Please tell us more about yourself.
I grew up in La Canada California, and fell in love with Linfield based on a baseball visit with Coach Brosius and Carnahan. I played 4 years at Linfield, majored in Math with a minor in history, and was drafted by the Pirates in 2010. I am currently playing for the Altoona Curve (AA).
You were drafted by the Pirates in the 34th round in 2010. What was that experience like?
It was an incredible experience, because I really had no idea if I was going to be drafted, the team I was going to, or what position I would be asked to play. When I was first scouted in the fall of 2009, it was for pitching. However, after the 2010 season progressed, I became more of an impact hitter than pitcher. When they drafted me in the 34th round, I was sitting by myself at home just watching the computer updates. The Pirates called me shortly thereafter, telling me that I will be playing infield and reporting to State College PA (Short Season A team). I then called my parents and coach Brosius to let them know, which was a really rewarding experience.
You played at Linfield in 2010 when they went to the D3 college world series. What do you remember about playing in Wisconsin?
I still remember our 2010 D3 World Series run like it was yesterday. That team was best team/ best group of guys I have ever played with. I really felt like we were the best team there, but it wasn’t meant to be. Even with the loss, it was a great way to end a college career, especially for the 10 seniors who had been together for years. Another memorable moment, from the World Series, was getting my diploma in a hotel conference room with all my family, coaches, and teammates present.
Growing up who were your influences?
My parents are the big influences in my life. They explained to me the importance of hard work, being a good person, and finding purpose in life. They were incredible examples, and practiced what they preached.
Do you have a favorite place you’ve played at?
One of the great things about being a baseball player is playing all around the country. I have played on the west coast, the Midwest, the northeast, and the south. Some of the most memorable places I have played were: Daytona Beach (FL), Brooklyn (NY), Portland (ME), Akron (OH), Richmond (VA), and Appleton (WI).
Who has been the toughest pitcher you have faced?
I have faced a lot of tough pitchers in my career. Some that come to mind are: Gerrit Cole, Matt Harvey, Joe Kelly, and Zach Wheeler
What advice would you give younger players?
I would tell them to “embrace adversity”. Baseball is a game of failure, and it will beat you down if you let it. If you understand that fact, and let failure motivate you to be a better player, you will find some success.
What’s the best advice you have received and by whom?
Half way through my senior season, when I was leading the league in pretty much every offense category, Coach Brosius pulled me into his office and aired me out for being complacent and not being a good enough team captain. He stressed that I could become a better hitter, and a better team leader. That moment has always stuck with me, because it showed me that my current college success meant very little, and that I could always become a better person, a better player, and a better example. “Never be content, and never get complacent.”
What was it like playing for Scott Brosius at Linfield?
Playing for Coach Brosius was an amazing experience. He had the ability to get the most out of his players, while at the same time teaching them the importance of respecting the game, respecting others, and living life to the fullest. He genuinely cared about us as people, and not just for what we did on the field. He is a coach that has instant credibility, and a knowledge for the game that some of us could never dream of having. It was a true honor to be coached by Brosius.
Final question. What are your top 5 songs of all time?
Fix You- Coldplay
Superman- Five for Fighting
Knights of Cydonia- Muse
Demons- Imagine Dragons
Closer- Kings of Leon
Kelson, thanks for taking the time to chat with 9 Inning Know it All.