Pilarski Given Two-Way Opportunity At Western Michigan

Mason Pilarski SS / RHP / DE LA SALLE COLLEGIATE, MI / 2025

MACOMB - Western Michigan “was always at the top of my list” according to Mason Pilarski. After all, both parents attended the Mid-American Conference university.

So when an offer was presented to the 12th-ranked 2025 shortstop in Michigan at the end of summer, a decision was not too far behind.

“I committed a couple of weeks later,” related the De La Salle High School senior.

A camp last fall is what initiated interest from Western.

“They liked what they saw and since then they have been good at keeping in contact,” explained the 18-year-old. “I liked that about them.”

Trips to the university to watch a practice and a hockey game were made leading up to the offer.

“I had looks from all levels,” pointed out Pilarski, noting that Western was number one all along. “I love the coaching staff. The head coach, Billy Gernon, is more of a father figure to me and (associate head) coach (Cory) Mee is a good guy as well. He really kept in touch with me. I look forward to playing for both.”

There was more that the 70th-rated senior in the state saw as a positive about the university in Kalamazoo, located less than three hours from home.

“I like the campus,” Pilarski said. “I like the life it brought to the town. And I really love the coaching staff. They’re someone I want to play for.”

A chance to be a two-way player as a middle infielder and pitcher was also a big selling point for the 6-1 170-pounder.

“It all started with me pitching at a camp and they liked what they saw there,” Pilarski reflected. “As they continued watching me over the course of spring and summer they liked my glove more and it grew into a two-way opportunity.

“That’s huge,” Pilarski continued. “That’s what I wanted to do in college. I wanted both. It was something I had to have to matter what school or what level.”

Playing baseball collegiately has been a desire for a long time, Pilarski pointed out.

“Since I could pick up a bat, when I started to play good competition, I’ve wanted to play college baseball,” Pilarski related. “At the end of my sophomore year, when I started going to camps, it started to become realistic. Playing in the Catholic League, college coaches are always coming to watch so more eyes are on you. (Former head) Coach (John) Musachio helped with talking to coaches.”

But the biggest assistance came right at home.

“My mom and dad helped with going over all the options, making sure everything was good and that everything was aligned right with a program,” Pilarski explained. “They’ve done so much for me. Since I was young they’ve supported me going to all my games. They are the main two people.”

There was additional help in a baseball journey which has Pilarski heading to Western Michigan next year.

“Once camps started rolling around last fall, that’s what got the ball rolling to where it is now,” Pilarski noted. “The Top Prospect Games two years ago helped a lot. That put my name out there and when coaches saw me at camps they knew who I was. The Top Prospect Games this summer helped me, too.”

By summer’s end a commitment was in hand.

“When I committed the weight was off my shoulders,” Pilarski reflected. “I see kids now applying to colleges and all the time it takes. Getting it out of the way at a place I wanted and to be wanted, it feels good to get it done.”

Pilarski, who carries a 3.7 GPA and is considering a major in sport management or business, is looking forward to “everything” when it comes to college.

“School-wise I’m excited to get on campus and meet people,” Pilarski said. “As a program, I want to meet the guys, play some games, travel and be part of it all. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was young and I finally get a chance to do it.”

There is no doubt what Pilarski is expecting to bring to Western Michigan baseball.

“I think I’ll be a person who wants to work every day and give my all to the program,” Pilarski said. “Know the goal we want to accomplish as a program and get ready to achieve it.”