Where did you grow up / born?

 

I was born in Charleston, SC and raised in Holly Hill, SC.

 

 At what age did you start playing baseball?

 

I got a late start. I started playing baseball at the age of 11. I know a lot of guys started playing when they were 5, 6 years old.

 

  What positions did you play growing up?

 

I was a swiss army knife. I played all over the diamond. I was All-State in high school as a C/P/OF.

 

 What lead you to your primary position?

 

I was recruited to college basically as an athlete that played baseball. I was a pretty good OF but then I got a little stronger and started throwing a bit harder so I figured pitching was my calling card.

 

 Where did you play summer baseball in high school?

 

I played summer baseball in North Charleston, SC for the Collins Park 18u Team coached by Kenny Wilkinson

 

  What is your favorite amateur memory?

 

As a senior in high school, I took a better Batting Practice round than All-Star/Gold Glove catcher Matt Wieters. I ended up batting cleanup in the NC/SC Select Game.

 

  Who were the top schools recruiting you to play in college?

 

I was actually only recruited by 2 schools: The Citadel and The University of South Carolina.

 

  What made you pick South Carolina?

 

South Carolina was and still is one of the premier college baseball programs in the country as well as a top academic institution as it pertained to what it was I wanted to study.  I wanted that level of competition two-fold and it was a great experience.

 

  Where did you play summer ball in college?

 

As a freshman, I played for the Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plains League and was named the #1 Pro Prospect by BASEBALL AMERICA after the summer of 2005. After my sophomore year, I was invited to TEAM USA TRYOUTS but sat the summer out after the heaviest workload of my life.  After my junior season I played for the Orleans Cardinals of the CAPE COD BASEBALL LEAGUE.

 

  What is your favorite collegiate memory?

 

Couple of my co-workers here may not like this but it has to be the 5 consecutive HRs in the 2006 Athens Super Regional against the UGA Bulldogs. It was fun to watch.

 

  Who drafted you?

 

The San Diego Padres drafted me in the 9th Round in 2007.

 

 What is your favorite professional memory?

 

There are so many moments in my pro career that stand out.  I flirted with a no-hitter thru 7 2/3 innings in 2009 and that was probably the best game I’ve ever pitched in my life.  Maybe my first Big League Spring Training when I pitched through the heart of the  REDS lineup that went on to win the NL Central that year.  It was one of those moments where I knew I could get Major League hitters out.

 

Why did you choose to pursue baseball instruction as a career?

 

I think with all the reps I’ve put in as a pitcher that I can help young men by giving them all the information they can handle about what it takes to be a consistent, successful baseball player.  You learn by making mistakes and I’ve made my share and I’m hoping I can share some of the knowledge I’ve accrued over the years.

 

 Follow Wynn on Twitter @WynnPelzer