By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

St. Joseph's High School senior shortstop and right-handed pitcher Tyler Beck recently announced his commitment to play his collegiate baseball at Purdue University and Head Coach Doug Schreiber.  The 6-foot-1, 185 pound senior is ranked No. 54 in Indiana's class of 2014 and was a participant in the Top Prospect Games last June and attended the Unsigned Senior Showcase earlier this month. 

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Purdue? 

Beck: Purdue has been number one on my list from day one. Purdue is great academically and that was the first thing I was looking for in a school. They are also part of the B1G which is a great upcoming conference for baseball and I will be playing some of the best competition day in and day out. Purdue has proven that they are a solid baseball program in the B1G by winning the conference in 2012. With Purdue only being two hours away is another plus for me and my family.  

PBR: Where did Purdue first see you compete? 

Beck: I attended one of Purdue's baseball camps in October. 

PBR: When did you take your first official visit? 

Beck: I took my first and only visit last weekend on the 8th.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Beck: I was considering Wright State, Wabash, Saint Joseph's, Danville and Lake Land College. 

PBR: What position(s) are the coaches expecting you to play at Purdue? 

Beck: I am going to be a two way guy, so I am expected to pitch, and play the infield and corner outfield.  

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player? 

Beck: My parents have been the biggest impact on me because without them I would not be in the situation that I am now. They attend all my games and make sure I make it to every practice. They also sacrifice a lot to give me the opportunity to travel and play against quality competition.  

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer, and how have they impacted your baseball career? 

Beck: I played for the Indiana Eastlake Chargers. They give me some of the best information that they receive from some of the top baseball conventions in the country. I can say without them my baseball skills would not be where they are now. I still workout with them in the winter.  

PBR: What is your fondest baseball memory to date? 

Beck: Winning the first NIC championship in St. Joe's history my sophomore year. 

PBR: What are your expectations for the 2014 HS season both personally and as a team? 

Beck: My personal goals for this High School season is to have a .500 average and have below a 1.00 ERA. I believe my team has the talent to be a 3A State contender. After losing on a walk-off grand slam in regionals against Western, we feel like we still have a lot to prove.  

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter you've faced in Indiana? 

Beck: The toughest pitcher I have faced is Tanner Tully and the toughest hitter I have faced is Cory Malcolm, both played for Elkhart Central.

Upcoming PBR Indiana Events

• IN - Pre Season All State - Feb 22
  Westfield HS, Westfield, IN
• IN - Indiana Top Prospect Games - Jun 24
  Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
• IN - 2014 Underclass Games (Invite Only) - Jul 29
  Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
• IN - 2014 Midwest Future Games powered by Under Armour (Indiana Invite Only) - Aug 1
  Grand Park (IN)