Inside the Recruitment: '17 INF Liam Cunningham commits to Mercyhurst

PBR: Why did you pick Mercyhurst?

Cunningham: I felt that Mercyhurst was the best choice for me because, they have array of academic programs that will meet my career goal. Also, I was very impressed with the baseball team and Coach Spano because they made me feel at home.

PBR:What other schools were you interested in?

Cunningham: Seton Hill, OU, Buffalo, Ave Maria

PBR: Where did Mercyhurst first see you?

Cunningham: Coach Marinelli first saw me at the Brownlee Lookouts showcase in the past summer, every since then our relationship developed.

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

Cunningham: They expect me to perform and be committed with hardwork and dedication to both the academic and baseball programs.

PBR: What sort of sacrifices did you have to make to play a travel intensive schedule during the summer? What sort of advice would you pass on to players looking to make the same decision?

Cunningham: To play a travel intensive schedule it took many sacrifices such as daily workouts, time management, and less time being spent with families and friends.The advice I would pass down is to never let obstacles stand in the way if you have a passion for the game, and to never give up on a dream.

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Cunningham: Most memorable experience for me was developing a lifelong relationship with my coach Ben Simon. Also, most memorable was creating and considering each other on the team as brothers.  

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Cunningham: Definitely my mother and grandpa. My mother would sacrifice anything to watch me play baseball and to help achieve my dream of playing college ball. My grandpa I always looked up to as a little boy playing baseball. He taught me to work my tail off and to never give up on a passion.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring?

Cunningham: Batting average: .452 F%. .932

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

Cunningham: Toughest pitcher was Ryan Feltner my sophomore year in high school.