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 Joey Wenning, INF, LaSalle HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Heidelberg?

Wenning:  I chose Heidelberg for many reasons.  First, the coaches.  Coach Fitzgerald, Coach Soldano, and Coach Roesinger are second to none.  They did an excellent job expressing their interest in me and have welcomed me into the Berg family.  Secondly, the town.  The campus is beautiful and Tiffin is a great college town.  Last but not least, the rich program Heidelberg has.  They were ranked as high as 7^th in the nation last year and have a very good thing going.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Wenning:  My final choice was between Heidelberg, Lake Erie College, and Depauw University.  I also received interest from Bluffton, NKU, Ohio University, Ohio Dominican, Buffalo, and Thomas More. 

PBR: With Coach Fitzgerald becoming the new Head Coach at the end of the season.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class?

Wenning:  I am honored.  I cannot wait to work hard my first day on campus under his system.  He is not only a great coach but a great person who I am thrilled to play under.

PBR:  You have recently jumped up on the radar screen in the recruiting process.  What can attribute to your recent success?

Wenning:  Hard work as well as getting noticed.  I had the biggest slump of my career during high school ball but towards the midway point of summer I took off and haven’t looked back.  I finished the summer season at a tournament at Kent State where most coaches first saw me.  From there I expressed my interest as well as they did.  Also, the Unsigned Senior Games gave me more exposure. 

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

Wenning:  Last season I played with the Cincinnati Stars however this year I am playing for the Midwest Marlins (based out of Columbus) coached by Ryan Weaver.

PBR:  What person has the great impact on your baseball career and why?

Wenning:  First my dad.  I can count on one hand how many games my dad has missed while I’ve been playing ball.  He always pushes, and continues to push me to become the best player and person I can be.  He has always been a great role model for me on and off the field.  He instilled in me a drive and passion for the game you cannot teach.  Also, a lifelong coach of mine Andy Poli.  Mr. Poli taught me my swing, my mechanics, my fielding motion, everything I know.  He has coached me since I was 9 and cannot thank him enough for his knowledge.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Cincinnati LaSalle?

Wenning:  Like I said before, I had the worst slump of my career finishing the year with a .240 AVG.  However, throughout the second half of the season I batted roughly .310 and played a solid 2^nd base and shortstop.

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

Wenning:  Tough question.  There are so many great pitchers out there.  Too narrow it down to 3 I would say my teammate and good friend Nick Ernst, Grant Macciocchi from Moeller, and Shane Smith from Elder.  Too pick one though, I have to go with my boy Ernst.  He throws hard with movement with a nasty curve.