Uncommitted Prospect List Rundown

Cameron Wagoner RHP / OF / Tecumseh, MI / 2019

TECUMSEH - When Cameron Wagoner committed to Central Michigan it was more than a commitment to the school. It was an allegiance to the coaches.

Then head coach Steve Jaksa retired. With assistant Jeff Opalewski not under consideration to lead the program (Jordan Bischel, the GLIAC Coach of the Year the last two seasons at Northwood, has since been named head coach), Wagoner decided to reopen his college recruitment.

“I loved coach Opalewski, he’s the reason I committed there,” explained the Tecumseh senior-to-be, who committed to CMU last October. “I knew I could trust coach Jaska and with coach Opalewski not getting the job … it’s not what you think of when you commit to a school.”

Interest in the 6-6 180-pound right-handed pitcher exploded at last year’s Future Games.

“I called a lot of schools after that,” explained Wagoner. “Sept. 1 was a crazy day. Starting at 1 a.m. every single school I called sent me a text. It all really kicked off at the Future Games.”

Xavier, Michigan State, Butler, Western Michigan, Kentucky and Wake Forest were among the those Wagoner had been in contact with before Central Michigan became his school of choice.

“I wanted to be done with recruitment,” Wagoner admitted.

Instead, the top-ranked unsigned 2019 in the state is now out on the open market.

To read the full article, please click here.

Max Huntley SS / OF / Mattawan, MI / 2019

MATTAWAN - Max Huntley knows what he is looking for in a college baseball coach. He found it once, but is looking again after the retirement of Central Michigan veteran mentor Steve Jaksa.

The decision to call it quits by the second-winningest CMU head coach in school history has Huntley reconsidering his commitment to the Mid-American Conference school.

“The plan was 100 percent to go there,” the senior-to-be at Mattawan said. “But when he retired the coaching situation became unclear. I talked to assistant coach Jeff Opalewski (associate head coach and recruiting coordinator) and he said he wasn’t a finalist. I really like him and he doesn’t know if he’ll return.”

Jordan Bischel was named the new head coach at CMU this week, taking over for Jaksa after 16 years in charge of the program. In that time Jaksa totaled 507 wins, won three MAC titles and had 33 MLB draft picks, including three this year.

To read the full article, please click here.

Gannon Andrews C / 2B / Portage Northern, MI / 2020

PORTAGE - The influence a coaching father can have on a son is endless.

Gannon Andrews has just that in his dad Chris, the head baseball coach at Portage Northern.

“I’ve grown up in the dugout at high school games since I can remember,” the junior-to-be said. “My dad has been coach since I was born.”

The love of the game has certainly rubbed off on Andrews, whose father is closing in on 500 victories after just completing his 18th year in charge of the Huskies.

“My dad has definitely influenced me by me watching the way he coaches,” Andrews explained. “I see him as a great role model and I want to do a good job for him. He played high school and college ball and I want to follow in his footsteps.”

The 30th-ranked player in the state’s 2020 class is headed in that direction with an unofficial visit to Michigan and a Ball State camp thus far. Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Grand Valley and Davenport are others that have the promising catcher on their radar.

To read the full article, please click here.

Jason Williams C / RHP / Cass Tech, MI / 2020

DETROIT - The need for exposure defines Jason Williams right now. But the Cass Tech junior-to-be is looking to change the lack of interest this summer.

“I’ve not been in the right place,” Williams said about his slow-moving recruitment to date. “I’ve played on some lower-level teams and not gotten the exposure I can have elsewhere. There’s not a lot of exposure playing Detroit public schools.”

The hope is that things change soon.

“I went to a PBR showcase last summer and Aaron (Wilson, PBR Michigan Scouting Director) asked me to play on Arsenal this year,” the 50th-ranked player in Michigan’s 2020 class reflected. “I’m hoping playing with Arsenal will give me more exposure. We’re going to play the Black Swamp and in Atlanta. I’m also hoping to play at the Top Prospect Games (June 26-27 at Eastern Michigan) and Aaron said there’d be a showcase for Arsenal.”

What colleges will see in Williams is a promising catcher who is a much larger player than a year ago.

To read the full article, please click here.

Mark Kattula 3B / 1B / Stevenson, MI / 2020

STEVENSON - Watching an older brother grow up playing baseball and eventually reaching the college level has been a driving force for Mark Kattula.

While Michael Kattula went on to play at Arkansas State, younger sibling Mark, now a sophomore at Stevenson High School, has aspirations to make it big in the sport he grew to love at a young age.

“He was the reason I picked up a bat and have been playing since I was four-years-old,” Kattula said of his brother, now 25. “I saw the success, the dedication and how driven he was for a goal he set at a young age. I always wanted to carry that on and get that feeling he had.”

Camps at Michigan State, Cincinnati and Eastern Kentucky along with the past two PBR Preseason All-State showcases have been beneficial in helping the 6-0 195-pounder get noticed.

To read the full article, please click here.

Grant Stephenson SS / RHP / Algonac, MI / 2020

It was last May when Stephenson, now a sophomore at Algonac High School, tore a ligament in his right elbow and a few months later Tommy John Surgery took place.

