Campus Newcomer: WDM Valley INF Ty Plummer
Our Iowa Baseball campus newcomer series rolls on and after previewing a couple of transfers yesterday, we are back to incoming freshman with Iowa native Ty Plummer. Out of West Des Moines Valley High School, Plummer is rated as the #3 SS and #12 player in the state by Perfect Game. He helped lead the Tigers to the substate final as a senior and was a Second Team 4A All-State selection. Now, Plummer turns his focus to Iowa City, where he will be a true freshman with the Hawkeyes.
We caught up with the 6-foot-0, 170 pound infielder to preview his first year with the Hawkeyes.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
PLUMMER: I have been working out with some of the returners during the week in Iowa City and going home to West Des Moines on the weekends. Saturday the 12th, is when I move into the dorms. I look forward to seeing all the guys again in order to start creating the team chemistry we need in order to succeed. I’m pumped up for sure.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
PLUMMER: I wore #2 in high school but it’s Gable Mitchell’s number, so hopefully I can get #4. That was a number I had when I was younger playing USSSA.
Q: What did it mean to be named an All-State selection this past season?
PLUMMER: Being named all state was really cool. There is a lot of talent in the state of Iowa so it feels good to be recognized. It’s great to see all of the hard work pay off. More to be done the next four years.
Q: How would you evaluate the way you played during your senior season?
PLUMMER: I feel like my senior year went well. I had a couple of minor injuries that made it challenging at times. Other than that, I was very comfortable at the plate, and felt smooth in the field as well.
Q: What have you been doing since the high school season to prepare for when you join the team?
PLUMMER: Since high school ball ended I’ve been in the weight room hard as well as trying to sharpen my other baseball skills. Like I said earlier, I have also been working out with the guys, getting extra work in a month early.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
PLUMMER: Iowa has always been my dream baseball school so it was an easy choice. I loved the connection with the coaches. Coach Heller, and Coach Sutherland are awesome guys and made me feel at home right away. I also loved the players I met and how they welcomed me.
Q: Were there any other teams that you considered during your recruitment?
PLUMMER: ome other schools I looked at were Grand Canyon, Wichita State, Baylor, as well as some mid majors. Iowa was the closest to home, I loved the guys, and everything Iowa had to offer.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
PLUMMER: All of the coaches have been great. I couldn’t be more excited. They all want the best for me and for the team. I communicate mostly with Coach Sutherland, but he and Coach Heller are both great dudes.
Q: What is your relationship like with the other incoming freshman? Current players?
PLUMMER: I am good buddies with a lot of the current players and incoming freshman but have become closer with the Iowa guys playing against them in the All-Star series last week. My roomate Jaixen Frost and I go way back. We starting playing USSSA baseball when we were 11. In high school we played together on other club teams like the Iowa Sticks and Spects National.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
PLUMMER: I feel like I am reliable in the field and can make the tough plays. At the plate I view my job is to get on base, and create havoc on the base paths. Whether it’s bunting, a double in the gap or even a walk or HBP. I just want to do my job to help the team have success.
Q: What are your goals for your freshman season at Iowa? What areas of your game do you want to improve?
PLUMMER: My goals are to see the field but also be great in the classroom. I hope to be a leader and role model even as a freshman. I can’t wait to get going soon and have a great first year.
