Inside the Recruitment: '17 LHP Dan Rutan commits to Oakland
May 24, 2016
Dan Rutan, LHP, Grove City HS, Class of 2017
PBR: Why did you choose Oakland?
Rutan: I chose Oakland because I feel that they give me the best chance to grow and succeed in baseball, academics, and life.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Rutan: Marshall University, Wright State University, Kent State University, and University of Dayton
PBR: Where did coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Rutan: Coach Healy came and saw me over the high school season a couple of times. Healy along with head coach John Musachio have seen multiple games of film on me from the spring as well. Once I met the coaching staff in person for the first time, we instantly clicked and I knew that I could see myself playing under them for four years.
PBR: Your high school teammate Blake Griffith will be joining the Oakland baseball team this fall. How much of an impact did he have on your recruitment?
Rutan: Blake really helped a ton. He informed Coach Musachio about the type of student, player, and person I am. He would always told me how awesome the campus was and how great of a baseball program Oakland has. He definitely helped make my decision less stressful and more enjoyable. He was pumped with my decision. I look forward to three more seasons on the same team with him.
PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 program?
Rutan: It feels very accomplishing. My goal in athletics was always to play Division 1 baseball. Now that is an accolade that I will be able to put under my belt, it truly makes me proud of all the dedication I have put in over the last couple of years.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Rutan: I think the coaches, just like any other incoming freshman, expect me to come in and compete. I will have to work nonstop so that I earn the chance to play. As far as my role as a player during my first year, you will have to ask them. But regardless, they will expect me to come in and bring the juice on and off the field.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?
Rutan: I expected to get a lot of exposure, but as far as recruiting, I was unsure. My summer team, Triple Crown Royals, play in many elite showcases in front of scouts and schools all over the Midwest. Plus, my high school coach, Ryan Alexander does a ton of work getting schools to come watch our kids play, so the exposure piece was definitely there. As far as recruiting, I was basically expecting to be wanted by a school that wanted a left-handed pitcher and athlete. And that what makes Oakland the right fit for me.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Rutan: Without a doubt; my parents. They have helped me in so many ways that I can never thank them enough for. I owe it to them to continue my education and athletic future to the maximum. Also, my high school coach, Ryan Alexander, had a huge influence on me and promoted me to countless schools. I would not want to play under any other high school coach than Ryan. Also, I would like to thank Brian Hull; assistant coach at Gahanna. He definitely helped with informing Coach Musachio about me and giving us all the details about Golden Grizzly baseball.
PBR: What were your stats this spring?
Rutan: Haha, this is a question I mark with an asterisk. The official stats haven’t been made yet, but I do know I went 2-3 with 2 no decisions pitching wise. Of the three losses, we lost those games 3-1, 2-1, and 3-1, so run support was not there on those nights against great teams in Pickerington Central, Gahanna and Worthington Kilbourne. However, I take the blame for those losses, as any pitcher should regardless of the offense. My ERA was a 2.38 and I had 25 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched.
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced?
Rutan: Playing in a great conference like the OCC-Ohio and also playing some tough non-conference opponents there are multiple tough hitters that I have faced, not just one. But, if I had to pick, I would say Cael Baker from Gahanna or Brandon Henson of Pickerington Central (future Oakland teammate).