Radnor’s Will Reger is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The senior shortstop/pitcher, a second team All-Main Line baseball selection last spring who batted over .370, recently threw Radnor’s first no-hitter in more than 20 years, against Upper Darby. As of May 8, he is batting .344 and has a 2-0 record with an 0.91 ERA. Off the field, Reger is one of two student representatives for the Radnor Educational Foundation (REF), an organization that raises money to fund educational grants for programs in each of the schools of the Radnor School District. 

 

 

Q: What is your favorite memory of the no-hitter you pitched against Upper Darby? What was working particularly well for you that day? What do you consider your best pitch?

 

A: My favorite memory from the no-hitter against Upper Darby was definitely when I made the last out and my teammates exploded out of the dugout and tackled me. All of my pitches were working well that day, but my change-up was definitely working the best, which I consider to be my best pitch. 

 

Q: As a pitcher, after facing a hitter a couple of times in a game, you probably have a better idea of what to throw him late in a game. Can you give us an example of how this has worked in your favor this season?

A: My pitching coach, legend James Balk, has definitely been the key to my success this year. By working with him during the game and analyzing what has been working well against certain hitters has played a significant role in my success. Typically, I pitch inside to both lefties and righties with my fastball and then work away from them with my curveball and change-up. 

 

Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned about hitting the past couple of seasons?

A: Over the past couple of years, I’ve learned that in high school baseball it’s important to hunt for a fastball and when you get it, focusing on hitting it to left center and right center. Also, I learned that power comes from your core and legs, and building a powerful swing comes from rotating explosively. 

 

Q: Last year, you were an outfielder but did not pitch. What brought you to the pitching mound this season?

A: Last year our pitching rotation was compiled mostly of seniors, so this year we were a bit slim on pitchers. So I decided to step up and pitch this year. In the fall and winter, I worked alongside Coach Balk to develop a strong three pitch mix that would be successful. Again, Coach Balk deserves a lot of the credit for my success on the mound this year. 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in baseball. Who have been your most influential baseball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

A: I’ve played baseball for as long as I can remember, and it has always been an important part of my life. My biggest mentor in baseball has definitely been my Dad. He was a great baseball player, and has taught me everything he knows. Aside from my Dad, Coach [Mark] Jordan and Coach Balk have helped me understand the game and grow as a player. My travel coach, Con Aquilante, has turned me into a completely different player since I joined his team the summer of my sophomore year.

 

 

Q: Who is your favorite baseball player and why? What is your favorite ballpark and why?

A: My favorite baseball player is Bryce Harper. Bryce just brings a different type of energy and intensity to the game when he plays, and I try to play the game just like him.

 

 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: My pre-game preparation usually starts with J-bands to warm up my arm. Next, I’ll get a solid full-body stretch and make sure everything feels good. Then I’ll play catch and usually I’m good to go. When I pitch I will listen to some Kendrick Lamar to get me pumped.

 

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Radnor? What do you think you might like to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

 

A: My favorite course at Radnor is my Business Law and Marketing class. My teacher, Mr. Monahan, has created a course that I enjoy going to every day. It’s a class that makes me excited about my future in the business world. In college I plan on majoring in Finance. I eventually want to be involved in Private Equity. 

 

Fun facts – Will Reger

Favorite TV Show: One Piece.

Favorite movie: Seven.

Favorite athlete: Bryce Harper.

Favorite Team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Pregame Song: Backseat Freestyle by Kendrick Lamar.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)