Prep Baseball Report

Q & A with Appleton North's Connor Rolain



By Steve Nielsen

Connor Rolain is a Class of 2014 graduate of Appleton North HS. The 6-foot, 185-pound Rolain does everything well. Rolain was one of the top prospects at the January Underclass Invitational, his prowess at the plate clearly stood out among the rest. Rolain has an advanced approach, one that is relaxed, compact and explosive. He showed advanced rhythm throughout his easy swing, and the ball jumped off his bat with loft and carry. Rolain showed excellent bat control, highlighted by the fact that he barreled balls to all fields. He remains balanced throughout his swing, and gets good extension after contact. Defensively, Rolain plays through the ball well and takes clean, concise routes to the ball.  He impressed with his ability to play the ball on the move and showed an accurate arm (77 mph). Additionally, he ran a 7.49 60.

 

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why? 

Rolain: The best player I have faced in the state is Jake Sparger.  He’s a pitcher from Eau Claire that is committed to Louisville, who has filthy off-speed stuff.  He also throws a two-seam fastball that has been clocked at 92 mph and has great sink to it.

 

PBR: What is your No. 1 personal goal for the 2013 season?  

Rolain: My goal for the 2013 season is to lead my HS team, Appleton North, to conference and State championships.  I would also like to earn 1st Team All-State.

 

PBR: What are some team goals that you have for 2013? 

Rolain: 1) Conference Champs; 2) Lead conference in categories such as ERA, BA, OBP, etc.  3) State Champs

 

PBR: What are you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at? 

Rolain: I’m looking for a school that has 1) a major I am interested in; 2) a great baseball program; 3) great coaches; and 4) a comfortable and fun environment.

 

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Rolain: I think that I am a good leader and I think that I’m a very clutch player at the plate.  I know that when I come up in the crucial moment of the game that I’m going to come through and get the job done for my team.

 

PBR: What do you feel is the biggest adjustment you need to make in taking your game to the next level? 

Rolain: I think that if I can lower my 60 time from 6.91 to around 6.8 or 6.7 that it would give me that extra edge to make me a great player at the next level.

 

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?   

Rolain: I would tell them that hard work can really take you places.  No matter how good or bad things are going, keep working hard to achieve your goals.

 

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season? 

Rolain: I lift three days a week.  I do sprinting/agility work 3 days a week and run distance on the other days.  I hit and throw in indoor facilities 5 – 7 days a week.

 

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?  

Rolain: The most memorable moment in my baseball career is playing in the State Tournament my freshman year.  The feeling of being on that field at Timber Rattlers Stadium was unlike anything I’ve experienced before.  The atmosphere and everything was so surreal and awesome.  I’ll cherish that moment for the rest of my life.