Q&A with Bradley Commit Isaiah Glidden

December 11, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2017 RHP Isaiah Glidden recently committed to Bradley. Glidden attends Nicolet High School, but does not play baseball there due to them having a summer schedule. He plays for the Kenosha based PBA Demarini. Glidden was a member of Team Wisconsin at the PBR Future Games, he is the seventh member of the team to make a commitment. Here is a report on him from the Future Games.

Isaiah Glidden 7/31/15 - 6-foot-5, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, typical pitchers frame, big and sturdy. Tall and fall delivery, stays upright, can get more from lower half, throws off back side, slightly open direction. Arm plays from a high ¾ slot. Fastball played at 83-85 mph, slight arm side action, showed feel. Curveball plays on 11/5 plane, 69-73 mph, rolling action. Changeup is slight sinking action ay 77-79 mph.

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

Glidden: I thought it would be really fun and exciting. At first it was as I thought it would be but as it kept going it was a lot of pressure because this decision could effect the next four years of my life. But overall it was pretty difficult.

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

Glidden: I was looking for a school that was both a solid baseball school and a school that was known for academics. I also didn't want to go to a huge school because I would want that one on one time with a teacher and be in normal sized classes. And I felt Bradley offered all of that for me.

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

Glidden: I think it did. I wanted to go to a school that was far away enough from home that my parents/family couldn't just come down just randomly but I didn't want to go to far away that I could see them every once and awhile.

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?

Glidden: I think it started to really heat up for me after I played with a team from North Carolina in Georgia for the Perfect Game WWBA tournament. The game when I pitched against the Evoshield Canes in that tournament is when I feel that more colleges saw me also.

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

Glidden: I'm pretty sure that they saw me first at the PBR Future Games. But they didn't reach out to me until the beginning of September. But instantly I felt really connected with them. Then they asked me to visit them and I got the offer about 2 weeks after the visit.

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

Glidden: At first I didn't know much about Bradley so I researched it and instantly fell in love with the field. And when I went to visit I just loved the field. Also I like how they have a great baseball team and a great school. I also liked how much interest they showed in me. At other visits I have been on they didn’t show nearly as much interest in me as Bradley did.

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

Glidden: Michigan State was probably second on my list along with Western Michigan, Illinois, and UConn.

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

Glidden: The best hitter I have faced would probably have to be Griffin Doersching. He just has such and intimidating presence walking up to the plate. And he can just flat out hit. I’ve got him out sometimes and he had had some good hits against me. But overall he is the best hitter I think I have pitched against in the state.

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?

Glidden: The point when I thought I could be a college player was probably the summer going into my freshman year. That's when I changed travel teams to play with Demarini. The first thing that the Coach told me after the tryout was how I had a "money arm" and he said that my arm could help me make it to college. I still remember that to this day. I would also like to thank for him (Coach Mike) for all the help over these past 3 years.

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

Glidden: The most important thing I would say is you have to workout to make it to a good school. Talent can only take you so far. Also just have fun with your team over the summer is really important too.

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

Glidden: It would probably have to be when my team and I went down to Florida to play in the 15u BCS finals. We were the only team from Wisconsin in that tournament and most teams though they were just going to kill us. But we played very well and we ended up making it to the final eight teams in the tournament. And we were ranked 49 in the nation after that.

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

Glidden: I play with PBA Demarini. And it would probably be the same as question 11. The time we went to Florida.

Q&A with Bradley Commit Isaiah Glidden

Related Content