, seeing all that the school had to offer, and getting a chance to talk to Coach Stein I knew that Eastern Kentucky was the right fit. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Alas: I was also considering Miami University, University of Dayton, Stony Brook University as well as a few D2 schools in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play during your first year on campus?
Alas: The coaches expect me to play the role of a utility player including DH.  

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help EKU?
Alas: My biggest strength as a player is my bat and the ability to get on base. I have always been a gap to gap hitter and with the big outfield at EKU I feel as though I will be able to take the same approach at the plate which should help my team.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Alas: The person who had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player would be my father. Ever since I was little, he has always worked with me to make me the best player that I could be and he is constantly trying to find new ways to help me improve. Throughout the recruiting process, my father never shied away from any trip, taking me to showcases all over the country and he is the man to whom I attribute all of my success. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?
Alas: I play for the Columbus Cobras in the summer and my most exciting experience from this summer would be winning 5 games in 2 days to win the Silver Division of the Buckeye Scout tournament.

PBR: After winning a State Title last year, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?
Alas: As far as the upcoming season is concerned, I plan to keep my goals the same as I would any other season. I plan on improving my footwork as well as my bat speed in hopes of creating good habits and continuing to better myself as a player. As for the team, our goal will be to use the success from the State Championship to motivate ourselves as we continue to build and improve as a team. Having seen what my teammates are capable of we have set the bar even higher this season, hoping last year’s success can translate into a strong start to the 2012 season and an even stronger finish.

PBR: What were your stats last season for DeSales?
Alas: .398 avg, 27 rbis, and 1 HR.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Ohio?
Alas: The toughest pitcher that I have faced in Ohio would be Graham Johnston of Jonathan Alder high school.  Graham has a fastball that sits in the upper 80s but it was his command of his off speed that made him challenging to face. He was not afraid to throw his curveball when he was behind in the count and he consistently hit his location.   I was able to hit a double in the gap on a full count curveball in the State Semi Finals at Huntington Park.