By Brent Alwine
PBR Michigan Scouting Director

2014 RHP Nick Kamrada, Grand Ledge HS

Right-handed pitcher Nick Kamrada has certainly enjoyed the move to Grand Ledge High School and playingunder legendary Coach Pat O’Keefe. Nick was previously at Marquette High School in the Upper Peninsula (UP) but recently transferred to Grand Ledge during his junior season. When talking to Nick about working under Coach O’Keefe, he said:

“Coach O'Keefe really values discipline, leadership and always striving to be the best you can be. It has helped prepare me mentally and physically for college baseball, and is also giving me tools that I need to be successful after baseball.”

Nick has a project-able arm and body. His fastball manly sits at 83-85 has touched 87.  His best pitch is a breaking ball that is between 72-73 with late break and out pitch ability. His changeup is improving but is still behind his breaking ball and fastball, the pitch is usually at 75-77.

Nick has offers from Division II programs, but is waiting until  the spring before making a final decision. Nick has been in contact with Central Michigan, Western Michigan, and Michigan State and has visited all of those programs. Nick’s main keys that he looks for in a program includes building a relationship with the coaching staff and to contribute to the team as early as possible. Nick is not sure what he wants to study in college but knows that once his baseball career is over he wants to stick around the game in some capacity.

In the summer Nick will be playing under Coach Gast for Lansing Post 205, when asked about playing under Coach Gast, Nick said:

“Coach Gast and I have formed a strong bond over the last year after I threw only one game for him in the Palomino Regional North Zone Tournament at Central Michigan last summer when he needed a pitcher. He has done more for me in the recruiting process than I ever thought anyone would, so I decided to play for him next summer." 

But perhaps Nick’s biggest influence in his baseball career has been his father. Nick felt like his father would help push him to get better and to stay positive no matter the situation. In the winter Nick’s father would rent out a local gym three nights a week to practice and prepare during those cold months for the upcoming season.