ZS: How would you describe your role on this year’s team and which pitches do you continue to refine and incorporate into your arsenal?
AG: This year, I’ve bought into both roles as a starter and a reliever. Really, from the very start of things, it is all about day to day progression. If I take care of what I have to off the field, everything will pretty much take care of itself out there. Right now, I’m looking at a fastball, a curveball, and a splitter as the key pitches in my arsenal. I’ve devoted a lot of focus into utilizing them and studying the tendencies of hitters.
ZS: This whole experience of trekking from Texas to Scotland, Pa. has very much been about sacrifice for you Adrian. You sold your car, worked tirelessly and saved up to make it here. It’s clear there is an end goal in sight that brought you here.
How would you pinpoint exactly what it is you want out of this opportunity, playing for a high level program that competes both nationally and against top-tier Junior Colleges?
AG: This season is really giving me the opportunity to play college baseball. That’s what all this hard work and sacrifice is here for.
Having a coaching staff that routinely holds me to a high standard and runs everything like essentially a small college program has allowed me to understand just how much you have to grind in this situation.
Seeing some good competition is really preparing me for the next level. Since I sacrificed a lot to be here, this season obviously means a lot to me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the man above.
Without him, none of this is actually possible.
ZS: Which areas of improvement are most noticeable since you stepped foot on campus? What have you worked at and in which ways are you reaping the results thus far?
AG: I would say I’ve gained about 5+ MPH on my fastball. I can hit spots pretty well. I’ve also put on a good deal of weight and muscle. I attribute that to the system we have in place here with coach Travis (Scott) and of course coach (Todd) Weldon making sure we’re consistent and always grinding. There really are no days off, as they say.
ZS: How would you describe the camaraderie with your teammates? How badly do you guys collectively want to win?
AG: It’s really been unique to see all the different cultures mesh well and come together. We know we have to get through everything together. Right now, it’s really about how hard we practice and how thorough we are with the day to day work. If you work hard enough, the game will be a walk in the park. Losers hope to win and winners want to win.
We want to win, without question.
