Brady Steiger is taking his game east, in 2010 he will be sporting a Cougar uniform. Washington State is an improving baseball program and Brady is looking to help start something special in Pullman. The Cougars have big wins this year at Long Beach State and at home against #16 Oklahoma. WSU has a nice recruiting class, including Brady that will help them be more competitive in the Pac-10.
Mark Hills: What went into your decision on becoming a Cougar?
Brady Steiger: I really liked Pullman and its college campus atmosphere. The town and most of the eastern side of the state really love and support the Cougs. I got to know the coaches well at their camp last year and really like the way Coach Jewett teaches hitting. They feel I have an opportunity to get playing time my freshman year and I really like the 2009 group of guys they have coming in.
MH: Do you know what you want to study at WSU?
BS: I’m still a bit undecided at this time, but I’m leaning towards a degree in Business.
MH: Spring season is right around the corner. What are a couple things you worked on this past off-season to prepare yourself for your senior season?
BS: I really worked on my quickness and strength this winter and was able to put on 10 pounds of muscle weight. I also worked a lot on my swing the past few months with Coach (Mike) Brooks (NW Timberjacks) in terms of using my lower body more and learning to relax my hands.
MH: You are ranked #14 in BBNW Super Sixty. Talk a little about your expectations you have for the upcoming season, both team expectations and personal goals you have set.
BS: I feel honored to be ranked up with the top players in the Northwest. I played with a lot of these guys this past year at Area Code and the Mariners Cup/Fall Team and there are some real strong players in the 2009 class. My high school team should be pretty good this year and I expect us to again return to state. We have a good hitting team and our pitching should be solid with a crafty senior lefty and 3 real good junior arms.
If we can get Collin Monagle back pitching, we could make a good run. My summer team, the NW Timberjacks, is looking real strong. PG Crosschecker.com, a division of Perfect Game USA, ranked us 32nd in its national ranking of the top 64 select travel teams. We will be playing most of the top teams in the Seattle area this year and I definitely expect us to be able to compete with them. As for myself, I first want to be a good captain on my high school team and lead by setting a good example, both on and off the field. As for personal goals, I feel if I work hard good things will happen. I will try to stay as consistent as I can, have fun, and get ready to play at the next level.
MH: Tell me a little bit about yourself when you aren’t on the baseball field. What are some of your favorite off the field hobbies?
BS: I spend time in the gym and hitting in our cage, but away from baseball I really like playing basketball and pickleball. My buddies and I are always outside (when it’s not snowing or raining) playing. Usually if we are not doing that we are playing video games.
MH: Who are some of the players you looked up to growing up, either from your local area or professional?
BS: I grew up watching Ken Griffey, Jr. and always looked up to him. I loved to watch him play and especially hit. When I was young, I was always trying to swing like him. Willie Bloomquist went to my high school (South Kitsap), so it’s been fun watching his career. I also looked up to John Olerud (ex-Coug!) and people used to compare both my temperment and swing to his.
GO COUGS!!!
Favorite Book: The Hot Zone
Last book read outside of school: Into Thin Air
Favorite school subject: Math (and Water Polo)
Favorite Movie: Happy Gilmore
Favorite Music artist: Lil Wayne
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