Prep Baseball Report

Q and A with 2014 Ohio Commit: Josh Petersen (Patrick Henry HS)



Josh Petersen, RHP, Patrick Henry HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio

Petersen: I chose Ohio because of everything the university has to offer. The campus is beautiful, the facilities are great, the atmosphere is amazing, and the coaches are a great group of men. I'm very excited about it all and can't wait to get down to campus. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Petersen: Toledo, Wright State, Ashland.

PBR: Where did the OU coaching staff first see you and how did your relationship begin with them?

Petersen: Coach Wright first saw me earlier this winter at an Ohio Elite Baseball College Coaches Camp down in Cincinnati. I spoke with him after the camp and received a phone call from Coach Day the following Monday to schedule a visit. On the visit I was able to meet Coach Smith and the rest of the staff in person, which went very well. I was able to get to know coaching staff personally and find out what they're like both on and off the field. They're great guys and I love their very interactive coaching style. I'm definitely looking forward to working with the coaching staff to become a better athlete.

PBR: Coach Smith is in his second year at the helm for Ohio. How does if feel to be a part of the culture that will change Bobcat baseball?

Petersen: I feel very honored and blessed to be a part of it. Coach Smith is a very active coach and demands the best of his players, which is something I love about his coaching style. I'm really looking forward to getting down there and doing my part to help make the team better.

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

Petersen: As we have bumped to D.IV this year, the team is looking to make some noise in our tournament run. The last three years Patrick Henry was in D.IV we were fortunate enough to be back to back state champions and regional finalists so we're trying to get back to that style of Patrick Henry baseball. The coaches and the senior class are really striving for that goal and to pass that mentality down throughout the lower classes. Individually, my goals are to continue to work hard to gain velocity on my fastball and movement on my off speed pitches.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Petersen: It's a great honor and accomplishment to be a part of a Division 1 program. It's been a goal of mine since I was a little kid and I'm very blessed to be able to say I achieved that goal.

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

Petersen: I play with Ohio Elite, who I can't say enough about. They're a very succesful organization and helped my baseball career out a lot. I just want to say that the entire summer was a memorable experience for me. My teammates were a great group of guys who all loved to play. It was always a lot of fun playing with the guys from other schools and an all around great experience. I also had two great coaches, Coach LaCorte and Coach Hathaway. They really pushed us to play our best everyday and made us better baseball players.

PBR: What person has the great impact on your baseball career and why?

Petersen: If I had to choose one person who has had a great impact on my baseball career, I would have to say my Grandfather. He got me hooked on the game at an early age and has helped me throughout my years. I could always go to him for advice and help whenever I needed it. He's one of my biggest supporters and I'm thankful for all of his help.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Patrick Henry?

Petersen: My record was 6-2 with a 1.44 ERA, and 43K's in 45IP. 

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

Petersen: Ty Suntken