William Bernard '21 Recruiting Profile

I have loved baseball since I was a baby sitting and watching complete games on my dad's lap. My dad played at Western MIchigan as a catcher and I have learned a lot from him as well as playing up levels in Federation baseball. I guess what makes me different from other recruits is what I am told is my baseball IQ. I can read a batter's feet and know what he is looking for. I can call a pitch squence that stymies the best hitters and gives my pitchers confidence. A field scout for the Cleveland Indians, Bill Plague, told me I am one of the best cathcers he has seen in years because of the way I receieve and frame pitches as well as the way I block pitches and manage the game. I guess all the subtle nuance things I have learned over the years makes me a better catcher and player. I still have a lot to learn. That's a great thing about baseball; always something new to learn. With two full years to go before college I am going to be working my hardest to be the best baseball player I can be.

To have the opportunity to play ball at the college level would be dream come true for me. The ability to pursue my career interests in engineering while having the privelege of playing ball is the best scenario I could hope for. My famly has struggled through my dad's cancer and my mom's stroke emotionally and financially. I am working hard to make them both proud.