Q&A With TCU Commit Augie Mihlbauer

June 12, 2015

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

Augie Mihlbauer had quite the off-season this winter. Mihlbauer, a left-handed pitcher from Mukwonago HS, took his fastball from 81-83 mph in October to 87-88 mph topping out at 89 mph in March. Mihlbauer had already been highly regarded in the state prior to the velocity jump, as most of us could see it coming, just not this quickly. Since his outburst in March Mihlbauer shot up to No. 1 in Wisconsin and No. 29 in our Austin Mihlbauer expansive coverage area. As Mihlbauer shot up the rankings so did his recruiting interest and the southpaw ultimately landed on TCU. Here’s a look into the No. 1 ranked sophomore’s recruiting efforts.

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

Mihlbauer: My recruiting process started off very suddenly, and I really had no idea how to approach it or what I was getting into. Eventually, I found comfort in meeting and talking to coaches and doing college campus visits. It ended up being far less intimidating than I had expected.

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

Mihlbauer: I was looking for a program that was willing to help me grow as a player and as a person. I was also looking for a school in which the coaches and academic guides really would push me to get my work done in the classroom, and to make sure that I am on top of things and setting myself up to succeed. I looked for a welcoming atmosphere from the fans and players, and I found that right away when I stepped on campus, and into Lupton Stadium at TCU.

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

Mihlbauer: Yes. I have always had dreams of playing in the southern part of the country, especially Texas. The competitiveness and intensity of the game is far greater down in that region. Another bonus is that Texas has great weather.

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?

Mihlbauer: I attended a Top Prospect Camp in Madison, Wisconsin over the winter. This event was sort of the turning point in my recruiting process. I continued to attend different events throughout the winter and spring. In early spring it began to heat up very quickly.

PBR: Where did TCU first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Mihlbauer: TCU first saw me during a team scrimmage up here in Wisconsin. I called and talked to Coach Kirk Saarloos over the phone that night on the ride home.

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

Mihlbauer: Quality education was first priority. Second to that was being part of a program that could maximize my potential as an athlete and a person to reach the ultimate goal. TCU is one of the top schools in the nation. The atmosphere at TCU was a big factor in my decision to commit there. The energy from the crowd and the fan support from Fort Worth are unreal and something I’ve never experienced before, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I also respected and really got comfortable with the coaches, and their styles of coaching. The facilities and Lupton Stadium are Grade A, and campus was beautiful and very well kept up, which definitely added to that welcoming feeling.

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

Mihlbauer: I had been in contact with a number of schools; my short list consisted of Virginia, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, and Gonzaga.

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

Mihlbauer: I have been fortunate to face many great players over my baseball career so far. One player worth noting is Griffin Doersching. Before I became Griffins teammate, I had many face offs with him. He is definitely intimidating when he steps into the box. I love throwing to him and competing against him, because he makes me work and puts up a great battle. Thankfully, I now have the privilege of being his teammate.

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?

Mihlbauer: I felt early on that I had the potential to be a college caliber player. I have great work ethic and have the drive to achieve my goals. Playing travel baseball over the past five years has helped make me into the player I am today. PoundTown baseball has now given me the opportunity to train with and practice against the best players in the state. Those guys make me work harder and push me farther than I ever thought I could go. Being able to bond and play this game with that caliber of players will definitely continue to raise my game.

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

Mihlbauer: Never settle and never have doubts. Never let up and work hard, because it really does pay off in a huge way. I am extremely privileged and honored to be the player that I am today. You definitely have to put in the work to earn the results you dream about.

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

Mihlbauer: My most memorable moment hands down is committing to Texas Christian University.

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

Mihlbauer: High School has not been an option for me, simply because our school plays summer baseball. I have opted over the years to play summer travel baseball instead. I feel that summer travel baseball has a higher level of competition and gives better opportunities to grow. My summer team is full of talented players that all have D1 abilities. I expect our summer season to be very competitive and successful. My goal is to continue to compete against the top talent out there and to continue to learn and grow from that.

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

Mihlbauer: I play for PoundTown Baseball during the summer as well as training with them year round. PoundTown Baseball is quickly growing into one of the top baseball organizations in Wisconsin. I have only had a few tournament experiences with PoundTown baseball so far, but I do have to say that going to Iowa for a Perfect Game showcase with some of my teammates was the best experience so far. I definitely look forward to a great summer with a great new group of teammates.

Q&A With TCU Commit Augie Mihlbauer

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