Mesh Has A Lot To Consider Regarding Baseball Future

Hayden Mesh RHP / 3B / Walled Lake Northern, MI / 2021

WHITE LAKE - The thought process of Hayden Mesh has changed when it comes to college baseball.

The Walled Lake Northern junior has Division I interest from Mid-American Conference state schools Central, Western and Eastern Michigan and since COVID-19 hit both Ball State and Toledo have reached out. But there is another level of play the 10th-rated uncommitted 2021 right-handed pitcher in Michigan is considering.

“I sent a recruiting video out a month ago and a couple of JUCOs reached out,” related Mesh, whose only official visit has been to Cleary University, an NAIA school 45 minutes from his White Lake home. “I’m thinking more JUCO now.”

Southeastern Illinois College is one school making contact, though Mesh also has other possibilities in mind.

“I want to get some southern JUCOs interested,” the 50th-ranked junior in the state said. “I’m interested in marine biology.”

The 6-3 195-pounder is beginning to understand what he is looking for when it comes to his future.

“I’m not looking at it as I can go to college and play,” explained Mesh. “I want to get drafted and go to the minors, get paid and play as long as I can. So I’m thinking of going to a JUCO and developing. Depending how I develop, then get drafted or go to a high D-I school for two or three years.”

Confidence is one area that has grown for Mesh, who won’t turn 17 until mid-September.

“I think I’ve always had the ability but now I’m able to put it to good use,” Mesh pointed out. “I’ve only been on teams that are not really known. But when I left one team and went to the Hit Dogs I grew six inches and everything kicked off. I always had the mechanics, but not the strength.”

With a height of just 5-3 in eighth grade, Mesh jumped to 6-0 a year later and is now closing in on 6-4. The ability has also grown with his stature.