Q&A With Illinois-Springfield Commit Aaron Steinhoff

September 3, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

Aaron Steinhoff recently committed to the University of Illinois-Springfield. Steinhoff is currently ranked No. 47 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Here is a scouting report on Steinhoff from the 2014 Milwaukee Preseason ID Showcase.

Aaron Steinhoff 2/9/14 - 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed pitcher, standard build. Shows athleticism on the mound, delivery works quickly, some effort. Arm works quickly from a high ¾ slot, regular arm action. Fastball has slight run, showed control for the zone, 82-84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 71-73 mph, occasionally gets underneath. Changeup has slight sink, keeps down, aggressive arm speed, 74-76 mph. Steinhoff has well above average arm speed for his age, currently one of the stronger arms in his class.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Steinhoff: The recruiting process happened quicker than I expected. It was an easy chose to decide on continuing my baseball career at Illinois-Springfield.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Steinhoff: I was looking for a program where the coaching staff was focused on the development of their players, while also being able to contribute early on.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Steinhoff: I wanted my family to be able to go to games and to watch me play, so the fact that it is only a couple of hours away was a big plus.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Steinhoff: The recruiting process started for me my sophomore year in high school when I attended a few showcases and was able to play in front of college coaches. This past season is when the recruiting process jump started for me.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Steinhoff: Illinois-Springfield first saw me while playing in a tournament in Kenosha. After that the contact became more frequent and I visited the campus.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Steinhoff: What I like most about Illinois-Springfield has to be the coaching staff. They are very focused on the development of their players and also about their academics. The opportunity for playing time and to play both ways was very important to me. I also really like the direction the program is headed.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Steinhoff: The best player in my state would be Justin Lavey. He's a tough kid and a hard worker. He has a lot of power at the plate and good range at his position.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Steinhoff: Being a college caliber player has always been one of my goals for as long as I’ve been playing baseball. I’ve always wanted to continue playing at the highest level possible and for as long as i can.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Steinhoff: Set goals for yourself, and then work as hard as you can to achieve them. Never stop working, and don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Steinhoff: Every game is a memorable one. Being given the opportunity to get better and play baseball everyday while some people can't is a blessing. I play my hardest every game and make every game count.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Steinhoff: Horlick graduated a lot of seniors last year. With the need for replacements on the roster, were looking for some underclassmen to step up. I’m optimistic about our season and what we are capable of accomplishing.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Steinhoff: I play for Demarini. My most memorable experience with them was having the opportunity to play for coaches who love the game of baseball and also help kids develop into better ball players.

Q&A With Illinois-Springfield Commit Aaron Steinhoff

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