Prep Baseball Report

Q & A with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit Zach Brenner



By Steve Nielsen

Prep Baseball Report introduces Wisconsin standout Zach Brenner. Brenner is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound outfielder/right-handed pitcher from Racine Case HS. The Class of 2013 grad is looking forward to improving his craft this off-season working out with The Hitters Baseball Academy on a daily basis. Brenner has committed to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is preparing hard to have a memorable senior season.

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

Brenner: Nathan Mikolas who played at Bradford High School was a third round draft pick to the Yankees. He was a great ball player and was unreal at the plate.

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

Brenner: My personal goal is to get as strong, fast, and as smart as I can. Also to improve my game to the best I can before I go off to college.

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

Brenner: My team goals will be contenders deep in the playoffs and for our team to play as hard as they can and see where we have come since freshman year.

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

Brenner: My main goal is to get to the next level, but for the coaches to work with me and expand my knowledge of the game from my new coaches there.  I chose UWM because I believe they will get me there and always help as long as I put the work in.

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

Brenner: My best attributes as a baseball player are that I have mental toughness, and I never walk off the field saying I wish I could have done something different.  I am strong in game situations and am always aware and prepared.

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

Brenner: My biggest adjustment needs to be to get as strong and fast as I can, and to improve my arm strength before I leave for college. Also I need to adjust to the realization that playing in college steps up the level of competition, so I have to do what it takes to be better than the next player.

PBR: What do you like about the college you have committed to and why did you choose them?

Brenner: I love the coaching staff and how they want to play hard and compete at the best level we can. I chose them because they have a beautiful campus and great coaches. It was a perfect fit and opportunity for me.

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

Brenner: My advice to them is join programs like Hitters where all you do is become a better player, get to the top of your game, and chase that dream of making it a reality. Always remember from the minute you step into the ballpark someone is always watching with a stopwatch, so always hustle and leave everything on the field.

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

Brenner: I go to Hitters Baseball Academy every day after school, and work out, hit, and throw. We get after it with Coach RJ. He pushes us to be our best. I also focus on eating healthy and getting bigger and faster.

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

Brenner: It would have to be when my high school team came back from down 11 runs in the top of the seventh to score 12 runs to win against our cross town rival.

Unsigned Senior Slide 10-14-12