Tell me about yourself?
I am a very straightforward type person. I say what I feel. I always try to give people a chance. I’m definitely an outgoing personality and enjoy talking with people. I believe I am a leader and I feel like I can help kids to develop leadership qualities.

Who was your role model growing up?
I have five older brothers and two older sisters, all of whom enjoy sports. I have had several but the one the role model that immediately comes to mind was my brother Rich. I was around athletics my whole life, I was his bat boy. My family has definitely shaped my persona and character.

Who has had the greatest influence in your life?
Michael Lanseer (BGHS Head Baseball Coach) had the biggest influence on me. I had behavioral issues growing up. He taught me the value of hard work and to not take for granted the abilities I’ve been given. It was definitely a tough love approach and I need that. Looking back over the years he taught me work ethic as well as the meaning of the word respect.

Anything about your childhood that stands out, any turning point?
Baseball has been a part of my life from the day I was born. Around age 14 I started playing out-of-town on several travel teams. I was a really good player on the city teams, but when I started playing the best guys from other cities it made me realize how many other great players there were out there. It was humbling on one hand but it drove me to want to work even harder and to keep developing as a player.

What do you like about BG?
I love the city. I wouldn’t mind some day coming back and having my kids grow up here. There is a small town aspect to it as well as a big city influence. BG is a great place to live. The community has so much to offer to the people that live here. I often come back to town to see family and friends. BG always feels like home.

What are a few of your favorite local hang outs?
My family loves the great local restaurants & shops in downtown Bowling Green. We often go to SamB’s, Easystreet and Pagliai’s to name a few.

Why did you choose BGSU over other Universities?
I chose BGSU because it’s a great academic school and because I was able to play football as well as baseball. I was the  punter for BGSU’s football team for four years. BGSU was a great experience for me. I look back at those years with very fond memories.

What are some of the major challenges you faced in your career?
The majority of the time, people don’t think you can be successful with your dreams. I learned some lessons from my older brothers, what to do, what not to do. I try to be who I am and to be true to myself. Lots of people doubted me and I remember having to deal with those obstacles in my life. Living out your dreams in a small city can be challenging but obviously dreams can be accomplished.

How do you inspire kids to reach their goals?
Nobody can ever take away your dreams unless you let them. Realize who you are, and make the best out of yourself and your skills. Focus on your positives. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Be persistent.

What personal attributes do you need to develop to make it in the majors?
You have to have complete confidence in yourself. If you fail, fail on your own terms. Trust yourself and be willing to fail. ?I have learned a lot from failures and grown because of it. ?Failure isn’t final. Also if you want to be a leader people will take shots at you. Be prepared.

Was it always your goal to be a baseball player?
I love football and baseball. Baseball has been my entire career to date. The sport has given me so many opportunities to meet a lot of different people. Baseball has taught me many life lessons and I am very thankful for all the sport has provided.

Talk about the training involved.
Spring training is intense. I often play internationally over the winter. Getting sent down to the minor league is hard. It’s a tall order when you’re in your 30′s playing with guys in their 20′s. I try to be the best I can at any level of play.

What are a few lessons you’ve learned?
I know as a kid I wish I would have listened more. I try to make sure kids get at least one thing out of the lessons when I teach. I really enjoy working with kids. They want to grasp the game and they are little sponges. I want kids to find something they are passionate about and go after it with all their heart.

What is your goal for this year?
My goal for this year is just to be the best player I can. I have had great years that I didn’t get called up for a team and I have had mediocre years that I did get a call back. Regardless, my personal best is what I strive for.

Tell us about your family.
I have an incredible wife. She’s always been the rock of the family. My wife Tiffany is a BGSU graduate.  We have two children together, three year old Cooper as well as our one year old Nola. We live in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

How do you stay in-touch with the community of Bowling Green?
My parents still live here so I try to visit as often as I can. I love BG and read the online version of the Sentinel Tribune and Toledo Blade every morning.

Do any coaches come to mind that really helped you develop as a player/leader?
BGSU Head Baseball Coach Danny Schmitz. He’s really responsible for turning the program around. Danny would always push me to the limits. He demanded very high expectations from every player.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I can’t imagine not being around the sport of baseball. I could see myself coaching and possibly managing a team.

What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for as a player?
That I was a great teammate. I’ve always tried to be a leader as well as be very professional to my teammates and coaches.