Owen McCleaf '19 Recruiting Profile

   Hello, I’m Owen, but my friends and coaches call me O. Over the years I have learned that not only skills, but also a good personality and setting a good example can go a long way in showing leadership and gaining the respect of others in baseball and daily life. I also view myself as a bit of a perfectionist (which is a hard trait to have in baseball), but it does help drive me to give it my absolute best when I step onto the field.  In the off season I like to play basketball and weight train as well as go to a local indoor training facility.

I believe I am different from other recruits because of my large defensive and mental skill sets. I am a very versatile defensive player as I am able to play starting positions as catcher, 2^nd, 3^rd, and OF. I have above average framing and blocking skills behind the plate and can anticipate the next play and provide effective direction to my fellow teammates on the field. I am a contact hitter who knows how to work a pitcher, can use the entire field, or even lay down a bunt when needed. Academically, my high school goals are to maintain my high GPA and continue to challenge myself with AP and Honors classes. In college, I want to continue to develop, mature, and excel as a student-athlete and teammate as well as a person; pursuing a degree in a health-related field while competing in a strong baseball program at an institution that will provide me the best opportunities for achieving my goals.  

My parent’s support and work ethic attitude has influenced who I am. My mother has always said “Play like you’re #1 but practice like you’re #2”. My Dad has and still holds me accountable to a higher standard than the other players on my club team when it comes to skills, attitude, and sportsmanship. As a result, I am very likeable, coachable, dedicated, a good role model, and a highly competitive player that can back it up on the field. I have learned the only way to achieve your goals is through hard work and perseverance…nothing is free or guaranteed and I am committed to do what it takes to excel both athletically and academically in college and in life.