By Ryan McCosky

Over the past few days PBR Michigan has taken a look at the athletes who have signed in-state at Division 1 programs. Next, we would like to expand our coverage to breakdown the talented athletes who have signed out of state to play Division 1.

First, we will look at two Michigan products that will be making an impact at the University of Toledo; Jacob Britt (Tecumseh, Mich.) and Jordan Kesson (Hartland, Mich.). Britt has all the qualities of an outfielder that you can build a program around. He is a left-handed hitter that can run well and showed signs of power last year with 18 extra base hits, 4 HR, 39 RBI.  Britt also stole 14 bases. Kesson shows two- way potential for the Rockets excelling both offensively and has a strong arm. Kesson has a lot of pop in his bat leading his team with 39 RBI in 2012.  His 6-6 frame has power potential both offensively and defensively. Kesson has a strong arm and is raw, yet highly effective off the mound.

Rich Maloney is returning to Ball State University after serving as head coach at Michigan for the past 10 seasons. Maloney was head coach at Ball State from 1996-2002.  Heading to Muncie with Coach Maloney are his son Alex (Chelsea, Mich.) and BJ Butler (Mattawan, Mich.).  Butler is a multi-sport standout excelling in football and basketball, as well as on the diamond. He can throw multiple pitches for strikes which will help him exceed at the next level. Butler posted a school record 0.91ERA with 88 K’s in less than 70 innings pitched. Maloney is athletic. He has a strong arm that could project to be a closer at the next level. Maloney played three sports in high school and his competiveness helped lead high school team to a regional championship.

Emerson Misch (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) has a unique recruiting story and will be heading to Valparaiso after polishing his game at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FLA. Emerson shows good fundamental footwork in the OF and has recently ran a 6.67- 60yd. In 2012, he stole 26 of 30 stolen base attempts.

  Zach Olszewski (Bay City, Mich.) will be heading to Bethune- Cookman in Daytona Beach, FLA. Olszewski is a two- way player who shines both off the mound and behind the plate.  Olszewski has hit 89 with good movement on the fastball and a sweeping slider. Bethune-Cookman is coached by Michigan native Jason Beverlin.

Last, we have the 6-4, hard throwing, right- handed pitcher Cole Schaefer (Portage, Mich.) who is headed to Coastal Carolina.  Schaefer has good upside and will have a chance to compete for innings.  He has steadily improved over the past year and popped onto the scene this summer.    

 

University of Toledo- Head Coach Cory Mee (9^th Season)

Jacob Britt- OF- 6-3-178 (Tecumseh, Mich. / Tecumseh HS)
PBR State Rank: 12
Overall Rank: 133

Jordan Kesson- RHP/OF- 6-6-200 (Hartland, Mich. / Hartland HS)
PBR State Rank: 22

Ball State University- Head Coach Rich Maloney

BJ Butler –RHP- (Mattawan, Mich. / Mattawan HS)
PBR State Rank: 32

Alex Maloney- SS/ RHP- 6-1-170 (Chelsea, Mich. / Delta HS (IN))
Overall Rank: 80

Valparaiso- Head Coach Tracy Woodson

Emerson Misch-OF-6-1-190 (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Andover/ IMG Academy (FL))
PBR State Rank: 40

Bethune-Cookman- Head Coach Jason Beverlin

Zach Olszewski - C-RHP-6-1-175 (Bay City, Mich. / John Glenn HS)
PBR State Rank: 18

Coastal Carolina- Head Coach Gary Gilmore

Cole Schaefer- RHP- 6-4-185 (Portage, Mich. / Portage Central HS)
PBR State Rank: 11
Overall Rank: 72