Inside the Recruitment: '15 RHP AJ Mohr commits to Grand Valley State

PBR: Why did you choose Grand Valley?  

Mohr: I felt it was a good fit for me. Grand Valley has a great campus and a great broadcasting program, so I felt that GV was my best choice. Also, the coaching staff, I feel, can improve my game and make me a better baseball player on and off the field.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Mohr: I was considering a couple Junior Colleges just to see where it would lead me after my two years, but I just couldn't see myself at one of those schools. Aquinas College was a great school and I was very close to committing there. AQ has a great campus and can offer a great education. Between the Junior Colleges, Aquinas, and Grand Valley, I made my choice between these.

PBR: Where did Grand Valley first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?

Mohr: I went to a camp at Grand Valley in February this year and that's when I first talked to Coach Detillion. Ironically, the bullpen I threw was not the greatest one I have ever thrown, but I guess Coach Detillion saw something more! He really got involved with me and was talking to me about what I would throw in certain situations and how I would attack a hitter (I was not expecting a quiz at this camp!) But we talked for awhile and I got to know him pretty well and he got to know me pretty well. He came out to see a couple of my games this year and a week after my last game I received a call from him to come out for a visit! And the rest is history. I feel that the coaching staff can be more than just that, I feel that I can go to them with issues not on the baseball field, which is a great comfort level to have with a coach/player relationship!

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Mohr: Whether I would be a reliever, or starter, I don't know yet. Of course as a freshman you have to build a name for yourself to be one of the conference pitchers, so that is my goal my freshman year. I am going to try to build up my reputation for my coaches and other players to be one of the conference pitchers!

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Mohr: I currently play for the Elite A's with coaches Jim Abbott and Mike Paul. They have developed me from a "thrower" to a "pitcher". Since I've been working with Elite since I was a junior they have definitely improved my game substantially which I am very grateful for! They have taught me many things with pitching and baseball in general but if there is one thing I can take away from their words of wisdom, it is to "be loyal." This is something that one can use on and off the baseball field!

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

Mohr: I can't single out one person that has impacted me, because there are many influences in my life when it comes to baseball! Of course my Mom and Dad have made an impact on me, other players and coaches have been influences. However, if it comes down to the "biggest" impact, I would say my Grandpa and my Grandma (Ted and Ester Szotko) because it doesn't matter how cold or how hot the game is that day or how long of a walk or drive it is to the field, they are always there at every game earning the spot as #1 Fans! I want to step onto that mound every game and give them a show! And hopefully this can continue on to Grand Valley and maybe even after!

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season?

Mohr: W/L: 9-0, ERA: .933, WHIP: .983, Innings Pitched: 63, Strikeouts: 80, Walks: 20

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced?

Mohr:There was a young man from a team we played in summer ball last season (2014) who could hit, literally, any pitch I threw. Whether it was a slider in the dirt or a fastball up and in, he could almost guarantee himself a hit every at bat. I guess he deserved to be in the #4 spot in the lineup! I wish I could remember his name so I could check up on him every now and again, unfortunately I cannot remember his name, but good for him. Great player!