“It’s been nine months now and my arm is 90 percent,” the 18th-ranked player in the state’s 2020 class said. “Rehab has been really good so far and I’m starting to get confident. I’ve not been on the mound yet, probably in a month.”

Instead, the college shortstop and pitching prospect has been working his way toward recovery playing other positions.

“It did put me in a setback mentally,” the 6-2 165-pounder admitted. “But I overcame that. It feels good to be back after missing all last summer. Right now I’m hitting and playing first base. About two weeks ago I got to play second base.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Alec Azar RHP / 1B / University Liggett, MI / 2019

GROSSE POINTE WOODS - While baseball is a big part of the future of Alec Azar, the University Liggett junior understands there is more to life.

“I take pride in the way I play baseball, but I especially take pride in my academics,” Azar said. “The few schools I’ve been looking at are strong academically. I want to do great things outside of baseball.”

But that has not stopped Azar, who carries a 4.08 GPA on a 4.0 scale and plans to major in either business or economics, from seeking out the right college fit that includes baseball and strong academics.

“I’ve taken a few visits, but my mind is not made up yet,” the 64th-ranked junior in the state said. “The process is going well. I’m getting better every day and just trying to enjoy it all.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Xander Morris RHP / OF / Portage Northern, MI / 2021

PORTAGE - Pitching in the first Midwest Select event in mid-April was quite a challenge for any high school player. Doing it as a freshman made the task at hand even more difficult.

But Xander Morris was not overwhelmed. The Portage Northern ninth-grader came through with a big-time performance in a 2-0 win over Roncalli, one of the top-rated 4A teams in the state of Indiana.

“That was a lot of fun,” said the 6-0 160-pounder, who combined with two teammates to throw a three-hitter at the prestigious event held at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind. “I just went out and tried to do my best. My team was behind me and we got the win. It was one of the better times I’ve pitched. Most of my pitches were working.”

Morris knew that was necessary against strong opposition that included teams from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois in addition to Michigan.

“The competition was some of the best I’ve ever seen,” the fifth-ranked player in the state’s 2021 class said. “It just makes you go out there with a different mindset. Pitch your best, have fun and do your job.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Jake Engelkes RHP / 1B / Rockford, MI / 2019

ROCKFORD - Velocity is on the rise and interest from colleges is there.

A little more velo and Jake Engelkes sees the potential to talk with even more schools as the recruiting process heats up for the Rockford junior.

“Velo is something that’s held me back from the bigger Division I schools, but I’m creeping to the upper 80s,” explained the right-handed hurler. “If I can be more consistent with my change that will help, too. When I get a good one off it does really well, I just need to be more consistent with it.”

Two visits to Western Michigan and one to Taylor University, an NAIA school in Indiana, have taken place thus far for the 65th-ranked player in Michigan’s 2019 class. A visit is planned for May 6 to Central Michigan while there has also been talk with Dartmouth, Hillsdale, Northwood and Liberty. Western, Central, Hillsdale and Northwood all saw Engelkes at PBR showcases.

To read the full article, please click here.

Alex McCormack LHP / 1B / Bloomfield Hills, MI / 2018

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - It appears to be down to a pair of Division II schools when it comes to the future of Alex McCormack.

The Bloomfield Hills senior has had an offer from Ashland and is “waiting to hear back” from Grand Valley State.

“I played for the Triple Crown Royals last year and they’ve sent a lot of kids to Ashland,” McCormack explained. “My coach recommended me, I had a private workout and they think I could develop into a two-way. That’s what I’d like to do and see how it develops. But whatever works best for the college.

“With Grand Valley, I’ve sent them a video and they asked me to come work out. They liked my pitching being a left-hander with movement on the fastball. They didn’t see me as a first baseman, I’m not big enough, but they felt I could pitch if I developed.”

The 6-3 185-pounder, who also had interest during his recruitment from Dartmouth, Army and Cornell, would love to be given the chance to pitch and play first base.

To read the full article, please click here.

Logan Evans RHP / 3B / Saline, MI / 2019

SALINE - While the idea of going to Army to play college baseball is still a consideration, Logan Evans has decided to decommit from the United States Military Academy.

“I think I committed too early,” explained Evans, a junior at Saline. “Army was my first offer and four weeks later, at the end of summer, I committed. But now I’ve decided I want to get myself out there and give other colleges another chance.”

Army’s interest in Evans came at the Future Games in August.

“They saw me on the first day at third base and the second day saw me pitch,” the 6-4 210-pounder said. “They liked what I do on the mound and in the field. Then I went to their specific camp, went on a tour and then they offered me.”

But a change of mind has Evans ready to assess other options.

“I plan to talk to some of the Big 10 schools I had talked to before,” noted Evans, who previously took visits to Indiana and Michigan State. “I’ll reach out to a few ACC schools, a few in the Big East and a couple SEC schools. But right now I’m going to collect my thoughts after decommitting.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Max Longman 1B / RHP / Portage Central, MI / 2019

PORTAGE - Max Longman knows what he wants in a college.

“I like the Division I dream right now,” Longman said. “I’d like to go to a program that’s established. I’m very competitive and love to win.”

The Portage Central junior has received a lot of exposure in an attempt to reach that dream, participating in the PBR Future Game Trials as a freshman, The Preseason at Kalamazoo as a sophomore and the Maroons Team Camp in the fall.

