Get to know more about Minnesota, UMD pitcher, Twins signing and LHP Bo Hellquist.
Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in the Savage/Burnsville area, were you a big Twins fan? Did you get to a lot of games?
Bo Hellquist (BH): Of course. Growing up just thirty minutes from the park, I always rooted for the Twins growing up. I got to my fair share of games over the years, but not nearly as many as I wanted to.
SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career (like a state championship)? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities?
BH: One of the better high school baseball memories that I have is when we won the state championship my junior season. It wasn’t only special just because we won it all, but it was the fashion in which we did. We were down five runs heading into the bottom half of the last inning and had been unable to get anything going those first six innings. Before I knew it, we were down only one run, bases loaded, two outs, and I was up to bat. I ended up hitting a single down the first base line, scoring two, and helped our team earn its first state title. It was a pretty unforgettable moment in my career and something that l will hold on to for a lifetime. Along with baseball, I was also a two-time intramural basketball champ at Burnsville high school.
SS: What was the recruitment process like for you out of high school, and what was it about Minnesota-Duluth that made it the right choice for you?
BH: Out of high school, I was getting looked at from a few Division II programs from around the MN and SD area along with some local DIII schools. I was eventually drawn towards the University of Minnesota-Duluth because not only was there a chance for me to see some time on the field my freshman year, but they were also willing to give me opportunities as both a pitcher and position player. Having the opportunity to be a two-way player was really something that I wanted to pursue heavily at the college level. Along with the baseball side of things, Duluth, as a city and college town was something that also drew me in.
SS: You had some very strong teams at Duluth, particularly the last couple of years. What was the experience like, doing well as a team, watching your hitters launch homers all over the field and getting to pitch in such big games?
BH: After starting off our freshman season 0-14 and not being able to play a home game until our junior season, it was a blast to finally have some success as a team. With one of the most powerful offenses in the nation it made it easy to go out there and compete knowing that no matter what happened out there on the mound, the offense was bound to put up some runs. Watching them hit 102 dingers in 55 games seemed surreal to me and anyone who was able to witness it. As for those big games, that’s where you want to be if you’re a pitcher. In my belief, there is no bigger thrill than having the ball in your hand with an opportunity to keep your championship hopes alive.
SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the 2015 or 2016 drafts? Was there any thought that you might be drafted? What was your interaction with Twins scout?
BH: Not really. The only scout that I was really in contact with prior to the 2016 draft was the Twins area scout, Mark Wilson. After attending a workout at Target field a week prior to the draft, I thought there was a possibility of hearing my name called, but things didn’t work out that way. All I was looking for was an opportunity to play and that’s exactly what I got.
SS: Following the draft, what was the process and what communication did you have before deciding to sign with the Twins?
BH: . Following the draft, within minutes of it ending, I received a phone call from the scout who offered me a chance to sign a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins, if I was willing. Considering that it had been a lifelong dream to play baseball at the next level, this was not an opportunity that I was going to pass up.
SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the amateur/college game to the professional game, both on and off the field?
BH: One of the biggest adjustments that I had to make going to the professional game was learning to stay focused and attack every batter throughout the lineup. In the college game, I was able to get away with a few missed spots towards the bottom half of the order, but as the summer went on I realized that anybody on a given team has the ability to do damage to you in the box.
SS: What pitches do you throw? When you’re pitching well, what are the keys to your success? What would you say are your biggest strengths?
BH: Fastball, change up, slider. One of the keys to having success out there on the mound for me is being able to locate all three pitches when I want and working at my own pace throughout the inning. The pace thing is big for me. If I can work quickly while maintaining control of everything, I see it as an advantage in my favor. Some of my biggest strengths would be the movement that all my pitches have along with my competitive attitude.
SS: What are the areas of your game that you would like to spend time working to improve in the offseason and going forward?
BH: Some areas of my game that I would like to improve on would be my overall strength and the continuous development of my pitches.
SS: Are you back at school in the offseason? What was your major in school?
BH: I am not back at school this off season, but am still in pursuit of my major in Marketing.
SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?
BH: First off, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the continuous support from my family over the many years of playing ball. Along with my family, a lot of credit is due to the coaches I have had over the years who have helped guide me to this point in my career.
SS: Favorite Baseball movie?
BH: Rookie of the Year. Instant classic.
Thanks again to Bo Hellquist for taking time to answer our questions. Feel free to discuss and ask questions.
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