Follow @PBRMichigan

Brendan Oosse, 1B/OF East Grand Rapids

PBR: Why did you choose Olivet Nazarene?

Oose: I chose Olivet Nazarene because from the moment I stepped onto campus I felt something that I hadn’t felt at other schools. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and welcoming, and they genuinely wanted me to make my decision on the school that was right for me, even if that wasn’t ONU. Also, I felt as though the academic opportunities I could have there would set me up well for my future. Finally, their baseball program has been very successful over the years and I wanted to be a part of that success.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Oose: The other schools I was considering for baseball were Spring Arbor University, Bethel College, and Kalamazoo College. Additionally, I was presented with opportunities to play football at Davidson College and Columbia University who were also in the mix.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you?

Oose: The coaching staff first saw me through film after I had initiated contact with them. They also saw me when I worked out with them and scrimmaged with their team in late August. 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer and what was your most memorable moment?

Oose: I play my summer ball for Diamonds 18u and my most memorable moment from this summer was beating the Elite A’s in the championship game at Davenport to end the summer.

PBR: Do you expect to make an immediate impact as a freshman?

Oose: I do expect to make an immediate impact as a freshman. It’s always my goal to be the hardest working individual on any team I’m on, so my goal is to earn a starting job early in the season. But, if a lot of playing time early on isn’t in the cards, I’m willing to do whatever is required of me to help my team.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Oose: My expectations were that the process would start much earlier than it did, but once the process began, things fell into place really quickly. I also thought that the schools would be the ones to initiate contact with me, but in reality it was quite the opposite.

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

Oose: John Baker from Hartland. 

PBR: Now that you're committed what are your goals entering your senior season?

Oose: My goals entering my senior season are to exhibit the same leadership that last years seniors showed to me this last season, to win the OK White conference, and finally to win the Division 2 State Championship. On a more personal note, I’d like to end my high school career repeating as an All-State first baseman.