Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: '15 RHP/3B Chris Stewart commits to Hillsdale





Chris Stewart, RHP/3B, Cousino HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Hillsdale?

Stewart: I chose Hillsdale because i think the coaching staff is incredible and I feel comfortable playing them. I really enjoy the smaller campus. I feel like the smaller campus life suits me best. The campus and facilities are beautiful and it was somewhere I wanted to be. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Stewart: I was also considering Kalamazoo College, U.S. Air Force Acadamy, and U.S. Naval Acadamy.

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Stewart: Coach Gordie Theisen first came to see me in the spring during the high school season. After seeing me in action, he invited me to a summer camp. After that camp, Coach Eric Theisen invited me to their Top Prospect Games. While attending the TPG, I met all the member of the staff and continued to have a growing relationship with the Theisens.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Stewart: The coaching staff at Hillsdale sees me as a two way player. They want to see me succeed on the mound, in the field, and at the plate.


PBR:  What are you individual and team goals for this spring?

Stewart: My individual goals this spring are big. My goal on the mound is to keep my ERA under 2 and to keep the walks in single digits. At the plate, my goal is to bat over .400 with contact and power. As a team, we have one goal: States. Our journey starts in March and we are going to take one game at a time to slowly achieve this goal.

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

Stewart: My parents have the biggest impact on me. They push me to work hard on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. They push me to do things I normally wouldn't do. They always give me an extra confidence boost while I'm on the field. They have always stood by my side supporting me to their fullest. I am very thankful to have these two people in my life. Without them, none of this would be possible.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?


Stewart: I will play for the 18U South Oakland A's this summer. The most exciting summer experience was this past summer. I had the chance to play in Florida in July. It was a great experience having the chance to play some of Florida's top talent. We struggled a bit, but it made us work harder during the games. It was a fun, yet crazy summer. 

PBR: What were your stats last season?

Stewart: Last year my stats in high school, on the mound, were 40 innings pitched with 36 ks and 15 BB. I also had a WHIP of .949. At the plate, I hit in the middle of the order and maintained a .364 batting average. In the summer I had an average of .409.