There was also a visit to Western Michigan earlier in the school year as well as camps at Central Michigan, Michigan State and Indiana in addition to WMU.

“They like my hitting and see me as being a leader,” the 6-2 215-pounder said about college interest received thus far. “I’m honest with them and tell them things I like to do and what I like about their team. I show an interest in them.”

The 74th-ranked junior in the state knows improvement in his game will help gain more interest from colleges.

To read the full article, please click here.

Emmanuel Clark 1B / OF / Western International, MI / 2019

DETROIT - Every aspect of his game is getting better. Emmanuel Clark is hoping colleges see the improvement as the Western International junior prepares for the next level.

“I’ve seen my numbers really improve,” explained Clark, who has gained exposure in the past year at three PBR events - Top Prospect Games, Little Caesars Scout Day and Arsenal Scout Day. “Last year at the Future Games tryouts I was 74 infield and outfield. I’ve bumped up to 82 in the outfield and 80 infield. My exit velo went from 86 to 90.”

Lawrence Tech and McComb College expressed interest after the Little Caesars event. The 6-0 185-pounder has also been in contact with Albion, Calvin and Arizona Western JUCO while last year there was a visit to Davenport after Clark played in the City Championship game at Comerica Park.

“They like my strong arm, but most importantly my hitting,” Clark explained about the college interest. “That’s one of my best qualities.”

Improving other areas of the game is helping make Clark a more well-rounded player.

To read the full article, please click here.

Jacob Visscher LHP / 1B / Hamilton, MI / 2019

HAMILTON - The possibility of playing baseball in college has never been a major concern for Jacob Visscher.

“I’ve always had that dream of playing at the next level since I can remember,” Visscher explained. “But there was never a point that I can think of that I realized it might happen. I’ve just listened to what my family has always said - work hard at everything you do. That mentality has worked out. It’s all about doing your full effort and even seek out ways to get extra work in if that’s what it takes to improve.”

The Hamilton junior has done quite well with the ‘family plan’ of hard work and colleges have taken notice.

“I’ve visited Western Michigan and been talking to them quite a bit,” the 6-2 180-pound left-handed pitcher said. “I’ve also talked a little bit with Michigan State and they’re coming to see me this spring.”

A month ago, Visscher received his first college offer, with Indiana Wesleyan reaching out to the 78th-rated player in Michigan’s 2019 class.

To read the full article, please click here.

Aaron Ball RHP / Lakeland, MI / 2018

Times have changed … more than once.

“I had thought about college baseball until I was 13, but the idea kind of fell off,” said the Lakeland senior. “Playing baseball was not a dream of mine nine months ago, it was just something I liked to do. But then everything fell into place and I fell in love with it again. I grew six inches and it became my passion again.”

A right-handed hurler, Ball was throwing 81-82 in early fall and drew interest from Northwood.

“In late September I took a visit there and liked it,” explained the 6-2 200-pounder. “It was the best option at the time.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Drew Cavanaugh C / SS / Stoney Creek, MI / 2020

ROCHESTER HILLS - Talk about versatile. That is Drew Cavanaugh.

Not only does the Stoney Creek sophomore play catcher and shortstop, but Cavanaugh has the ability to switch hit.

“At the age of 10 my dad wanted me to be a switch-hitter,” reflected Cavanaugh, a left-handed hitter up to that point in time. “I’ve really developed from the right side. I have very good exit velo there now. Last year it was 80 and now it’s 85. My exit velo as a left-hander is 89-90.”

It has Cavanaugh drawing college interest, with invites to seven camps over the winter.

“I’ve been sending emails and calling coaches,” the 19th-ranked sophomore in the state said. “I’ve sent videos and gone to showcases. I went to the PBR Arsenal event at Detroit Country Day a couple weeks ago. It’s good exposure to see what Division I players look like.”

The 6-0 175-pounder believes he sees one every day in the mirror.

To read the full article, please click here.

Brian Ross RHP / OF / Saginaw Swan Valley, MI / 2020

“I’ve always been taller than everyone and I’ve always been a pitcher,” Ross said. ”I like that I’m the center of the attention. I’m so used to it now, it’s fun to have everybody watching you. It’s a fun time out there, I just love it.”

The Saginaw Swan Valley sophomore hopes the next step is for colleges to take notice with the recruiting process in the beginning stages for the 6-7 191-pound right-hander.

“I haven’t really talked to anyone so far, I’ve just gone to a couple PBRs,” explained Ross, who was named the Most Projectable Arm at the Saginaw Riverdawgs Scout Day back on Feb. 18. “I felt comfortable there and everyone was warm and helpful. I like how they work with my mechanics and the exposure it gives to colleges with the stats to look at. Now I’m looking forward to getting somewhere big.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Keegan Batka RHP / C / Grand Rapids Christian, MI / 2020

That is how Keegan Batka views himself. If nothing else, it gives colleges an option to fill at least one of three positions.

While most of the Grand Rapids Christian sophomore’s interest at the next level is as a right-handed pitcher, Batka also excels behind the plate as a catcher as well as in the infield at short or third.

“I’m a three-way player,” Batka said. “I’m the number one starter on my high school team, I’ve had a 1.95 pop time and I can throw it hard across the diamond.”

