A big reason for the success of the Liberty Blue Jays and their No. 1 ranking is due in part to the play of junior SS Nathan Winfrey. The No. 19 ranked player in the Class of 2013 is putting together a huge season at the plate, and getting the attention of college coaches in the Midwest. Currently, Winfrey leads the Liberty team with a batting average of .492, and has one homerun, ten doubles, and twenty RBIs.

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Winfrey to get some of his thoughts.

PBR: You are a big contributor to the No. 1 team in the state. Talk a little about the how you have contributed and the supporting cast around you.

Winfrey: I just go out and play like I know how I should to help the team, which is to play my hardest and play the whole game.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?

Winfrey: I would say with my bat, and my glove in the infield

PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?

Winfrey: Probably to get faster, but I am good at reading certain things to pick up while base running.

PBR: What are your expectations for the recruiting process?

Winfrey: I have no expectations, I want to be a guy that can walk in to their team and contribute in a big way, also to be wanted at that level of play.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?

Winfrey: I would like to play at DI level, first comes academics and if I feel comfortable in the environment, then comes the coaching staff and their facilities that I could use such as weight room and if they have a nice field, then comes if I am wanted at the program for my abilities to their team and contribute in a big way that's what I do.

PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?

Winfrey: Missouri, K-state, Ok-State, these are because they are really trying to pursue me, also I feel comfortable at their school and the way their program works.

PBR: What are your personal goals for the 2012 season?

Winfrey: Mine are to go back to state and win this time.

PBR: What are your high school team goals for 2012 season, and are they being met at the halfway point in the season?

Winfrey: Our high school team goals are to go to state; they are being met for sure. We have proved that we can compete with every team if we play all 7 innings.

 PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?

Winfrey: Mac-N-Seitz

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

Winfrey: Collin Wiles

PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2011 baseball season (High School or Summer)?

Winfrey: Going to state last year, then getting the reward of All-State Shortstop.

PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?

Winfrey: It would either be going to state, or playing in the international tournament in Chicago, beating Japan and Puerto Rico. 

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?

Winfrey: I don’t think there is that much of a difference, I think they are still a perfectly fine bat and it shouldn’t effect your swing if you’re a good hitter and can place the ball where it needs to go.