Hunter Ahlbrand says that in order to have successful high school pitching career, you need to mix up the pitches, and keep the ball low in the strike zone.

The Seymour High School senior has worked the mound for years, and will play a part in the Owls’ rotation this spring.

“I’ve played baseball since I was little. I just love the game, being around my friends and stuff, and hanging out,” Ahlbrand said. “The best part is getting a win. I’ve mostly been a reliever in high school. I might start a couple more games this year, and relieve some. I guess it just depends on what Coach (Jeremy) Richey wants.”

Ahlbrand counts on three pitches to get batters out: his fastball, breaking ball and changeup.

“My No. 1 is my fastball,” Ahlbrand said. “It’s really big to get ahead of the count in high school. I try to mix my pitches up a lot more frequently so they don’t know what’s coming. You want to keep your pitches low because if you get it high it might go far.”

He said he tries to hit the corners, and enjoys pitching at American Legion Field.

“I love it out there,” Ahlbrand said. “I think the home games are really special with the fans coming. I just love the stadium pretty much. I love the field and I love being on it.””

The senior feels that communication is important, especially when the other team has runners on base.

“The catcher will call out a play for our defense,” Ahlbrand said. “Like if I think he’s going to bunt I’ll throw it higher where he can bunt it up in the air.”

Ahlbrand, who throws left-handed, said he finds it harder to throw to a left-handed batter than a right handed hitter.

“To me it’s more difficult to throw against a left-handed,” Ahlbrand said. “I just try to go away to them so they can’t pull the ball because most lefties can pull the ball really well. I try to make them hit it on the ground.”

He said the Owls are going to have to play good defense, score plenty of runs and the pitchers are going to have to throw strikes in order to get victories.

Ahlbrand has enjoyed being a student at SHS.

“I just like the atmosphere. I think the teachers are good,” he said. “I’ll probably remember my coaches and my teammates the most. I’m looking forward to the sectional. It will be my last time.”

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Name: Hunter Ahlbrand

High school: Seymour

Parents: Sonja and Kevin Ahlbrand

Sibling: Jacob

Sports: baseball 4 years

Plans after high school: attend college

Favorite food: pizza

Favorite TV show: The Simpsons

Favorite music: Logic

Favorite team: Boston Red Sox

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