Playing three positions means a strong work ethic to be ready at each when called upon.

To read the full article, please click here.

Anthony Toma SS / OF / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2019

The Country Day junior is getting looks in both baseball and football, with an edge - though so slight at the present - toward America’s pastime.

“Ever since I was little I’ve wanted to play a sport in college, I just didn’t know which one,” explained Toma. “I’m trying to decide football or baseball, but my head is going toward baseball. Basically, having the experience of going to a baseball school I’m surrounded by a lot of big prospects. Working out with them since eighth grade it’s hit me, I can be like one of them one day.”

A recent visit to Bowling Green went well according to the 5-11 185-pound shortstop who has also been talking to Miami Ohio and San Diego State, where Toma has family.

To read the full article, please click here.

Werner Blakely SS / 2B / D.E.P.S.A, MI / 2020

“My expectations are to do well, showcase my talent, show what a shortstop can do and try to get big numbers for my exit velo and throwing it across the diamond,” explained Blakely, a sophomore at D.E.P.S.A.

After already checking out Michigan and Michigan State, Blakely has plans to schedule visits to Miami (Florida), Alabama and Auburn in the spring.

“Most of them saw me with my travel team Midland,” noted the eighth-ranked player in the state’s 2020 class. “I also played Perfect Games at Lake Point and I went to Jupiter, Fla. They like my potential, that I have height at 6-3 and my athleticism.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Grant Henson OF / LHP / Orchard Lake St. Marys, MI / 2020

ORCHARD LAKE - Since Grant Henson began elementary school, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s has been to the Division 3 football state championship eight times, winning half of those games. It had Henson thinking that college football was in his future.

But times have changed.

“Growing up I dreamt about playing college football,” the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s sophomore said. “But in the last year or year-and-a-half it’s been all baseball. I constantly think about it and how awesome four more years of baseball would be.

“My love for the game is so great. When I started to realize there was a chance to play college baseball it started growing even more. I was better than others on the field and I have a lot more abilities to give in baseball.”

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Grant Pytel OF / OF / Novi, MI / 2019

NOVI - At the age of six, Grant Pytel fell in love with the game of baseball.

“I love the competition,” the Novi junior said. “It was back then I decided I wanted to play baseball when I was older.”

That love has not changed, as evident by an unusual desire to get on the field at any time of the day.

“Before last season, before school started, I’d come to the field at 5 a.m. when it was dark outside,” Pytel explained. “I didn’t care, I just wanted to get on the field and work. I tried to get a couple friends to come with me, but it was mostly by myself.

“I’d put a flashlight toward the tee to be able to see. I found it to be very beneficial. Some people thought I was crazy but I’m just trying reach success. I plan to do it again this year. It’s junior year, a very big year.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Dylan Stanton SS / 2B / Gull Lake, MI / 2020

RICHLAND - Two years ago baseball became a priority for Dylan Stanton and it appears to be paying off.

The Gull Lake sophomore has had a visit to Michigan and been to camps at Eastern Michigan, Notre Dame, Central Michigan, Michigan State and Western Michigan in addition to UM. There has also been communication with southern schools.

“I reached out to Clemson and Texas A&M and they sent back camp info while North Carolina and Duke have reached out to me,” Stanton noted. “I have aspirations to play D-I baseball down south and give it my all.”

The 27th-ranked player in Michigan’s 2020 class most recently went to the Western Preseason Preview and things went well.

“It was a good camp,” the 6-1 180-pound middle infielder said. “Aaron Wilson (PBR Michigan Director of Scouting) put me out there and I want to thank him. He got my numbers on my profile and last week I was the number-two most viewed uncommitted profile.”

To read the full article, please click here.

Jack Blesch RHP / 3B / Gull Lake, MI / 2020

RICHLAND - At the age of nine, Jack Blesch had the opportunity to visit the Kansas City Royals training facilities in Arizona where a cousin, Nick Leto, is manager of operations.

It was then that the dream of playing major league baseball began for Blesch, now a sophomore at Gull Lake.

The sixth-ranked player in Michigan’s 2020 class has been busy attending camps as the first step toward that MLB dream. The right-handed pitcher has gone to Michigan, Northwestern, Indiana, Notre Dame and Central Michigan. Four PBR events have helped spark interest in Blesch, who will be in attendance on Saturday at the Preseason All-Star (Invite Only) Showcase in Madison Heights.

“My goal is the Future Games,” noted the 6-1 185-pounder, who also plays corner infield on his high school team.

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Alexander Forry RHP / OF / Livonia Franklin, MI / 2020

LIVONIA - A year ago, Alex Forry had no thoughts about playing baseball in college. Then again, the right-handed pitcher was only throwing 78 mph at that time.

Now the Livonia Franklin sophomore has been clocked at 89 at a recent PBR event and has big expectations when it comes to the next level. He even has a list of his top five dream schools which include Michigan, Vanderbilt, Florida Southern, Coastal Carolina and UCLA.

“There wasn’t ever a thought of that to go through my mind,” Forry said about playing college baseball. “I really was just going to be a student until I realized it was a possibility and that really never hit me until this year. But that wouldn’t have happened without strength training and private lessons.”

