Q & A with Megan: Featuring AJ Gartland

Alfred State sport management major Megan Gridley recently interviewed left handed pitcher AJ Gartland. This summer, Gartland was named the Pitcher of the Year in the ICBL. He was 5-0 with a 0.20 ERA in 35 innings of work. He struck out 48 batters and held opponents to a .110 batting average. He ended the summer on a 15-inning scoreless streak and a 30 inning streak without allowing an earned run.

You had the chance this summer to play summer baseball, what was it like to get back on the field after such a long break?

It felt great. For me it really wasn't a long break because our coaches set us up really well to deal with our time at home. I was able to stay on track by throwing and lifting in my backyard and by talking with my coaches on Microsoft Teams. When July came around, I felt very prepared to start playing again.

In the Interstate Collegiate Baseball League (ICBL) you competed against some of your Alfred State teammates. How did that experience go?

It was an amazing experience to play against so many of my current and future teammates. Some of my favorite games and memories from the season were when I was pitching against Alfred guys. The best part of the whole thing was seeing our guys succeed and receive a lot of recognition from the league. It was really fun representing Alfred State with my teammates and showing people around Rochester what Pioneer baseball is all about.

What were some of the keys to your success that led you to earning the Most Valuable Pitcher honor from the ICBL?

My biggest key to success this season was the way I approached each game mentally. I know I am a very experienced pitcher at this level and I have been in every type of situation you can be in. I just attacked every batter and situation with my best stuff and with extreme confidence. I challenged hitters to hit my best pitches no matter the count, inning, or opponent. At the end of the day, I have been working at my craft for years and I am starting to feel very confident in the way I prepare myself to compete.

How do you think your success this summer will help you this school year?

This summer I learned a lot about myself and I believe I am set up to make great progress in my development this offseason. My greater understanding of self as a pitcher and person will create a solid foundation that I can build even more success on.

What are some of your personal and team goals for the 2020-21 school year?

My first and most important personal goal is to be a reliable pitcher for Alfred that can come in for any situation and shut the game down. By doing that I also hope to fulfill my second goal of being AMCC Pitcher of the Year.

For the team, it's time for our program's first conference title in the NCAA era.

Quick Hits:

Favorite holiday? Christmas

Favorite baseball player? CC Sabathia

Go-to candy of choice? Reese's