Commitment Q&A: Will Armbruester '19/RHP - New Mexico recruit
March 5, 2019
Our next look into committed players for the 2019 class focuses on RHP Will Armbruester from Eastside Catholic. Armbruester is listed at 6-foot-5, 225-pounds with a mature, physical frame. He will make his way down to New Mexico and toe the rubber for the Lobos in 2020.
PBR: Why did you choose New Mexico?
WA: I chose NM for several reasons. First, I really connected with the coaching staff. I know I am going to have an opportunity to improve my skills and really contribute to the team. Coach Birmingham is a great coach that really wants me not only to succeed on the field but as a person and in the classroom. Second, I like the size of the school and the climate. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, I’m ready for a change of climate.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
WA: University of Arizona, University of Portland, Xavier, and Northern Colorado were among the top.
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you play? Who on staff was your primary recruiter?
WA: Brandon Higelin, the pitching coach and I have known each other for a few years. Before coming to UNM, he was at the University of Arizona. I went to a few camps there but also played in several travel tournaments in Arizona and Southern California where he had a chance to see me.
PBR: Who do you play for in the summer/fall and what has that experience been like?
WA: I’ve played on several teams, many in the Northwest including Crimson Elite (now Prospect United) and most recently SandLot Baseball from the Phoenix, Arizona area. Playing for SandLot helped me a lot. I faced great hitters and some of the best pitchers I’ve ever seen.
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
WA: The 2013 Little League World Series. My team from Sammamish, WA – Eastlake Little League made it to Williamsport and it is an experience I’ll never forget. To this day, it’s the most people I’ve ever played in front of (approximately 20,000).
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Washington?
WA: Corbin Carroll – he puts the ball in play and is incredibly fast. He’s crafty. We play him in my high school league and keeping him to a weakly hit ball or a flyout is a major accomplishment although I will say when my older brother was a senior, he struck him out six times. He still talks about it!
PBR: Any pre-game superstitions?
WA: Drinking a Red bull before every game I pitch to get me locked in and ready to go.
PBR: Favorite MLB player and why?
WA: Jamie Moyer. He had an incredible 25 year career and wasn’t the typical hard throwing kind of pitcher. He used his skills and abilities – those given to him at birth and those he worked to perfect - to be competitive against the best players in the league. It wasn’t about domination through power but really about being smarter than hitters, using his tools and hitting his spots. He played for a number of teams under different managers and owners. I think this says a lot about him and the way he could do what he does best in a variety of situations with different styles of coaching. He also really enjoys his community and giving back. I think he’s a great example of not just a player that I look up to but a good person.
PBR: What would be your top walk-out song? (The edited version)
WA: Backwoods by Justin Moore
Scouting Report
6/27/18 - 6-foot-5, 225-pounds. Imposing, physical presence. Armbruester goes to high school in Washington, but played his summer ball in Arizona. He sat 85-86 on this day and with a slight uptick in arm speed could become and even higher level prospect on the bump. Impressive athleticism and movement patterns, especially considering the size. Dynamic lower half, separates well, clean arm action, high ¾ release. Really uses his body to get down the mound and create extension. Change up was thrown at 74 mph with solid sinking action. Curveball flashed proper spin and shape at 71-74 mph, could develop more depth. Very interesting follow, especially if he is able to generate increased arm speed.