Kevin Kline, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound pitcher from Patrick Henry High School, exploded on to the recruiting scene this summer. He looks back on his journey and shares his thoughts with Prep Baseball Report.

 

PBR: What schools were you considering?
Kline:  Toledo, Michigan State, Wright State, Duke, Kent State and Indiana

PBR: Toledo was the first school to offer you. Can you tell us more about the circumstances of the initial offer?Kline: On my second visit to Toledo in January, after I attended the winter camp, Coach Mee made the offer.  I was surprised to get an offer so soon and helped me realize that I had the potential Division I baseball.  

PBR: Even though Toledo offered early, you took your time in the recruiting process. Why did you decide to wait?
Kline:  I wanted to make sure that I made the right choice for me.  I wanted to visit other colleges and see what other schools were like.  Taking my time helped me evaluate all that Toledo had to offer and making sure that they were the best fit.

PBR: Describe your relationship with Coach Mee and Coach Bradford. What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Kline:  I developed a great relationship with both Coach Mee and Coach Bradford during the recruiting process.  They didn't rush me into making a decision which allowed to be confident in my choice.  I think that they expect me to come in and compete for a spot on the mound right away.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Toledo?
Kline: I think my biggest strength is that I am very competitive.  I want to win and I hope that will help us win at Toledo.

PBR: You come from a small town in Northwest Ohio with a successful athletic program. This summer, you played with the Ohio Elite. How did the travel baseball experience help with the recruiting process and aid your development as a player?
Kline: Playing for Ohio Elite gave me much more exposure to colleges that may have not been intrerested before.  By playing against competition helped me to become a better player.  The coaches also helped me to reach my potential.

PBR: What was your most memorable experience from your spring or summer season?
Kline:  I enjoyed playing in the WWBA Perfect Game tournament in Georgia.  We played some great teams and we had a successful tournament.  

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Kline: My brother has really helped me with my mechanics and willing to throw with me.  Coach Tom Held from Defiance High School helped me realize that I have potential to be a good pitcher which made me want to work harder to become one.

PBR: Many college coaches describe you as a high-potential player. What do you need to become an effective pitcher at the next level?
Kline: I need to continue to work hard to gain velocity and improve my off-speed pitches.

PBR: You carry a 4.3 GPA and registered a 29 on your ACT. Many younger student-athletes are reading this interview. Describe the importance of good grades. How did this help with your scholarship and opportunities?
Kline: When talking college coaches, they were happy to see my good grades. With the limited scholarships they have to give, it helps the program if players are able to receive some academic money.  Having good grades shows that you are willing to work hard to be successful.  It also helped increase interest from some schools with high academic standards.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Patrick Henry?
Kline:  45.1 innings pitched, 1.70 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 20 walks

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Kline: The toughest hitter I have faced is Anthony Kidston from Defiance.  Ryan Callahan from Delta is also a great hitter.  He will be my teammate at Toledo.