In The Nest: Inside Sam Seidel's Successful Start To His Collegiate Career
by Medical Mutual
5/1/2023
In his first season with the Falcons, freshman infielder Sam Seidel has earned a spot in the BGSU lineup and has become one of the team's leaders at the plate.
Q: We're entering the final month of the season. Summarize the feelings and emotions of your first collegiate season.
Seidel: This season has been super exciting so far, it has been kind of a roller coaster first year but I am thankful for all my teammates helping me throughout the season. I am looking forward to finishing this out strong.
Q: The season isn't over yet, but do you have a favorite moment from what's been played?
Seidel: I would say the win at Louisville was one of my favorite moments, as well as the feeling of when we went to Mount Pleasant and took the series against Central Michigan.
Q: You've reached base in nearly every game that you've played in, reaching in 27 of 32 games and in 25 of the 27 that you've started. What's been your mindset in the batter's box that's allowed you to do that?
Seidel: My approach is to just always find a way to get on base whether that is putting a good swing on a pitch or working counts to draw a walk and making the pitcher have to work to get me out rather than getting myself out.
Q: On top of reaching base frequently, you also lead the team in stolen bases with 15. What has been your key to success on the base paths?
Seidel: I would say just being aggressive and trusting my instincts, as well as Coach Rem, and Coach G helping me with timing and knowing pitchers’ tendencies.
Q: You're not the only Seidel on the roster with your brother, Isaiah, being a pitcher on the team. What's it been like to play with him at the collegiate level?
Seidel: It is truly a blessing to be able to share the field with my brother, especially at this level. It’s something you do not see very often, so I have just been super thankful to have him here and he has helped me a lot throughout the season.
Q: Have you ever hit against your brother whether in a game or practice? How did that at-bat go?
Seidel: We have had some scrimmage type at bats at home here and there, but I have only faced him one time here at BG and he won that meeting. I am looking forward to the next one, though.
Q: Baseball is known as a rather superstitious sport? Do you have any superstitions before or during the game? Any pre-game rituals?
Seidel: Before the game I just like to get in a space to pray and clear my mind, but as far as superstitions and rituals I don’t really have any.
Q: What are some of your hobbies off the field?
Seidel: Hanging out with friends and family. I also enjoy playing video games with friends and playing basketball when I can.
Q: Is there something not many people know about you?
Seidel: I am a graphic design major, and I enjoy doing a lot of sports edits on photoshop.
Q: What are your career goals after baseball?
Seidel: After baseball I would like to try to get a graphic designer job with a college or professional sports team.
Q: Growing up, how did you gravitate towards baseball?
Seidel: I always had a love for baseball growing up, and when I started playing travel ball and making a lot of life long friends it began to become a big part of my life.
Q: If you could play baseball in any major league stadium, which one and why?
Seidel: If I had to choose one I think it would have to be Progressive Field, just because I have grown up a Cleveland fan my whole life and watched games there, so that would be a dream come true.
Q: If you could bat against any pitcher in the history of baseball, who would it be and why?
Seidel: Justin Verlander. He has been dominant for a long time and I also got to watch him live against Cleveland last year. I think it would be an awesome experience to try to hit off of him.
Q: You are from Greenwich, Ohio. What's your favorite place to eat back home and what's your go-to order?
Seidel: I would have to go with Oma's Belgian Waffles. I usually get “The Big R” which is egg, hashbrown, bacon and cheese on a bagel.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Seidel: My dad and my brother both inspired me the most growing up and I think they are a huge part of where I am at today.
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team and why?
Seidel: I would say either Jack Krause or Connor Penrod. They are both always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. They have different types of humor but anything they do will make you start laughing.
Q: Where is your favorite spot around campus and why?
Seidel: I would say Tropical Smoothie Cafe. They have really good smoothies as well as sandwiches.
Q: Describe Coach Hallock in one word…
Seidel: Committed. He will do anything and everything to help this program get to where it needs to be and to help his players succeed.
