Q&A with USC-Upstate Commit Reilly Kirkpatrick
January 31, 2018
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PBR: Why did you choose USC-Upstate?
I have always wanted to go to school in the South and play in a competitive conference. On my visit I had a great time with Coach Brown and I really liked the coaching staff. The campus was nice and their baseball field was even better than I could’ve imagined. While I was there I met some of the players and they told me a lot of good things about the school and the program. I want to major in business and I was impressed with the business school and their involvement in the community.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
I was also looking at Winthrop, Wofford, and Iowa.
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
The coaching staff first saw me play in Florida in October. The day after the game Coach Brown called me and we began talking bi-weekly. He made sure to get me familiar with the program but he also wanted to get to know me better.
PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
It would be the opportunity I have to compete as a freshman. I can earn a starting spot and get into the pitching rotation and that’s something that really intrigued me. Not only that but Coach Brown also has success with getting players to the next level. The program is young and we have a chance to write the history of it.
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
First and foremost my Dad has helped me the most. He was the one who would always throw bp to me and catch my bullpens. I would like to thank Rollie Kenny, Max Fearnow, Jeff Leise, and Tom Oldham for their guidance. Im also really thankful for Mike Legleiter for allowing me to hit and pitch at his house. All of my coaches from high school to select ball have helped in one way or another and I don’t think I could’ve done it without them.
PBR: You play for the Nebraska Prospects in the fall, what has that experience been like?
It’s been a great experience for me. Coach Fearnow has taught me so much in the last two years and Ive seen a lot of improvement in my play. The program does an awesome job of doing everything they can to get their players developed and noticed. They get us into tournaments where we will face tough competition and get in front of a lot of college coaches.
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
I think my most memorable baseball moment to date was pitching against and beating Florida Elite. That game was not only very fun but it was the game where Coach Brown saw me play. We proved that we can beat anyone and it’s an experience I won’t forget.
PBR: Who is the best player you have competed with?
Jake Gish. I’ve seen him hit just about every pitcher he’s faced and I don’t see him make many errors. He’s a talented player and an even better teammate.