Mack – Hey Everybody!
We’re talking to day to Tom Windle, the 6-3 LHP
junior (sophomore?) from the University of Minnesota. Hey Tom (is it ‘Wind’?)!
How are things up north today?
Wind - Yes it is 'Wind'.
Things are going good in Minnesota. The fall weather is coming and I am excited
to get back to school.
Mack – Wind, the first
question is pretty much the same one I ask all the prospects. Take us back to
that first day someone put either a ball or a bat in your hand and walk us
through the steps that got you to where you are today.
Wind - The story I
remember from my dad is that he bought both my twin brother and I right handed
gloves. Compared to my twin I was throwing uncomfortable and uncoordinated, so
he went back to grab me a lefty mitt. I grew up playing Little League baseball
where I learned and loved to play the game. I played hockey more than baseball
growing up, but always managed to catch up with throwing in the winter to
compete in the spring and summer. I had pitching instruction at times and
worked hard to develop my strengths. I played high school and legion baseball
before the move to the University of Minnesota. My coaching at Minnesota has
allowed me to grow even more as a pitcher.
Mack - The Northwoods
League had an interesting scouting report on you:
As a senior at Osseo High School (Minnesota), Windle made the
All-State and All-Area Teams and was a Mr. Baseball finalist. He received these
honors after recording a 6-1 mark on the mound with a 0.94 ERA. He struck out
73 batters over 51 innings of work. A standout hockey player as well, he was a
Great 8 selection his senior campaign. Said Labbe, “I try not to load a roster
full of freshman, but when you get the chance to add an arm like Tom’s, you
cannot hesitate.” “Tom was a great high school hockey player, and I love the
toughness that those kids bring to a team. He is very athletic and there is no
limit to his potential. Depending on the number of innings he logs at Minnesota
this spring, I would expect to see him in our rotation throughout the summer.”
Do you look back at your summer leagues as the
hub of scouting activity in the sport today?
Wind - I think summer
leagues are a great opportunity for players to showcase their ability on the
field. The different leagues around the country give players a chance to be
noticed by other areas. I think, for myself, summer leagues have been important
and helped to be seen, but the spring season is what matters. The amount of
scouting activity probably comes from the overall potential for a player’s
future.
Mack – Okay, let’s move
on to the Golden Golphers. You had an excellent season (18-G, 4-ST, 3.27,
41.1-IP, 37-K), but the team did struggle (29-27, 11-13 in conference). Any
chance we’ll see you move into the rotation this year?
Wind - I have every
intention to put myself in position to be the Friday starter next spring. I
started this summer and felt great in that role. I think I can help the team
best by starting and going deep into games.
Mack – That’s
what I wanted to hear! Thanks for the time and we’ll check back with you
mid-season and see how things are going.
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