Aaron Strausbaugh, INF, Dublin Scioto HS Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?

Strausbaugh: I chose Ohio Wesleyan because it has the best blend of academics and athletics out of the schools I was looking at. It has exactly what I want to major in and has a reputation of winning year in and year out.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Strausbaugh: I was considering Wittenberg University, Washington & Jefferson College, The College of Wooster, and Grove City College.

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

Strausbaugh: Coach Mott first saw me in one of our games my sophomore season while looking at my teammate Tyler Flaherty. He liked what he saw and invited me to their baseball camp. He was still impressed and we have been in communication with each other ever since.

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

Strausbaugh: Coach Mott and his staff see me as a shortstop and have told me I would be competing for the middle infield position my freshman year. They have also told me that I could possibly pitch if they needed me too.

PBR: Ohio Wesleyan is very close to home. How much of a role did that play in your final decision?

Strausbaugh: It really didn't play a huge factor in my decision. I felt that wherever I decided to go I'd be able to adapt and fit in. It just happens that OWU is right down the road.

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

Strausbaugh: My biggest strength is that I love to battle. Whether it's on the mound, in the field, or at the plate, I want to be a tough out and never ever give up on any pitch or play I can make. I believe this will translate when I play for OWU and ultimately help me compete for a starting job.

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

Strausbaugh: I played for my school's summer team this past year after missing tryouts for Ohio Elite while on vacation. Even though it wasn't travel ball, I still got to connect with my teammates and develop really good chemistry which has carried on into this spring.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?

Strausbaugh: Individually, I want to do everything I can to help my team win, but I am shooting to be a first team all-district performer. For the team, I want us to win 20 games this season and get far into the playoffs because I think we are capable.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Dublin Scioto?
Strausbaugh:

Batting: .333 BA, 19 R, .398 BA, 11 RBI, 7 BB, 4 2B, 3 3B

Pitching: 2-1, 2.33 ERA, 30 Innings, 9 K, 4 BB, 2 CG

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

Strausbaugh: Jason Johnson or Michael Koltak. Both pitchers have good control over their off-speed pitches.