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Cameron Mallegg OF / C / Grosse Pointe South, MI / 2020

GROSSE POINTE - Speed is an obvious selling point for Cam Mallegg.

After all, the Grosse Pointe South sophomore has the top 60 time in the state for the 2020 class at 6.67.

But there is something else that stands out about Mallegg. He has the rare combination of positions - catcher and center field.

“Catcher is more rare, that’s why I work on it,” Mallegg said about his ability to play the two positions, which is intriguing to college scouts. “It can be very valuable on a team. It’s fun and helps develop the baseball mind.”

But his speed makes center a more realistic position at the next level, with Michigan Mid-American Conference schools Central, Eastern and Western all in contact with the 17th-ranked sophomore in the state.

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Cooper Donlin LHP / OF / Canton, MI / 2020

CANTON - As a three-sport athlete, Cooper Donlin has little free time. But the Canton sophomore would not have it any other way.

“It keeps me in shape all year round,” Donlin said. “It keeps me competing all year round. I’m always looking for competition.”

Donlin sure gets that with a schedule that has little time for a break. Take Saturdays for example. Donlin, who is on the junior varsity basketball team, practices from 8-10 a.m. with the program currently in season. Baseball follows from 2-4 p.m. with football workouts rounding out the day from 6-8 p.m.

“I’m very busy,” Donlin understated. “I just love to compete and the kids on my teams are my friends.”

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Avain Rivera OF / RHP / H.H.Dow, MI / 2020

MIDLAND - A little more than six years ago, Avain Rivera moved from the southeast coast to Michigan. The H.H. Dow sophomore hopes to return to that area some day to play baseball.

“My dream college is North Carolina,” Rivera said. “It’s where I’m from and it would be a dream to go there. They play really good baseball there.”

While Rivera has never been to the UNC campus, the idea of returning to his roots remains in his mind.

“We moved here in 2011,” Rivera reflected. “We didn’t live in the best area and the schools were not the best. We moved close to my grandparents to help them out. I’ve enjoyed it here as well, the area is nice, too.”

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Wilson Wirebaugh RHP / 3B / Holland Christian, MI / 2019

It starts with a father who pitched at Central Michigan and has been an important part of helping his son become a college prospect on the mound.

“My dad (Derek) pitched in college and has really worked with me,” the Holland Christian junior said. “I’ve learned a lot from him. He’s really helped me improve, especially on the mental side. That’s a big thing with him. When you’re struggling, you’ve got to keep your mind straight and he passed that on to me. That’s a big part of pitching. When you’re not doing well you can’t worry about the last pitch, worry about the next one instead.”

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Joey Cammarata Jr. SS / RHP / Eisenhower, MI / 2019

“I know my parents aren’t the tallest, so it’s not in my genes,” Cammarata said. “I realize I’m not going to be a 6-2, 250, monster kid. So my philosophy is to try and make up for a lack of height with strength. At 5-9 150, I’m going to hit the ball harder than you. Nobody is going to work harder than me. I try to get my strength to the maximum to make up for it.”

After all, being big is not a prerequisite for playing middle infield.

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Jordan Wenzel OF / SS / Hudsonville, MI / 2019

HUDSONVILLE - From showcases to camps, Jordan Wenzel is doing his part in getting the needed exposure to find a college home. Where the Hudsonville junior will land is far from determined.

“I’ve been going to a few camps,” Wenzel said. “I went to Grand Valley, Central Michigan and I might do a Western Michigan camp. I’ve also done some PBRs, two years ago at Diamonds and I did one last year at Eastern Michigan. I’m planning another PBR in a week (Feb. 17) with the my new summer team the Maroons.”

The 6-0 170-pound right-handed hitting outfielder has a lot to show college recruiters.

“They definitely like me for my speed and my exit velocity,” Wenzel said. “They also like my good grades and good character. I’ve had a ton of good feedback from colleges planning to see me.”

To read the full article, please click here.

River Shea RHP / SS / Notre Dame Preparatory School, MI / 2019

PONTIAC - River Shea has seen a lot of progress in his game of late, both on the mound and at the plate.

“I’ve developed other pitches, a slider and change to go along with my fastball,” noted the Notre Dame Prep School junior. “I’ve also found myself as a hitter and now realize I’m very talented with a lot of pop in my bat. For me, it’s about trying to stay with my mechanics.”

The potential to do both in college remains a possibility for the 42nd-rated player in Michigan’s 2019 class.

“I’m seen by a lot as a two-way player,” noted Shea, a right-handed pitcher who is projected to play third base at the next level.

To read the full article, please click here.

Carson Price C / 2B / Hudsonville, MI / 2019

“I played football up until then but baseball has been my only sport since,” Price said. “I’ve had my eyes set on playing college baseball since then. My ultimate goal is Division I, but I’ll go anywhere as long as I can contribute to the team.”

Reaching that goal is becoming closer for the Hudsonville junior catcher, thanks in part to a PBR showcase.

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Chad Stevens RHP / OF / Westland John Glenn, MI / 2019

While older brother Jared bowls in college, Chad Stevens plays three sports at Westland John Glenn High School. But it is the sport of baseball that has the junior right-hander on the radar of colleges.

“It keeps me in shape for baseball,” Stevens said of also playing basketball and football. “Basketball helps for baseball with all the running while football strengthens my arm with all the drills for quarterback and helps make me more athletic.”

