Q and A with UCM commit Jesse Steinbring

By Sean McCann
Prep Baseball Report Kansas

This spring Manhattan High School had a banner year capturing the Centennial League Championship and advancing to the semi-finals of the 6A state tournament in Lawrence.  A key factor in their big year was the performance of class of 2015 RHP Jesse Steinbring who was named Centennial League Pitcher of the Year and KABC 6A All-State.

Steinbring recently committed to the University of Central Missouri.  We had a chance to visit with him to discuss his decision.

PBR: Why did you choose University of Central Missouri ?

I choose Central Missouri mainly because of Coach Crookes and Coach Stambersky.  I felt at home when I went down there for a visit.  They have a winning program and great coaching staff.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

The coaching staff expects me to contribute early and get to work right away.

PBR:  What things do you need to improve on before getting to UCM?

I’m looking forward to Coach Stambersky sending me some workouts to help get me physically ready to step foot at UCM.  Other than that smoothing out my mechanics and try to hit some personal milestones of my own.

PBR: Outside of your family, who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player and why?

It would have to be Norm Francis, Tony Epperson and Steve Olson who coached me when I was younger. They’ve taught me everything about the game and they can’t be replaced.

PBR: What were the highlights of your spring season as a team and individually? 

This spring Manhattan High tied a school record for wins with 22.  I was fortunate to have the best defense in the state behind me and that contributed to a perfect game a Centennial League championship and regional championship finishing third at the state tourney.

PBR:  Tell us about your experience with the KC Bullets organization and things they have helped you with in your development.

The KC Bullets experience has been awesome.  I wish I would have began at an earlier age with them. The guys are professional and know how to win.  They’re all great guys and Coach Reed and Coach Dawson get us up and wanting to play baseball everyday.

PBR: Who are the three toughest Kansas high school hitters you have faced?

Toughest players I’ve faced are Trae McDaniel (Junction City, 2016), Bret Fehr (Manhattan, 2014) and Jake Biller (Manhattan, 2014).

PBR: Clearly you have seen a lot of Kansas high school baseball players over the last several months.  Who is one class of 2015 prospect you think might be flying under the radar that people need to know about and why? (outside of your spring/summer teams)

Blake Peterson from Washburn Rural.  I’ve played against him in both football and baseball he’s a great athlete and has a great arm.  He is one of those players that can take a game over in any sport.  He had a big spring this year also.