Jonathan Stone, C, Middletown HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Marietta?

Stone:  On my visit I could feel the enthusiasm of the coaches and the team immediately.  The tradition of the program is what really got me.  They have an outstanding work ethic and compassion for the game.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Stone:  Tiffin, Indiana Southeast

PBR: Where did the Marietta coaches first see you?

Stone:  I believe it was at Midland at the Fall Ball game in 2011.

PBR: Marietta won the Division III National Championship back to back years.  How does it feel know that you will be playing for a national contender the next 4 years?

Stone:  I am really excited.  It isn't every day you get to play with a team that accomplished such great things.  It really shows the work that they put into the game and the fact that you don't mess with tradition.

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

Stone:  I definitely know I'm going to compete for the starting catching position.  That is my ultimate goal - to start as a true freshman.

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

Stone:  I am starting with a new team this summer, the Dayton Classics.  Last summer I played with the Ohio Heat.  Well, definitely it was winning the CABA World Series.  We went into the tournament hot and it shows how much work we put into achieving the championship.

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

Stone:  Doug Smith.  He was the one who really taught me about how to play the game.  He was the one who took my catching to the next level and taught me how to earn respect from my teammates and lead by example.

PBR: What were your stats this last season at Middletown?

Stone:  I only played in 12 games due to an injury.  I had 11 hits, 2 doubles, 3 home runs and ended up with 10 rbi's.

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

Stone:  Definitely Michael Conrad from Lakota East, but I would like to face him again now since it's my senior year.