Marc Schoch, 2010 first-team All-ABL catcher.
It’s been a while since we’ve had an interview around here, so I tracked down Marc Schoch, catcher for the 2010 AIA Fire, to bounce a few questions off of. Schoch was chosen first-team All-ABL in 2010, and is headed into his junior season at La Salle university. Here’s what he had to say:
49th State Hardball: So how did you get hooked up with the Athletes in Action organization, and what made you decide to come to Alaska?
Marc Schoch: I found out about Athletes in Action by doing some research on the Alaska League and saw that AIA was one of the teams within the league. Then i did my homework and read up on what the AIA organization was all about and realized that I would love to play on a Christian baseball team in one of the best leagues in the nation. Personally, it doesn’t get much better than that.
49HB: What did you think about your time in Alaska? Was there anything specifically that you enjoyed about the state and the league?
MS: Alaska in the summer is beautiful. I am an outdoors type guy so this was right up my alley. The baseball, the wildlife, and the scenery was unbelievable.
49HB: You were a part of what I would consider to be a very talented group of catchers this season, and the league picked you first-team all-ABL at the position. How do you feel about being selected?
MS: I am truly honored to have been selected to the first-team all-ABL. Looking back in the Alaska League archives and seeing some of the names that have played and made the all-ABL team as well is unreal to me. Its crazy to think I grew up watching these guys play, and now I join them in this great accomplishment. And I know for a fact, years down the road, its gonna be fun to look back on this season and see the group of guys from the summer of 2010 that I played with and against playing in the Show.
49HB: Was there any specific part of your game that you were working on this summer?
MS: Summer baseball is all about relaxing and taking a load off your shoulders for a while. I feel its safe to say that being more relaxed at the plate this summer had a great impact on my success, and I plan to carry that demeanor over to the spring season at La Salle.
49HB: What are your plans for the future? Do you think you’ll be around baseball for a while?
MS: You know every kid has dreams of becoming a professional baseball player in their life. I am no exception to that fact. In my case however, I am going to leave this one up to God. If He has plans for me to play further past my college career, then I absolutely would. All I can do at this point is give my best effort to get bigger, better, and stronger and then we will see what the future holds for me.
49HB: Now that you’re a seasoned veteran of Alaskan baseball, do you have any sagely advice to offer to any new guys for next year?
MS: All I would say is: Hey man, get ready for some unbelievable baseball, and some great experiences. I honestly had the summer of my life, so strap your boots on and be ready for a unreal time in The Great Land.
Thanks again to Marc for the interview, and best of luck on the upcoming season with La Salle.
Jesse Jack is a life-long Alaskan (except for a stint in Montana) who studies Civil Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage from August through May, and lives at the ballpark during June and July. 
