By: John Nolan, Assistant Director of Scouting

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Virginia Tech commit Stevie Mangrum.  Mangrum is 6-foot-0, 200 pound, Right Handed Hitting, 3B, from Western Albemarle (Charlottesville, VA).  

PBR:  Why did you choose Virginia Tech?

Mangrum:  I chose Virginia Tech because it was the best fit for me in terms of quality of education, excellent baseball program, and environment. The coaching staff has always made me feel comfortable and they are supportive. Both my parents and I feel that Virginia Tech will be a perfect college to attend and be my next home away from home.

PBR:  What other schools were you considering?

Mangrum:  Some other schools that I was considering were UVA, Miami, Duke, Penn State, and William and Mary. All of them are amazing programs but Virginia Tech was the best fit for me.

PBR:  Where did Virginia Tech first see you?

Mangrum:  Virginia Tech saw me many times over the past few years. The first time was at Perfect Game 15u WWBA in East Cobb, Georgia.

PBR:  What skills do you think you will be able to offer the Hokies?

Mangrum:  Virginia Tech recruited me for my hitting. I will do my best to produce high offensive numbers and help the team win in any way I can.

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

Mangrum:  Coach Sam Beale has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. For the past 10 years, he has not only been my hitting instructor, he has been my mentor, teaching me everything he knows about the game and helping me through various situations. I owe a lot of my success to him. 

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

Mangrum:  Over the summer I played for the 17u Evoshield Canes. It was a very busy summer with a lot of great memories, but the most exciting one definitely was winning the Perfect Game 17u WWBA tournament. It was something that our whole team has been trying to achieve since the minute we first met each other. After winning the final game we all dog piled and celebrate. It is something that I will always remember.

PBR:  Who is the best pitcher that you have faced so far?

Mangrum:  The best pitcher I have faced is Juan Hillman. He is a senior in high school this year who is committed to play baseball at the University of Central Florida. He is a hard throwing lefty with movement on his fastball. He also has very good off-speed pitches that are hard to pick up.