Zack Leonatti, 1B, Walsh Jesuit

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio Northern?

Leonatti: They had exactly what I wanted academically and athletically and after my first visit I knew that’s where I wanted to go.  Plus the food is amazing.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Leonatti: The University of Findlay and Toledo

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Leonatti: A prospect camp at ONU

PBR: What role does Coach Stechschulte expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Leonatti: Coach Stechschulte wants me to come in and make an immediate impact as a corner infielder and be ready to hit.

PBR:  Coach Stechschulte is in his first year as coaching at ONU.  How does it feel to be a part of his first recruiting class?

Leonatti: It’s an honor.  He’s going to be a great coach and turn ONU into an elite program, and it’s my privilege to be in the first class of recruits.

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

Leonatti: I have good gap to gap power and an always steady demeanor

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

Leonatti: I have had many coaches throughout the years but my biggest influence has been my Dad.  I’ve always looked to him for guidance and strived to be as great of a player as he was.  Other very important coaches are Matt Brumit, Steve Grescovich, Tim Lake, and Jamie Ganz.

PBR:  Walsh Jesuit, is one of the premier high school baseball programs in the nation.  How does it feel to be an integral part of the program?

Leonatti: Coach Kaczmar has made the Walsh program as successful as it is today and I wouldn’t be able to have the privilege of playing for Walsh if it wasn’t for all of his hard work.  I’ve worked hard all my life to get to this point and I’m very excited to help lead our team this spring.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Leonatti: This will be my 4^th year with the Brownlee Lookout Organization.  My most exciting experience was winning the Nischwitz Tournament at Wright State and pitching 5 shutout innings in relief to beat the Cincinnati Flames in the championship.

PBR: What were your stats last season for Walsh Jesuit?

Leonatti: .313 BA

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

Leonatti: My fellow teammate and Eastern Michigan commit Mike Marsinek