PBR: Earlier this season we saw you throw a no-hitter and strike out 19 batters in 7 innings for Auburn Mountainview. What do you think made you so effective that night? 

NW: I walked into the night expecting a handful of scouts. Through warm ups and up to game time I was approached by teammates who were telling me how many teams were there. I took a glance once I stepped onto the mound and I saw 20+ scouts up in the stands. At that moment I knew it was game time. I was very aggressive in the strike zone, my fastball and curve were on fire and I didn’t miss a spot. I then later decided to add in my slider and from then it was lights out. I had my absolute best stuff and I also had my team behind me to back me up at all costs. Along with that, my velocity is what also kept me in the game.

PBR: At this point in your career, you’re no stranger to being scouted/recruited. Is that something you notice during pre-game and while you’re pitching?
 

NW: I definitely noticed early on but I knew that for me to perform at my best and focus on the goal, I needed to block out the attention. I always knew that as I warmed up eyes were on me, especially when it was game time. But I just focused on the game and doing my best for the team. 

PBR: As the game went on, what was the dugout like? Did your teammates keep their distance or avoid you?

 NW: During the game I had my teammates coming up saying specific comments referring to strikeouts or scouts watching and velocity but I told them save it for after the game. They asked me questions about how I felt about scouts and all but I just told them it was the least of my concerns; I had a game to win and they totally understood. They were doing everything but avoiding me. But I kept my focus on the game and it paid off in the end. Everyone was very excited during and after that game,  but to me it was just another night on the rubber having fun playing the sport I love.

Any no hitter is impressive, but this line is absurd.

74% strikes and 17-23 1st P strikes ?

Congratulations to @NateWeeldreyer on the tremendous outing pic.twitter.com/6j4WPSMFV4

— PBR Washington (@PBR_Washington) March 20, 2019

PBR: Focusing on your recruitment now, why did you choose Purdue?  

NW: I chose Purdue because of the great education, coaching staff, and the facilities. There is really no better place to be. Campus is unbelievable and the community is great. Everyone is a die-hard Boiler fan and that's such a blessing to have the support from the community. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer/fall and what has that experience been like? 

NW: This summer I will be playing with the Kirkland Merchants. This has been one of the greatest programs I’ve been given the opportunity to play with. From the coaches to the players, they’re all awesome. The coaches are very smart and have a very precise way of coaching and it has helped my game significantly. 

 PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

NW: My most memorable baseball moment to date would most definitely be my experience in Long Beach, CA for the Area Code games. I was never the guy who traveled around for national events or anything like that. So to be given this opportunity was something I will remember forever. I happened to be the first guy to step on the mound for the games and that meant the world to me.

 PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Washington?

NW: Definitely Corbin Carrol. He isn’t the biggest guy on the field but he has some of the most power I’ve seen in hitters my age. It’s always fun competing against him. 

PBR: Any pre-game superstitions?

NW: Listening to my music very loud on the way to the game. Gets me hyped up and full of energy. Once I reach the field, I sit down for a few moments and focus on my plan for the day. Once I'm finished, I grab a bat and take some swings pretending as if I’m hitting bombs! Then at 45 min till game time I get to work. 

PBR: Favorite MLB player and why?

NW: Clayton Kershaw, no doubt. Mechanically we have nothing similar. He is my favorite because I love how he isn’t a loud and cocky player. He puts in his work and goes out and it shows on the field when it's game time. He lets his play do the talking and having that type of reputation on the field has been something I find similar with myself. 

PBR: What would be your top walk-out song? (The edited version)

NW: “Pray For The Drip”- by: Tee Grizzley