PBR Iowa strives to be the most comprehensive source of player information across the state. The Prep Baseball Report is the No. 1 resource for high school baseball in each state we cover through our variety of events, boots-on-the-ground scouting staff, daily coverage, and multimedia platforms. Our multimedia platforms and events work in tandem, ultimately creating the most powerful source of high school baseball promotion in each state.  While other organizations take a national approach, our goal is to become the authoritative voice on the ground level of each state.

Interested in attending a PBR Iowa event? Check out our schedule by Clicking Here.

Interested in subscribing to Prep Baseball Report? Click Here.

 

PBR IA COMMITMENT SPOTLIGHT

 

 

 

PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?
CLAUSEN: There are many factors that went into choosing Minnesota. A big one is the awesome coaching staff. From the beginning of the process, they were always very transparent with where they were at in terms of recruiting during Covid. On top of that, they are all people who will be great to spend lots of time with during my time in college. I also really liked their campus and facilities at which their athletes work out and practice. I have always dreamed of playing in the BIG 10 and being somewhat close to my family to allow them to see games frequently. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
CLAUSEN: The other schools I was considering were Dartmouth College and Furman University. I had also talked with Northwestern, Iowa, Harvard, Cornell, SDSU, Kansas, Penn State, and Parkland College. 

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?
CLAUSEN: The Minnesota coaching staff originally reached out with a text and phone call. Over a few weeks my relationship with them got stronger. Before everything was shut down due to Covid, I attended one of their prospect camps where I pitched and met the coaches in person for the first time. After the camp we continued talking and eventually when they got squared away with their recruiting plan, I received an offer.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
CLAUSEN: Most definitely, I knew right when I got an opportunity to play there, that was the place I wanted to go. I think having that out of the way is very relieving going into my senior season knowing I don’t have to be seen by more people. The process was quite stressful, especially during the time period it took place, but now that it is over, baseball has turned into a game where all I have to worry about is winning and helping out the teams I am on.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
CLAUSEN: There wasn’t one deciding factor that placed Minnesota at the top. I felt that overall, between the coaching staff, facilities, and campus, this would be the right fit for me and where I felt the most comfortable.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
CLAUSEN: There are a few people who have gotten me to where I’m at today. My parents have both made sure I have gotten the best baseball experiences and pushed me while doing so. My dad coached me when I was younger and made me a better player and competitor. My high school coaches have taught me a lot about being a good person and doing everything in life with passion and grit. The last few years, I have worked a lot with Dakota Bacus, who just got called up to the Nationals. He has taken me from an average pitcher to where I am now.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
CLAUSEN: I thought things were going to be much more gradual. For me, everything happened very fast and many schools were reaching out. It was pretty overwhelming, especially because of the virus. That left a lot of the places I was talking to unsure of what their future looked like which led to them having to wait to give out offers or move on in recruiting. It was definitely hard having to turn down places which could bring me awesome opportunities as well. 

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
CLAUSEN: For freshman year, I think their biggest expectations are to work very hard to continue improving. They also expect dedication to the classroom and grades. Also, if I prove I can hit at that level, I will get an opportunity to be a two way guy.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
CLAUSEN: My most memorable baseball memory right now was going to state my sophomore year. It was the first time PV had gone to Principle Park in 16 years. That group was also very special to me because I had grown up around all of the seniors who grew up with my brother. Even though we lost in the first round, it is something I won’t ever forget.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
CLAUSEN: The best player I have played against so far is Brody Brecht at the state tournament this year. I’ve never seen that type of velocity and he commanded the zone that game very well. He’s definitely a very special player.