It is one of the key points the 41st-ranked player in Michigan’s 2019 class impresses upon colleges interested in him for baseball.

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Bobby Slusher C / SS / Bedford, MI / 2019

“I’m a little behind in my recruiting,” admitted Bobby Slusher, a fullback on the football team at Bedford this past fall. “I stopped playing basketball this winter to focus on baseball. I just love the game more than anything else. I like it more and more every year. I really can’t see me doing anything else besides baseball.”

The 5-11 170-pound catcher has been busy emailing college coaches to let them know.

“Eastern Michigan and Toledo invited me to their showcase but both are on Feb. 11,” Slusher said of the first decision he has to make.

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Chad Lorkowski RHP / Grosse Pointe North, MI / 2019

GROSSE POINTE - Size has never been a problem for Chad Lorkowski. It has just been a matter of using it.

“Growing up I always thought being bigger was an advantage,” the 6-5 225-pounder explained. “I was always the biggest and the best. But in high school kids have caught up and I think it’s kind of hurt me. These are kids that have been working hard since they were 12 and trying to get bigger while I didn’t go out and work that much and now they’ve caught up with me.

“So for the last few years I’ve realized that I need to work at it and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

In the process, the Grosse Pointe North junior is working on getting his pitching velocity to match his size.

To read the full article, please click here.

Scott McGlade 3B / RHP / Father Gabriel Richard, MI / 2019

ANN ARBOR - “Ever since I was little I’ve known baseball was my passion and that I wanted to pursue it as far it could take me.”

Scott McGlade is now looking to take that love for the game to the next level.

“I’ve been in contact with a few schools around Michigan,” the Father Gabriel Richard High School junior said. “I’ve mainly been talking with Eastern Michigan and coach (Eric) Roof and Western Michigan and coach (Adam) Piotrowicz, the recruiting coordinator.”

Exposure to more colleges is in his immediate future.

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Camden Benedict SS / RHP / Brighton, MI / 2019

“When I was younger I played soccer, I didn’t think about baseball,” Benedict reflected. “But then I tried out and made a team. I loved it and have been playing it every since.”

And playing it quite well.

Now a junior at Brighton, Benedict has taken college visits to Western Michigan and Spring Arbor.

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Evan Brunning RHP / 3B / Oxford, MI / 2019

But that is not a certainty at this point.

“Baseball has always been my favorite since I was young and a year ago I thought baseball for sure,” Brunning said. “But now football is into the mix, so I have to see where that could lead me.”

Ironically, the school that has shown interest in his football ability is the same one Brunning is visiting for a baseball camp this week.

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Matt Felt SS / 2B / Shelby, MI / 2019

SHELBY - Matt Felt was beginning to wonder if baseball was going to be part of his future.

“For awhile I felt things were not progressing and I didn’t understand,” Felt said about his college recruiting process. “But now that it’s my junior year things have opened up and now it’s better than I expected. It’s like finally, all the hard work is beginning to pay off. Schools are getting in contact with me and they want to see me.”

The Shelby junior has visits coming up to Ball State and Hope and has been in talks with Western Michigan, Grand Valley State and most recently Bowling Green.

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Christian Gutierrez SS / C / Detroit Western International, MI / 2019

DETROIT - A great glove can take you far.

Christian Gutierrez is finding that out with college interest at a high level for the Detroit Western International junior shortstop.

“I’ve talked with 10 schools so far and gone on a couple visits,” the 5-9 170-pounder said. “I’ve been to Michigan and Western Michigan and I’m going to visit Miami in February.”

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Korbin Griffin OF / LHP / Gull Lake, MI / 2021

It also has schools considering what the Gull Lake High School freshman could bring to their program in the future.

“I’ve talked with Central Michigan a lot,” the 6-3 180-pounder said. “I went to a camp there a month ago to show off my skills.”

Upcoming visits to Michigan State and Michigan are planned for the 14th-rated player in Michigan’s 2021 class.

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Andrew Jacoby RHP / 1B / Central Montcalm, MI / 2019

STANTON -  At 6-4 and 200 pounds, right-handed pitcher Andrew Jacoby has a great deal of interest from colleges. It has the 32nd-ranked player in Michigan’s 2019 class striving for improvement as the recruiting process heats up.

“I’m going to Elite (training facility) throwing bullpens and doing workouts with a trainer,” noted the Central Montcalm junior.

Former minor league players Dan Taylor and Mike Pahl are helping Jacoby with his pitching at the Wyoming facility along with Travis Webb.

“I need to develop a better offspeed pitch to have as a go-to,” explained Jacoby. “I’m also working on locating the fastball to be able to pinpoint where I want to throw it.”

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Nathan Jaworski RHP / 3B / Bloomfield Hills, MI / 2019

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - Nathan Jaworski has a “true passion” for the game.

Colleges are finding that out during what has been a busy fall and winter for the junior from Bloomfield Hills.

“I’ve been to PBR camps and down south,” Jaworski said. “A lot of Division I coaches want to talk to me, D-II as well.”

A visit to Central Michigan is planned, while contact continues with Wright State, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. Youngstown State and South Dakota State are others that have shown an interest in the right-handed pitcher.

