PBR Missouri recently caught up with RHP Matt Hansenbeck from Eureka HS. Hansenbeck is another top Missouri player who will heading to Springfield next season to play for the Missouri State Bears.

Hansenbeck burst on to the scene as a junior in 2011, and looks to be the anchor of what could be the top pitching staff in Missouri in 2012. As a junior, Hansenbeck went 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA and fifty thre strikeouts in thirty innings pitched. No slouch at the plate either, he hit .395 with six doubles, three homeruns and thirty RBIs.

PBR: Which schools were you considering prior to committing to the Missouri State University?

Hansenbeck: I was considering Mizzou, Evansville, and possibly junior college.

PBR: What were the reasons that you ultimately chose Missouri State?

Hansenbeck: They have great coaches and a high rate of producing pro ball players.  I also really liked the feel of the campus and its’ size.

PBR: What was the relationship you had with Coach Guttin in the recruitment process?

Hansenbeck: It was very good.  Coach Guttin and Coach Evans both helped a lot.  They explained the whole process and walked me through it.  They made me feel very comfortable and there was no pressure.  Coach Guttin even came out on Father’s Day to see me play.

PBR: As one of Missouri’s top ranked players (No. 29), do you feel any additional pressure to follow up on your success from 2011?

Hansenbeck: No.  I know what I can do and when I do that I’m the best out there.

PBR: Do you feel that playing in St. Louis and facing the competition you do has prepared you to be a DI player?

Hansenbeck: Definitely, we have a good schedule and conference in high school ball.

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

Hansenbeck: With hitting it doesn’t bother me.  If anything it makes the game more real.  As a pitcher it eases your mind a little more.

PBR: What team did you play for over the summer and how did it go for you? Were there any aspects of your game that you wanted to improve during the summer?

Hansenbeck: I played for the Rawlings Titans and I feel it went well.  The colleges saw me and I got a scholarship.

I wanted to improve my pitching the most during the summer.

PBR: As you head into your senior year, is it good to have the commitment and recruiting process done?

Hansenbeck: Absolutely, it’s a relief just knowing that it is all out of the way.  You know what you have to work for now.

PBR: Do you feel that this season will be any different considering that you know where you’ll attend college? 

Hansenbeck: Yes.  My goal was to be committed by July.  That way I can be more focused during the high school season.

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish in this upcoming season on an individual level?

Hansenbeck: I want to be recognized as one of, if not the best, to come out of St. Louis and Missouri.