INF/OF Ian Bauer (Eau Claire Memorial) is an athletic left-handed hitter that was one of the top bats in the northern part of the state last spring. Defensively the athletiscm translates both in the dirt and in the outfield, looking the part of a steady defender at multiple spots across the field at the next level.

We recently had the chance to talk to Ian's about his recruitment process, along with some other fun topics, below. 

Our Q&A 

Prep Baseball: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Ian: I was looking for a program that was competitive in their conference and division that was also strong in my desired major.   

PB: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

I: I like lots of things about CSP but what stood out most to me was the coaches, who were all really nice and gave me a great overview of their program and getting to watch the team workout also swayed me towards CSP as it was energized and electric in there. 

PB: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

I: Work hard every chance you get and don’t waste opportunities given to you.   

PB: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

I: Yes it did, CSP seemed like the perfect area as I can get the feeling of being in a big city while also never too far away from home.  

PB: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

I: This spring during high-school is when I started to peak interest from programs.     

PB: Was there a particular Prep Baseball tournament or showcase that helped accelerate your recruiting process? If yes, how so?

I: My summer ID at VSA helped gain interest for me as I preformed well and got publicity from the event which helped gain interest.     

PB: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

I: Wisconsin-Eau Claire.   

PB: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

I: Jace Matazynski infield velocity.   

PB: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

I: Kaden Krushke who has a lot of raw talent and a huge upside out of Eau Claire memorial.       

PB: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

I: 14u travel baseball.

PB: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

I: Hitting a walk off grandslam in 12u.  

PB: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

I: I think my team will be young but we have experience and the skill set to shock a lot of people! We have a very underrated pitching staff in 2027 Alex Johnson who will spark college interest this season and 2028 arms Ryan Reesman and Abbott Jepsen who both have elite stuff and will be well known names around the state after this spring! I am really excited to play with this group and turn heads along the way!
  

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