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Ben Clark OF / RHP / Dearborn, MI / 2019

“Three times a week I hit, throw and field ground balls in the outfield at school,” the Dearborn junior said. “I also go to John Vickers Xplosive Performance in Southfield to work out.”

That is where Clark hopes to improve his speed to help in the outfield.

“I really want to get faster 60 times,” the 5-11 180-pounder said. “I’m good on the base paths with reads and jumps, but I want to get my time down to 6.5, 6.7. Right now the best I have done is 6.85.

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Colin Sparks C / 3B / Airport, MI / 2019

Now a junior at Airport Senior High School, Sparks has aspirations of catching into his 20s.

“Since I’ve been on the field I’ve wanted to be a catcher,” Sparks explained. “My dad (Joe) was a catcher and he brought it on to me. He supplied me with all the gear and has always worked on blocking with me. That’s the hardest part of the position. My dad and I work on blocking skills all the time.”

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Zachary Brunet SS / RHP / Walled Lake Northern, MI / 2019

“It’s the same game for everybody,” Brunet said. “The same ball, the same bat. It’s whether you want it more.”

The Walled Lake Northern junior will use that outlook in the coming months as the recruiting process heats up from potential colleges interested in the 40th-rated player in Michigan’s 2019 class.

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Jared Ryan C / 3B / Fenton, MI / 2019

FENTON - When your father is one of the owners of The Facility Sports Complex not far from home and your brother plays college baseball, it is understandable that Jared Ryan has a bit of an interest in reaching the next level.

“My dad (Mike) and brother (Mike) have been my two biggest influences,” the Fenton junior said. “They’ve been with me through every swing I’ve taken helping me get to where I want to go. My dad coached me until last year when I played in the summer with the Indiana Prospects. My brother is a sophomore catcher at Toledo and he’s able to tell me all the things he learns at Toledo, what the coaches look for and what is important with different aspects of catching and what I need to focus on.”

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Billy Kopicki SS / 3B / University Liggett, MI / 2019

“The recruiting process has been exciting and a lot of fun for me,” noted Kopicki, who has taken visits thus far to Cincinnati, Miami, Michigan, Boston College and Wayne State, while the 25th-rated player in the state’s 2019 class is also talking with Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan.

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Robert Cavin C / RHP / Livonia Stevenson, MI / 2019

“I transitioned to catcher at 9U,” Cavin noted. “My favorite part is the way you control the game. You see everything that goes on during the game and you do all the dirty work. Leadership is also important.”

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Antonio Flores 1B / RHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2019

DETROIT - Antonio (Tito) Flores has seen plenty of hard-time living. The Brother Rice junior is hoping baseball gives him an avenue to see more of the other side.

“When I was little I grew up in southwest Detroit,” Flores said. “Guys from the neighborhood would play at Clark Park, but a ton of them that wanted to play got caught up in the drama and didn’t get to play.”

That opened the eyes of Flores.

“My parents have always helped if I need anything and have been there every step of the way,” Flores explained. “But I come from a family with not much money. To escape the poverty of Detroit and get a ticket out has always been a dream.”

Enter baseball.

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Ryan Marra 1B / LHP / Detroit Catholic Central, MI / 2019

DETROIT - At 6-5 and 220 pounds it is hard not to notice Ryan Marra.

Colleges have began to do just that, as the Detroit Catholic Central junior looks ahead to a future in the game of baseball.

Visits have taken place to Toledo and Western Michigan with the 22nd-ranked player in the state’s 2019 class planning an upcoming trip east to check out Brown, Columbia, Cornell and Lehigh. Georgetown is another college showing an interest in the left-handed hitting first baseman.

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Nick Dardas C / RHP / Bay City Western, MI / 2019

BAY CITY - Nick Dardas has taken a number of college visits in his quest to find the perfect fit for an education and his baseball ability.

More than likely the Bay City Western junior will remain in Michigan, but at what level is not yet known.

“I believe I want to stay within the state,” said Dardas, who plans to major in either engineering or business. “I’m not limited to a certain school or locatio, I just want to play where I can contribute to a team that can win. If it’s Division I or Division II, that’s not as big of a deciding factor for me as it is for some people.”

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Jon Campbell Jr. SS / OF / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2019

The Detroit Country Day junior plays middle infield, is a standout in the outfield and he also pitches. All are possibilities at the next level.

“The biggest thing I bring is I’m versatile,” Campbell said. “I can pitch, I play in the field and I have a good bat. I’m working on power, that’s one of my weaknesses.”

At 6-1 and 178 pounds, there is plenty of room to grow for Michigan’s 18th-rated junior.

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Nasir Frederick OF / SS / U of D Jesuit, MI / 2019

DETROIT - Nasir Frederick admits to having a little chip on his shoulder.

“I’m only 5-10 and some schools are looking for those 6-0 outfielders,” Frederick explained. “They look at me as too short. But measurement doesn’t matter. If they see me on the field, I’m a five-tool player that can show an ability kids taller than me don’t. It’s all about work ethic for me and living up to my dreams.”

That aspiration is to make it to the big leagues, starting first in college where interest in the University of Detroit Jesuit junior has reached a high level.

