Brendan Murphy, junior, became the best-known rookie in high school baseball his sophomore year once he started pitching for varsity, eventually pitching at sectionals and regionals. He plays with some of the most prestigious travel teams in the Midwest, and now in his junior year, he is already signing with big-name colleges. Having played ball for almost 14 years, he has just committed with Arizona State University. He shared how he got to that point with The Mustang.

Why did you choose Arizona State University for baseball?

It felt like home, and I have wanted to go there since I was a kid.

Have you met any of the players on the team? How are they?

I have actually. Some of the kids on the team are from Illinois and from around here, such as Lincolnway, and other schools down South. I hung out with them, and they are really nice, and they are really funny.

How good is the school’s baseball program?

They’ve been pretty good in the past years, but they just got a new coaching staff, so they might have a down year because they haven’t had their own recruits in, but next year will be their new recruiting class, so they will be pretty good.

Did you get any free clothes and equipment when you went to visit? If so, what?

I did not. I cannot get any free stuff until I get there officially because it’s illegal. It is illegal because of NCAA rules, that you cannot get anything free until you are a freshman and until you officially sign with the college. Nothing is set in stone for me playing there, but I verbally committed.

When do you plan to start playing baseball there?

I’d like to play freshman year.

Are you going to any camps with ASU?

I don’t think so. I know in upcoming years I will be going to showcases for the baseball program I’m with now but nothing involving ASU.

When did you realize you were really good?

Probably fall of my sophomore year. I went to a showcase [a baseball tournament for a travel baseball team where coaches can come and watch you play] and was able to play with the best players and teams in the country. I went to some tournaments in Florida and did really well against some of the best teams in the country there. Then I started to realize I was doing really well when I started pitching and college coaches started coming to watch me play.

How has baseball impacted your life?

It has impacted my life a lot because I’ve made smart decisions, and it’s something I’ve always loved. It’s always something to fall back onto. I play it whenever I’m bored, and it always keeps me occupied. It has always been my passion; I have always loved it.

Have you ever thought about going straight to the MLB right from high school?

I have thought about it, but I’m not going to unless I get a significant amount of money because I don’t want to go and then not have enough money to live on if I don’t have a career.

How do you like the campus?

The campus is beautiful; it is really easy to get around, and it’s in one general area. The part I’m going to major in is located in two main buildings that are right by where I would be staying.

What are you majoring in?

Sports management because I want to stay in relevance with sports with my career and maybe manage a team or work for them.

How do you feel about the weather at Arizona State University?

When I was there checking out the college, it was 104 degrees, but I kind of liked it because it’s not super cold like it is here. I love the dry heat as well. It can get uncomfortable because you are just standing there in your own sweat, but it is only like that for about three months of the year. The rest of the year it is about 70-90 degrees, which is a lot better because it is during the [baseball] season.

Are you prepared for the change of lifestyle you will have being a college athlete 24/7?

Right now I don’t think I’m ready, but as soon as I get there and go to summer school out there, I think I’ll be ready come time for the actual school year [when] all the 70,000 students are on campus.

What are you most excited about?

I’m most excited about meeting all the players and getting into the program and starting practice and getting prepared to play.

Are you going to miss playing baseball at Mundelein?

Yes, I will just because I love Coach [Todd] Parola and his program. He’s so fun and a great coach and just a fun guy to be around.