@UDallasAlumni baseball pitcher Michael Schweiss signs with Normal CornBelters
IRVING, Texas - University of Dallas baseball alumni pitcher Michael Schweiss ('12) has inked with the Normal CornBelters baseball team of the independent professional Frontier League.
Located in Normal, Ill., the CornBelters began play in May 2010 and are unaffiliated with Major League Baseball. The squad currently sits in first place with a 12-4 record, while 80 regular-season games remain. Schweiss has struck-out five batters over 4.2 innings pitched in three appearances.
He previously served as an assistant coach in the 2013 season for the University of Dallas baseball team, and was a four-year letterwinner as a reliever and starting pitcher with the Crusaders from 2009-2012.
Before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance in May 2012, Schweiss garnered the following accolades: 2010 and 2011 Association of Division III Independents' First Team, 2011 D3Baseball.com Honorable Mention All-America, 2011 United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-America, 2011 Co-Team Most Valuable Player and 2012 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Honorable Mention.
In his 2011 campaign, Schweiss' 1.03 earned run average ranked third among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III pitchers, while 5.68 hits allowed per nine innings was 12th and nine wins 19th. His career 68 games pitched and seven saves are school records.
Schweiss, who wears No. 32 to his collegiate No. 11, looks to continue developing his craft in toeing the rubber for the CornBelters. We caught up with the 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher who discussed his time thus far with the organization.
Michael Schweiss - Question & Answer Session:
What was the process behind making the CornBelters?
"In mid-April, I went to a showcase/tryout in Houston where there were a bunch of coaches and pro scouts. I was offered and signed a contract when I was down there. I still had to make the team out of spring training once I got to Normal. They brought in 36 guys for 24 spots. Over the course of two-and-a-half weeks of practices and scrimmages they cut the roster down to 24, and I had officially made the team as the only first-year pitcher."
What baseball backgrounds do your teammates come from?
"Everyone on the team has been great and there are people from all different backgrounds. For example, there are six players from different countries in Latin America. There were a couple other Division III players in spring training, but they did not make the final roster."
How has the 2013 season progressed for the CornBelters?
"So far, our team is doing very well. It is early, but hopes are high that we have a strong team and can continue our good play."
What are you working on to improve as a pitcher?
"I try to spend a lot of time around the experienced pitchers because a lot of them were drafted at one point and spent a few years in the minor leagues. Being the only pitcher with no professional experience, I am really trying to pick the brains of the veteran guys and learn as much as I can."
What challenges have you experienced?
"It has definitely been an adjustment pitching to better hitters. I threw well all through spring training and my first two appearances during the season were good, but I got roughed up a little bit in my last one. Lineups are much stronger top to bottom than what I faced in college and everyone is bigger, stronger and faster. I am adjusting to the higher level of competition and look forward to getting better throughout the year."
Anything you would like to add?
"I have enjoyed every bit of my time here so far. It is definitely a grind playing every single day, but I would not have it any other way. Baseball at this level is definitely a job because of how much time it takes up every day. Though I am not making much money, I absolutely love it. I am trying to get better every day and will hopefully get a chance at the next level."
Click here to view Michael Schweiss' player profile.
Normal CornBelters: normalbaseball.com