Ted Andrews, the 31st ranked player in Ohio's Class of 2012, has committed to Furman. Read more about Andrews' recruiting process and the reason behind his commitment ... 

PBR: Why did you choose Furman?
Andrews: It's a great spot for academics. At the same time, I will be helping my team out immediately as a freshman while playing against the nation's best competition like South Carolina, Clemson, and Georgia each year.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Andrews: Stanford, Vanderbilt, Auburn, and Miami (OH). 


PBR: Where did Furman first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Andrews: They first saw me Sophomore Year at an East Cobb Baseball invitational in Athens, GA. My 16 year old team was playing against an 18 year old team from down South. They stayed in touch with me monthly after that. Their coaching staff is full of competitive, honest, and caring men.


PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Andrews: They will expect me to compete right away, and hopefully I will work my way into the weekday/weekend rotation as they expect me to do.


PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Furman?
Andrews: I believe my biggest strength is my competitiveness. I try to be a bulldog out there on the mound; I've learned to use different pitches in different situations on a regular basis, especially when one of my pitches isn't working that day.


PBR: What sort of sacrifices did you have to make to play a travel intensive schedule during the summer? What sort of advice would you pass on to players looking to make the same decision?
Andrews: The sacrifice is huge--it takes a lot of love for the game. More than simply traveling for the games, you have to be willing to take the necessary steps for preparation during the weekdays--running, throwing, lifting, and getting all your work in. You gotta have a serious love for the game to do it, but it's all worth it.


PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Andrews: Aside from playing with some of my best friends who happen to be future D-1 players as well, I loved playing against the Cincinnati Spikes at Prasco Park during July. It was "Free Chick-Fil-A Night" on a Tuesday night--there were over 4,000 people there. The atmosphere was crazy.


PBR: What are your expectations for next spring with your high school team? What is your role as a senior?
Andrews:  I have high expectations for our team. We are returning 8 starters, each one who works just as hard as the other. I'm looking forward to a lot of winning, a lot of fun, and hopefully we can work hard enough for a State Championship.


PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Andrews: My older brother Tom, now 25, has taught me that you can never work hard enough. He played college baseball and experienced the game at a higher level. He took the things he learned and made sure I worked hard to reach the level I am at now.


PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy?
Andrews:  I batted .459 with 40 hits-14 doubles, 6 triples, and 1 HR. On the mound I was 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA.


PBR: Describe your experience playing for the Midwest Redbirds this fall.
Andrews: Playing with the Redbirds has been one of the most fun baseball experiences. Brian Hopkins, the Head Coach and a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals, is one of the best coaches I've been around. I picked up so many new tips from him and the rest of the coaching staff, as well as the super-talented team I was a part of.


PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Andrews: Paul Snyder--a 6'2'', 250 lb. Catcher/1b from Hillsboro High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. I hate throwing against Paul. As a 16 year old at the CABA World Series he hit one off the center field wall so hard that he got a single out of it. He happens to be one of my best friends as well. I try to pick my friends wisely.