Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: '16 OF/1B Joe Stewart commits to Michigan State



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By Aaron Wilson
Michigan Assistant Director of Scouting

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Joe StewartJoe Stewart, OF/1B, Portage Central, 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Michigan State?

Joe: I chose Michigan State because the athletics there are some of the best in the entire country. The support and pride they have in their athletics is very special. I have been a Spartan fan for my entire life and grew up going to all of the Spartan athletic events. I developed a good relationship with the coaches and when I went on my visit they made me feel very comfortable. When the opportunity came to play baseball at Michigan State there was no doubt in my mind that it was what I wanted to do.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Joe: I was considering Indiana State University and Illinois State University.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you?

Joe: The coaching staff first saw me at the Top Prospect Games at Eastern Michigan.

PBR: You play for the Midwest A's how do you feel playing for a team with several Division 1 commits helped your recruiting process?

Joe: Playing for the Midwest Athletics was very beneficial for my recruiting process. Being surrounded by so many D1 commits pushed me to up my playing level. Many of the commits informed me about their schools, helped me with reaching out to coaches, and supported me along the whole way. Coach Blakely has also been a huge factor with not only mine, but the whole teams recruiting process. He gives us all of the exposure we need and helps us come in contact with many coaches. 

PBR: What are your expectations playing in the Big 10?

Joe: Playing in the B1G is going to be such an amazing experience. Competing in a conference where I will have the opportunity to play with some of the best players in the country every weekend is something that I am extremely grateful for.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Joe: Beginning the recruiting process, I had the expectations of hopefully finding a school that academically and athletically fitted me. I also didn't expect the process to be as long and stressful as it was but the recruiting process is something that many kids don't get to experience and I am thankful that I had the opportunities that I had.

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

Joe: The toughest pitcher I have ever faced is Tommy Henry from Portage Northern, committed to University of Michigan. I am lucky enough to be teammates with him during the summer season.

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