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Joe McGuinness, C, Olentangy HS, Class of 2015
 

PBR: Why did you choose Bowling Green?

McGuinness:  My aspirations are to teach and coach someday and Bowling Green offered me a chance to enroll in a nationally recognized education and human development program while also being a division one athlete.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

McGuinness:   I applied to NC State, Campbell, Appalachian State and Marietta.  Coaches Brewer, Rosen and Castle truly made this a difficult decision.

PBR: Where did Coach Schmitz first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff? 

McGuinness:  Coach Blanc first saw me play at the Buckeye Elite tournament earlier this summer and then Coaches Schmitz, Blanc and Gray came to several games when my team won the BG Elite World Series. We kept in touch over the summer but what really made a difference was visiting Bowling Green and having the coaches tour me around campus with the highlights being visiting the new baseball locker room and learning of a recent alumni’s donation which will help put turf on the baseball field.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

McGuinness:  Incredible and like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

McGuinness:  The coaches wanted another left handed hitter in the order to balance their offense and they liked the versatility of playing me either as a catcher or corner fielder.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Falcon baseball?

McGuinness:  My biggest strength is hitting for from the left side at a defensive position (catcher).  I think that the coaches were pleasantly surprised at my speed and athleticism for my size and felt that I could also play other positions to keep me in the lineup.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

McGuinness:  I played for the Columbus Cobras for the last two years, and my most memorable experience was winning the Bowling Green Elite world series and getting customized rings to commemorate the win.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 

McGuinness: I knew that it was a tough process as there is so much uncertainty to it and I was invited and went to many camps and showcases, but in the end the coaches that I had the greatest connection with actually came to my games and saw me play.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Olentangy?

McGuinness: AVG: .355/OBP: .494/SLG: .662 with 5 home runs

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

McGuinness:  I have faced some of the finest pitchers in the OCC Capital Division including Chandler Day and Tyler Johnson, but the one pitcher that always stood out was Jacob Niggemeyer from our cross town rival Olentangy Liberty.  I faced him several times as a Sophomore and Junior at key games at OSU and at the district finals.  While I had some success and extra base hits against him, in the end he did come out on top during our last contest, and I sure do hope to face him again someday.