Campus Newcomer: Fort Zumwalt North RHP Tanner Paschke
Our Iowa Baseball campus newcomer series has reached it’s penultimate day, with just four incoming players left to preview. Up next, it’s right-handed pitcher Tanner Paschke from O’Fallon, Missouri. Out of Fort Zumwalt North High School, Paschke is rated as the #18 overall player in the state of Missouri. He was a First Team All-Gateway Athletic Conference selection in 2022, but missed his senior season due to an elbow injury. Now, Paschke turns his focus to his college career, where he is about to be a freshman at Iowa.
We caught up with the 6-foot-0, 175 pound right-handed pitcher to discuss his move to Iowa City and preview his freshman year at Iowa.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
PASCHKE: My move in date is August 12th. I am very excited to live on my own and especially to get to spend time with my teammates and get to know and bond with them.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
PASCHKE: I would like to wear number 22. It’s a family number that started with my grand dad. He wore it when he played college basketball.
Q: How would you evaluate the way you played during your senior season?
PASCHKE: I was unable to play my senior season due to an elbow injury. I spent the time rehabbing and trying to be there for my teammates.
Q: What pitches do you have in arsenal? What would you say is your best pitch?
PASCHKE: I have a 4-seam fastball that sits 88-90, a slider that is 78-80, as well as a circle changeup that is 78-80. I’d say my best pitch is my slider. I get tons of strikeouts with it and I feel comfortable throwing it in any count.
Q: What have you been doing since the high school season to prepare for when you join the team?
PASCHKE: Since the high school season, I have been in the weight room, as well as working with a physical therapist to make sure that my elbow heals properly as well as strengthening my shoulder, and improving range of motion to prevent any future issues.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
PASCHKE: Iowa’s coaching staff seemed to truly care about its players. It wasn’t just about making better baseball players, but also making better people and making sure their players all had a good chance at a successful future after Iowa Baseball.
Q: Were there any other teams that you considered during your recruitment?
PASCHKE: After the first zoom I had with Robin Lund I knew that the University of Iowa was where I wanted to be. Their development of pitchers is second to none. Their use of technology really excites me. I will have all the tools I could ever need to get better.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
PASCHKE: I had built a good relationship with Coach Lund. I’m looking forward to getting to know Coach McGrath, Sutherland, and Heller better.
Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? Current players?
PASCHKE: I got to meet all of the guys on our official visit. While I don’t know them very well I’m excited to start bonding and practicing and playing with them.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
PASCHKE: I bring hardwork and a dedication to becoming the best pitcher I can be.
Q: What are your goals for your freshman season at Iowa? What areas of your game do you want to improve?
PASCHKE: I want to help Iowa baseball win. My goal is to get healthy and gain velocity on the mound.
