Michael McDonough, LHP, Crestview HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose OSU?

McDonough: OSU has always been a dream school for me, since I was very little. The coaches and I built a strong relationship the past two months, which was a big reason I chose OSU.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

McDonough: Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Indiana, and Vanderbilt. 

PBR: Where did Coach Beals first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

McDonough: Coach Beals and his staff first saw me at the TPG, but had a word on me though my HS season. My relationship with each coach is very strong. OSU's baseball team is like a family and I love that mentality.

PBR: You are going into your junior year and you have made your commitment very early.  Why did you chose to make your decision so soon and are you finished with the recruiting process?

McDonough: I made my decision early because I had the gut feeling I knew OSU was my fit. Since my visit last month, OSU has been my number one. I felt like there was no point in waiting out anymore. My recruiting process is done, I'm fully committed to Ohio State.

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

McDonough: All the coaches expect me to come in and be assigned to their starting rotation. Playing right out the gate in the Big Ten was a big key also in committing. 
 
PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?

McDonough: 17U Midwest Pelicans Demarini. Most memorable experience was being up in Nashville with my teammates and going 4-1 in the Music City Classic.  

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

McDonough: I never expected it to speed up as fast as it did. Especially, get as much attention as I did.

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

McDonough: My parents and my pitching coach since day one, Jack Kucek. 

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Crestview?

McDonough: 44.2 IP, 5-2, 1.89 ERA, 19 H, 92 SO, 156 Batters faced. 3 records broken. 

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

McDonough: One of my teammates from the Pelicans, Chris Machamer.