Prep Baseball Report

Q&A With 2018 Louisville Commit Alex Binelas



By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

Getting a high school player to make a college commitment before even putting on his high school uniform is a rare occurrence, seeing it happen in a cold weather state like Wisconsin is literally unheard of until now.Alex Binelas

Last week, left-handed hitter Alex Binelas (Oak Creek, 2018) made his verbal commitment to Louisville. We’ve seen Binelas multiple times this summer and fall and he will likely find his name atop the 2018 rankings when they come out in the spring. Binelas left-handed bat puts him into a class all by himself. We saw Binelas, at 14 years of age, take some of the best at bats of the Labor Day Challenge against some of the hardest throwing junior and senior arms in our coverage area.

Here’s a look into how everything went down for the young 2018 graduate.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Binelas: The recruiting process for me was fairly quick. By committing as a 14 year old freshman in High School I really did not have to go through a long recruiting process. I really did not know what to expect as the events that lead to my verbal commitment to Louisville was quick. At times it seemed overwhelming a bit but it also was a good feeling at the same time. 

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

Binelas: The main thing I was looking for out of a college program was the chance to get to Omaha and play for a National Championship every year. Louisville offers that opportunity. I also was looking for a school with great facilities and to play in a conference that plays other real good college baseball programs.    

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Binelas: I knew that if I wanted to play at the next level at a big college, I would have to leave Wisconsin. Louisville being a car ride away (6 hours) makes it easy for my family to come and visit and watch me play and also allows me to come home and visit as well. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Binelas: The first showcase I did was the Hitters Midwest Showcase in August 2014. I was grouped with the upper-class players which allowed me to be seen by many scouts at the event. I played well at this event which led to the opportunity that Coach RJ and Hitters took me to play in a game at the PBR Labor Day Challenge at the University of Illinois – Chicago (UIC).  I also played well at that event which led to me attending the University of Louisville High School All Star Camp (Nov 1st and 2nd).   

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Binelas: I believe Louisville first saw me at the showcase camps I attended. From those events I was contacted by Louisville to attend their High School All Star Camp. From that point on, my relationship with Louisville got stronger each week. After playing at the Louisville Camp, my mom, dad and I were invited back to Louisville for another visit. We got to see the campus, meet other staff members and also meet players on the team.  

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Binelas: The best thing I liked about committing to Louisville is the opportunity to play in Omaha and for Championships. Not only is it the goal for Louisville to play in Omaha but it’s the expectation. Also, I like the idea of playing in the ACC conference and playing against the best teams in College Baseball. I also like the facilities and baseball field at Louisville. Louisville also recruits Midwest players so I feel that will be a good fit for me. Everything is top notch and it will only help me become a better baseball player.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Binelas: Other than Louisville, other schools I liked were North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Virginia. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Binelas: It was always a dream for me to play college baseball.  When I was 10 years old I went to my first College World Series in Omaha.  I got to see the last game played at Rosenblatt Stadium.  The following year I got to see the 1st games played at the new TD Ameritrade Park.  The atmosphere was awesome.  I have been to the College World Series with my dad 4 times and each time I go, I always dream that one day I will have the chance to play in Omaha at the CWS. 

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

Binelas: The advice I give is that you have to work hard. You can’t take practice for granted and you need to practice hard all the time. You never know who is watching and make your goal to get better every day. Also you need to play good competition in the summer. I would rather lose games or tournaments knowing I am playing against good teams versus playing teams or players you can beat all the time. Also you need to go to showcases and camps so you can get as much exposure and colleges can see you.

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

Binelas: Playing in Cooperstown with the Milwaukee Angels.  We finished 5th out of 103 teams and lost to the eventual champions during our week there. I also had one of my best weeks of baseball at Cooperstown by hitting nine homeruns and a grand slam. My first and last swing in Cooperstown where HR’s.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Binelas: As an incoming freshman my goal is to go to tryouts and make a team. Coach Holler and the Oak Creek Knights baseball team are always very good. They have been State Champs many times and last year they went to State as well. I expect Oak Creek to be one of the best teams in the area and my goal is to help the team I am on as best as I can.  Main goal is to win conference, go to State and win the State Championship. 

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Binelas: For the past few summers I have played with Great Lakes Baseball Elite. I enjoyed traveling and playing all over the country. I also enjoyed my teammates and lasting friendships that I have made both on and off the field. I am looking forward to the upcoming spring / summer for more opportunities and the chance to play against the best players and teams around.

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