Q and A with 2012 Akron Commit Michael Steensen
August 9, 2011
Steensen: Akron, Dartmouth, and Coastal Carolina
PBR: Why did you choose Akron?
Steensen: I chose Akron because I saw that they were really starting to turn the program around with the players they have been recruiting, and also because I will be given a chance to pitch my freshman year. On the academic my scores fit very well with the honors college at Akron, so this made me believe opportunities outside of baseball would become readily available. I also liked the urban setting and the large dorm rooms.
PBR: Did your summer teammates (Evan Jensen and Cale Giddings) have an impact on your decision?
Steensen: Having two teammates already headed to Akron did make me even more excited about Akron, however in the end it was all about finding the best fit for me.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Steensen: I will be given a chance to pitch right away, as mentioned previously.
PBR: What were your expectations about recruiting heading into the summer? Did you think you would become a Division I commitment?
Steensen: I did think that I would become a division 1 recruit, however I had no idea what to expect coming in being as I have never really talked with someone about their past recruitment on this level. I was really just hoping to have a lot of fun.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Akron?
Steensen: I think my biggest strength as a player is pounding the zone, and I hope to be an innings eater at the next level.
PBR: This was your first year playing travel baseball since you were younger. How big of a role did travel baseball playing in your development and recruiting process?
Steensen: I can’t say enough about playing for OEB and how much that helped me A) get recruited, but B) grow as player and learn more about the game. The competition was just on a completely different level than legion ball was the last two years and at first was slightly surprising, but fortunately I was able to get my stuff together after the first couple outings. There is no question that if I had not played travel ball that I would still be searching for a team to play on today.
PBR: What as your most memorable experience from your spring or summer season?
Steensen: Most memorable experience this year was definitely SuperStache Bros with the guys on OEB in Atlanta.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Steensen: I would credit Ralph Hicks with having the biggest impact on me, he helped me understand pitching mechanics, but I think more importantly he taught me how to throw a change- up and a curveball. However I would like to credit the entire OEB staff, along with Wade Evans my coach from 4th-6th grade, and Doc Cartnal my HS pitching coach. Also, Rollie Fingers will always be an inspiration.
PBR: You use the Dick Mills style pitching mechanics. Most hitters haven’t seen your style. How do you think it helps you as a pitcher?
Steensen: While it has been tossed around that I may be costing myself some velo with the Dick Mills method, I believe it makes up for it with deception as hitters often use the balance point as a timing mechanism.
PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Granville?
Steensen: ERA: 3.42 K: 51 BB: 11 Innings:45
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Steensen: I would have to say Nick Sergakis (2011 Coastal Carolina recruit from Columbus Academy), his ability to read breaking pitches is phenomenal and he always seems to just take what you give him.