Joey Chapman, C, Springfield Shawnee HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Cedarville? 

Chapman:  I narrowed it down to Cedarville due to the amazing baseball program and winning record for several consecutive seasons, Head Coach Manes's philosophy on baseball, leadership and who was also a catcher himself,  two of his 2013 graduates just signed with the Texas Ranger organization and the nationally ranked nursing program which will provide me with the education needed to pursue my Physicians Assistant Degree.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Chapman:  Toledo, Kent State, Lake Erie, Mount Union, Bluffton, and Thiel 

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

Chapman: The coaching staff first saw me during the Spring of my Junior Varsity season.   I had no idea that Cedarville was interested in me until Coach Manes called in July.  After the call, he took the time to meet with me and gave me a tour of  the campus.  Seeing the campus and getting to pick his brain about Cedarville baseball, I realized that Cedarville and their baseball program was one to highly consider.  

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

Chapman:  The Coaches will expect each of their catchers to fight for the starting position, no matter what grade level they are in.  

PBR: Cedarville is extremely close to your home.  How much of a role did that play in your decision?

Chapman: At first it was a negative, because I really wanted to go further away from home.  But after consideration, I realized that distance is not a big deal to me, and living close to home can have its advantages (like mom doing my laundry). 

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

Chapman:  I played for the Dayton Classics 17U Team and the most memorable experience was playing in the CABA World Series with 15+ scouts in a single game.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Springfield Shawnee?

Chapman:  BA -.414   OBP - .505    Runs-27    RBIs-26    Doubles-10   HR - 2   

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

Chapman:  Ben Hughes, pitcher for Tipp City.  One of the dirtiest curve balls I have ever seen.