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Cameron French 1B / RHP / Portage Northern, MI / 2019

PORTAGE - Cameron French has always excelled as a hitter. Now the Portage Northern junior is adding versatility to his resume as college interest picks up.

Visits to Toledo and Western Michigan have taken place already.

“It’s been mostly MAC schools,” French said of his recruitment so far. “I’ve been talking a lot with Western and also Toledo. I’m also looking to talk to Central Florida. I’m going to Florida on spring break and want to stop for a visit with them and also with Florida Atlantic.

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Adam Randall RHP / OF / Bay City Western, MI / 2019

AUBURN - A future playing college baseball appears just around the corner for Adam Randall.

It is something the Bay City Western junior has dreamed about for some time.

“When I was 14 I started playing travel ball with D Las Vegas,” Randall reflected. “The coach did a great job working with me to have the mindset of being a college prospect. Then the first time I was in Georgia with WWBA I pitched really well against Baseball U out of Miami. That’s when a fantasy of playing college baseball turned into the real thing for me.”

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Luke Russo RHP / SS / Howell, MI / 2019

HOWELL - An improving fastball has Luke Russo on the radar of Division I college baseball coaches.

The Howell High School junior has visited Toledo, watched a practice at Eastern Michigan and has a January trip to Western Michigan scheduled. Talks have also taken place with Central Michigan.

“They saw me at PBR,” the 6-3 175-pounder said in reference to the Legacy and Concordia events. “I did pretty good there and colleges sent me emails and said they wanted to talk on the phone. I had nothing before that as far as colleges.”

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Joe Hardenbergh OF / RHP / Catholic Central, MI / 2019

DETROIT - A broken wrist slowed down the recruitment of Detroit Catholic Central’s Joe Hardenbergh. But it also helped the junior outfielder better assess his situation.

“Knowing I can help the team but can’t has been difficult, so I tried to cheer the guys up,” noted Hardenbergh. “It’s also gave me time to evaluate and look at things.”

What the 11th-ranked player in Michigan’s 2019 class found was a desire to work even harder knowing how important the upcoming season will be.

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Tyler Helgeson RHP / SS / Portage Northern, MI / 2019

PORTAGE - Portage Northern is becoming a hotbed for Division I college baseball players. Tyler Helgeson looks to be the next in line.

The junior is currently early in the recruiting stages in a quest to follow the footsteps of a trio of recent Portage Northern graduates. Tommy Henry, a 2016 grad, plays for Michigan while 2015 class members Ben Keizer and Max Schuemann are at Michigan and Eastern Michigan, respectively.

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Drew Alsobrooks LHP / OF / Livonia Churchill, MI / 2019

LIVONIA - Despite being a successful quarterback, the same position an older brother plays in college, Drew Alsobrooks has always had his eyes focused on a future in baseball.

Now it is just a matter of finding the perfect fit to play it.

“My ability level as a left-handed pitcher throwing hard is why I like baseball,” the Livonia Churchill junior said about his sport of choice (brother Brian Alsobrooks plays football for California University of Pennsylvania). “College football doesn’t look at lefties unless they are 6-6 or 6-7. There’s a rareness to left-handed pitchers throwing hard, that took me to baseball.”

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Trey Nordmann RHP / DeWitt, MI / 2019

DEWITT - After missing freshman year due to an injury, Trey Nordmann jumped on the recruiting scene as a sophomore. Now the 9th-ranked player in the state’s 2019 class is weighing numerous offers for his baseball pitching talents.

“I was hurt freshman year and shut it down,” Nordmann explained. “When I came back sophomore year I did PBR in the winter and popped up on the scene. I got calls from all the D-I schools, that was cool to go through.”

It was also when the DeWitt High School standout realized his long-time dream could become a reality.

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Keaton Hamilton LHP / OF / Grandville, MI / 2018

Keaton Hamilton’s college hopes were getting higher. But then …

“I got hurt playing football,” the Grandville senior left-handed pitcher explained. “I fell trying to tackle someone and dislocated my elbow. I was out for three weeks and then I had surgery a week-and-a-half ago. They said I probably had a weak arm from pitching.”

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Jack Dungan RHP / 3B / Lakeland, MI / 2018

WHITE LAKE - Five months ago Jack Dungan had no thoughts about playing college baseball. The Top Prospect Games changed all that.

Now the Lakeland High School senior has a decision to make.

“I got a great offer from Hillsdale,” explained the hard-throwing right-handed pitcher. “It’s a good program and a good school academically. I’m a 4.0 student so that is very appealing to me.

“It’s the biggest decision of my life. I have to decide by Nov. 15.”

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Nino Puckett RHP / 1B / De La Salle, MI / 2018

The De La Salle senior has a long list of potential college visits ahead as he attempts to make a decision on a commitment “at the end of fall or beginning of winter.”

Said Puckett: “I’m hoping to get the right offer where I like the coaching staff and the school and they have my program.”

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Logan Morrow RHP / 1B / Stevensville-Lakeshore, MI / 2018

Move forward to the present and the 6-5 210-pound right-handed pitcher is a senior at Stevensville-Lakeshore and in search of a college.

“I verbally committed to Marshall in early September of  2016 after a PBR event,” Morrow explained. “But then (pitching coach) Josh Newman moved to Penn State and I didn’t have the same feeling with the other guy.”

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