By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Theo Zeidler
Nickname: Ted
School: Bay Port
Sport: Baseball
Parents: Ted and Susie Zeidler
Twitter: @theozeidler
Theo Zeidler is a senior pitcher on the Bay Port baseball team.
He helped lead the Pirates to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Division 1 state championship game last July.
As a junior, Zeidler went 6-0 with a 1.08 earned-run average, while striking out 56 in 39 innings.
He was also a first-team all-conference choice as an infielder, where he batted more than .400 and had 29 RBI.
Talk about how difficult pitching is.
“It’s tough because it’s a mental struggle to keep composure while having to adapt to the opponent.”
What’s the best World Series you’ve seen?
“I’ve never been to a World Series in person, but the best one I’ve seen on TV was the 2017 series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros won in seven games.”
Describe the national summer tournaments you attend.
“Playing with and against the top talent in the country is exciting because it lets you measure up against your counterparts. It can also be humbling at times.”
How hard can you throw?
“I’ve thrown 91 mph from the mound and 94 mph from the outfield. I haven’t been tested since last year.”
What’s the greatest piece of advice somebody has told you?
“Motivation has to come from within to accomplish goals.”
What’s your preferred glove?
“The Wilson A2K is the best glove out there.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“The Rock (Dwayne Johnson, the former WWE professional wrestler).”
What’s your favorite phone app?
“Instagram.”
What two games stand out in your high school career?
“Our win against Eau Claire Memorial in the 2021 WIAA state semifinal game and my no-hitter versus Ashwaubenon.”
How do you keep your composure after giving up a hit?
“It’s hard when the crowd goes crazy and the opposing bench starts heckling you. Taking a deep breath and picturing my deer stand helps me relax. It’s a quiet and peaceful place. It’s why I think of it to calm down.”
What’s one thing other teammates or coaches don’t know about you?
“I have 20/13 vision.”
What are your college aspirations?
“To graduate with a degree in kinesiology and then go on to get a doctor of physical therapy.”
Talk about being on the same page with your infielders and outfielders.
“There’s not much to it coming from me on the mound. I make sure everyone is in the right spot before I pitch. (Bay Port Assistant) Coach (Trent) Noe gives the defensive plays to the catcher, who passes them on to the rest of the team.”
What six words describe you?
“Motivated, competitive, smart, humorous, faithful, athletic.”
What’s your favorite music genre?
“Hip-hop.”
How do you determine when to throw to one of the bases in an attempt to pick off a runner?
“It depends on the situation. If I see a runner too far off the base, then I’ll try.”
Who’s your favorite MLB player?
“Jacob deGrom, a New York Mets pitcher because he’s the best at what he does but is humble in doing so.”
How many different pitches do you throw?
“Three. They can be signaled differently depending on where we want the pitch to be.”
Favorites
Pro team: Green Bay Packers
Subject: Human biology
TV show: Good Good Golf
Food: Steak