Landon Riekhof '22 Recruiting Profile

Baseball was an instant love of mine from the time I started going to my older sisters softball games at a very young age.  I am also fortunate to have a brother who is 5 years older that also played baseball at a high level through high school.  I think about baseball every single day.  It has given me so much joy and my passion for the sport motivates me daily to get better and work to get to the next level.  To me, baseball means everything, and the way I show that is with respect.  I have tons of respect towards my coaches and the teammates.  No matter how I play or perform that day, I will always keep my head up and show appreciation for the sport and my team.  Before every game I am locked in and my mind is focused on only the things that I can control.  I found my unique skill set in playing outfield as I had a given talent of tracking the ball off the bat.  Playing the outfield can be a tough job during some situations, which is why I have to control what I can control, my attitude and effort. In my head I like to tell myself that nothing can get by me and that I can catch anything hit my way.  I’ve played many positions over the years but I have now put all my focus on being the best outfielder I can be.  I enjoy center field as it has made me a better leader as I have to communicate to the other outfielders just as well as a catcher talks to the infield.  My reaction time and fielding is something that has always been there. While my arm is good, I know I can improve this and have done this by gaining strength through working out and working on my mechanics.  I also take pride in my high on base % and know when I get on that I’m always a threat to steal (leading my team the last couple years).  The dugout is where it all starts for me though, from studying the pitcher to recognize his delivery to the plate and talking with my teammates about the game situations.  Playing baseball in college has always been a goal of mine and I continually strive to get better as the years go by to make that goal happen.  I also realize that academics cannot be overlooked and put priority around grades.  My future major hasn’t been decided at this point as I want to keep an open mind going into my senior year and into college.