Q&A with Michigan-signee Daniel McKinney

There is no secret Michigan baseball has benefited greatly from recruiting the backyard of their southern neighbor Ohio.

From National Baseball Hall of Famers George Sisler and Barry Larkin, to their career home run record holder Casey Close and recent all-conference performers like Jason Christian and Tyler Burgoon, players that have arrived in Ann Arbor via Ohio have provided key contributions to Michigan’s Big Ten-leading 30 conference championships.

In the recruiting class set to arrive on campus next fall, another product of an Ohio high school will be called upon to help carry the ways of the Maize and Blue, right-handed pitcher Daniel McKinney of Bowling Green.

McKinney heads into his final yeah at Bowling Green High School as one of Ohio’s top pitchers. Ranked by Prep Baseball Report as the ninth-best senior, and a participant of the Perfect Game 2011 National Showcase, McKinney is a three-pitch pitcher that is expected to contribute immediately.

CW: Do you remember when and where did the Michigan staff first saw you play or showed interest in recruiting you?

DM: The first time they showed interest was inviting me to watch a baseball game during the spring of my sophomore year.

CW: In residing in the upper northwest of Ohio, did you grow up a Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State or other?

DM: I lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado until I was 6 years old, so when I moved to Bowling Green I wasn’t a diehard fan of any particular team.

CW: Before Coach Maloney and his staff started recruiting you, did you dream or believe playing for the Maize & Blue would ever be possible?

DM: It was always a dream to play Division 1 baseball, but I didn’t realize how possible it actually was until the summer of my freshman year.

CW: Ultimately what schools were you down to or finalist before deciding to commit to Michigan?

DM: Michigan was the frontrunner for me through the whole process, so when they offered I committed within a week. Michigan State and Ohio State showed a lot of interest as well.

CW: What were the selling points or things that stood out in Michigan’s favor?

DM: Academics were a big factor and Michigan is a very well respected institution. Ann Arbor is only about an hour away from home so it allows me to get away but also come home easily.

CW: With the Wolverines going through a change with their pitching coach, did Matt White’s departure have any impact on you staying committed to Michigan?  

DM: I definitely was surprised when Coach White left, but I had faith that Coach Maloney would do his very best to find the best man available for the job.

CW: How was the relationship between you, Coach Husted and Maloney during the recruitment, what made you want to play for them?

DM: The relationship was a strong one, and I could tell through their passion for the game that I really wanted to play at Michigan.

CW: When you did signed in November and your desires to head to Ann Arbor became official, what was the day like?

DM: The day was very surreal. It was a dream come true. My high school arranged a get together for myself as well as two other athletes that are playing Division 1 sports and that was very neat.

CW: In your recruiting class you have Travis Maezes, a summer teammate of yours with the Ann Arbor Travelers. What about Maezes’ game are you most excited of and feel makes him such an incredible player?     

DM: He is one of the best hitters I’ve ever seen. He makes consistent hard contact and he can run pretty well. Defensively he can multiple positions and he has a very strong arm. He is also a great teammate and is very competitive.

CW: How is the friendship between you two, Do you know if you two will room together next year? 

DM: Travis and I are really, really good friends. And yes, we are rooming together next year.

CW: From the Connie Mack World Series and Perfect Game World Underclass, what was the summer like where you cemented your status as one of the region’s top players? 

DM: I had the best summer of my life, not only in terms of performance but also in terms of fun. I was very pleased with how the summer went. The Connie Mack World Series is an experience like no other, I had the time of my life there.

CW: What have been your stats and accomplishments thus far at Bowling Green High School going into your senior year?

DM: I was 4-5 with a 2.26 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 62 innings.

CW: Are there any other things you would like to share with Big Blue Nation about the player they are getting in you?               

DM: I couldn’t be any happier to head to Ann Arbor next fall. Go Blue!