Nine Innings with Canton South RHP Logan Bowles

As the summer season of showcases heat up the recruiting trail is picking up pace and fever. A new Prep Baseball Report series called Nine Innings, has emerged in light of the frequency of commitments. As student-athletes verbal their college selection, PBR will be there to shed light into the next wave of college stars, in their own words.

The first Nine Innings features one of the first class of 2012 players to issue a verbal commitment in Canton South right-handed pitcher Logan Bowles. Bowles was the first of a current three-member Ohio State recruiting class that is Greg Beals? first recruiting haul.

 

Question #1 

PBR: What schools were you considering prior to committing to Ohio State?

LB: Stanford and Notre Dame

Question #2

PBR: When you were offered by Ohio State what was your reaction and initial thoughts?

LB: I was overwhelmed.  It was a dream come true and by far the best day of my life.  I was very excited and thanked everyone who helped get me to that point right away.

Question #3 

PBR: You made the decision to commit very early, why was that? Was OSU your school from the start?

LB: I committed early because it allows me to go out and just relax and have the pressure of committing to a college done with.  OSU was not my school from the start.  Notre Dame was my dream school but as soon as I went on my visit and met the new coaches OSU felt like my home.  I could see myself spending four good years there.  Everything just felt right, it was unreal.

Question #4

PBR: What most has you excited about being a Buckeye?

LB: I am most looking forward to having the opportunity to make a run to Omaha and the new field turf OSU is getting.

Question #5

PBR: Your coach at Canton South, Trent McIlvain, is a former Buckeye (shortstop 1998-2001), what type of insight and help did he provide you in the process?
LB: He helped me out a lot and was always talking to me about my decision.  He played with (OSU pitching coach) Staff and knew him well.  Coach McIlvain didn't persuade me he was just honest about being a Buckeye.  He told me what it takes to be a Buckeye and how special it is to be one.  After i heard that i was in.  This will be a great opportunity.

Question #6

PBR: In committing as early as you did, you had a junior season of HS baseball to play after the fact. Did you feel this spring you had a target on your back by it?

LB: Of course.  Once you commit somewhere as big as OSU you always have a target on your back.  People expect you to do everything perfect every pitch and at-bat. 

Question #7

PBR: Canton South had a successful season his past spring, falling short against Tallmadge in the Division II Canton District Championship, looking back what type of season was it for you and the team with the success you had?

LB: It was a very good season for our team i thought.  Once the tourney came we were playing our best ball.  I wanted to win our district so bad.  I hate losing and I am really competitive.  Nothing is good enough unless we win it all.  It was a good season for me pitchi g and at the plate.  My last game I threw against Louisville in the semi- final I was 86-87 topping out at 88.

Question #8

PBR: You're playing locally this summer instead of traveling across the country, going showcase to showcase, does the commitment play a role in there where you don't have a "need to prove yourself" at the big showcases and tournaments?

LB: No not at all.  The Stark County Terriers are a great program and get me the exposure I need.  They have a summer collegiate team which my high school coach coaches in the summer.  This year I believe they have three Buckeyes playing for them and I plan to play for them as well once i get to OSU.  Last summer with the Terriers is when Staff seen me pitch.  I beat Matt Wisler who was pitching for the Columbus Cobras 5-1 at Dayton University.  I threw a one-hitter and took a no-hitter 6 2/3.

Question #9

PBR: As the summer unfolds are there any particular areas you're trying to improve on, and with the commitment behind you, is it a summer of more relaxation and fun going into your senior season?

LB: I am continuing to working on spotting all three pitches (FB, slider, CH).  And at the plate I am working on going the other way with the outside pitch.  This summer is not relaxation at all for me.  I am working hard every day we play to get better.  I have to continue to work hard because if I am not someone else is.  I am taking advantage of the opportunity I have to play ball at OSU.

Prep Baseball Report thanks Bowles for his time. Remember to email PBR the latest recruiting news to either Chris Webb: [email protected] or Chris Valentine: [email protected]