Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Central Missouri Commit RHP Ben Kelsch (Lindbergh, 2015)



Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

RHP Ben Kelsch (Lindbergh, 2015) has verbally committed to Central Missouri. Kelsh is a 6-foot 170-pound RHP that recorded 34 strikeouts in 43.1 innings as a junior at Lindbergh.  He finished with a 1.94 ERA in his six starts.  Kelsh played for the St. Louis Recruits last summer. 

Here is a look inside the recruitment of Kelsch to Central Missouri. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Kelsch: My expectations about the recruiting process was that it would be difficult. I thought the coaching staff at Central Missouri helped me through the process with ease by answering all of my questions.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Kelsch: Yes, I wanted to stay between 3 and 4 hours away. My brother and sister were about 3 hours away at Missouri State so I thought 3 hours would be a good distance away. 

PBR: Where did Central Missouri first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Kelsch: I emailed a couple videos, along with my player profile link, to Coach Crookes and followed up with a phone call. We arranged for a visit during the campus tour weekend. I also threw a bullpen for the coaching staff. After, Coach Crookes gave me an overview of their program and gave me an offer.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Kelsch: I faced many players over the summer in Memphis and Cincinnati that had plenty of D1 commits. That being said, I face every hitter never underestimating their ability or skill. 

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Kelsch: A competitive program that is going to strengthen me as a baseball player, grow as a person and give me an opportunity to move onto the next level. 

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Kelsch: I would tell them to continue to work hard and never give up on their dreams because it is not an easy road to get to college baseball. It takes dedication, hard work and a passion for the game. 

PBR:  What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Kelsch: I lift weights in the off season, run, continue a healthy diet and follow an arm recovery program along with pitching instruction.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Kelsch: My most memorable moment in my baseball career would be my perfect game that I threw in the summer at Edwardsville Highschool. 

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Kelsch:. I really enjoyed touring the campus and visiting with the coaching staff. The biggest factor in my decision was Central Missouri's impressive program, baseball facilities and quality coaching staff. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Kelsch:The other schools that were on my list were Maryville, Lindenwood, SEMO, and Heartland Community College. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Kelsch: I felt that I threw very well this year and I was just waiting for the right fit for me, athletically and academically. Things recently started heating up for me during fall ball. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Kelsch: I think our team is going to be much more improved since last year. My goal for this coming season as a team is to win State. My personal goal for this coming year is to make first team all conference. A couple players that will be key factors in our season will be our MVP from last year Jonathon Hoevelmen, along with our catcher Derek Renner. Our JV team was very strong last year and they will be an asset to the Varsity squad. 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Kelsch: I play for the Recruits in the summer. Todd Stein is the head coach and he has done a great job of developing me as a pitcher and also helping me through the recruiting process. The most memorable time with the team would have to be the out of town tournaments and getting to know my teammates more. 

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