Brock Headed To Pitch For Big 10 Champions

CINCINNATI - The Big 10 legacy of the Brock family continues with a commitment to Maryland by Andrew Brock.

“As a kid this is something I’ve dreamed of, especially at somewhere like Maryland,” Brock related. “My dad played at Michigan and my brother played at Ohio State so both were in the Big 10. It’s good to have such a great opportunity to play college baseball, it’s something I’ve been fighting for for a very long time.”

Admittedly, there were some nerves graduating from high school while being uncommitted.

“No doubt about that,” Brock said when questioned about some anxious moments. “It was definitely nerve-racking. I’m a senior and where am I going? All my friends on May 1 knew where they were going. But at the same time I had faith in myself. I could have settled on a school that maybe wasn’t the best fit, it was all about patience and having faith in yourself and knowing you can play at the next level.”

A wide range of colleges from across the country were in contact with the 17th-rated 2022 left-handed pitcher in Ohio including Ball State, Kansas State, Eastern Michigan, Central Arizona, Cal-State Northridge, Hawaii, Alabama State and Maine. But when Maryland entered the picture, Brock found the right fit.

“They heard about me playing at Chillicothe when PBR posted a video of me throwing 87-89 when I struck out the side,” Brock reflected. “I sent that video out to college coaches and with the credibility of PBR, college coaches reached out. They could see I was an athlete.”

While there was interest in Brock during the high school season, Maryland was also focused on hosting a regional after winning the Big 10 regular season title. But once the tournament came to an end in June, Brock had a home.

“After they lost to UConn, I sent an email to the coach,” the 82nd-ranked 2022 in the state said. “The pitching coach sent a text back and said let’s make this happen. They called and offered and I took it.”

Maryland believes Brock is a gem that can help bring more Big 10 titles to the program.

“They like me being from the left side and a lot of run on the ball,” related Brock, mentioning his change and slider as top pitches. “They like how I’m able to get outs.”

For the recent graduate of Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, what was not to like about Maryland?

“They’re hot off winning the Big 10 regular season, they hosted a regional and were close to going to the Super Regionals,” Brock explained. “It’s a good school with a very good baseball program. They were a top 10 team in the nation this year and after the postseason number 18. It’s a great fit. They’re going to help me in the long run with baseball and their academic reputation.”

A 3.0 student who is majoring in business management, Brock, who reported to school on Monday, is ready to make contributions to a program located eight hours away from his home in Cincinnati.

“I see me being a very good left-handed pitcher out of the bullpen coming in to get outs,” related Brock, whose brother T.J. was a sixth-round draft pick of the Blue Jays this summer after completing his final season with Ohio State. “I want them to say we can rely on Brock and turn to him. I feel I can bring outs and reliability.”

A strong final year of high school helped boost confidence in Brock, who helped CHCA earn the top ranking in the state in Division III before losing in the regional semifinals.

“I didn’t really pitch my junior year so the start of senior year was my first time pitching,” Brock explained. “I talked to my brother and with other coaches and also with kids that played in the Big 10. I tossed every day, and watched a ton of video. I was being a student of the game and understanding my body and how it works and what I need to do to throw strikes and get outs.”

The southpaw ended up winning four of five decisions.

“After the age of seven I didn’t hardly pitch until the summer heading into my senior year,” Brock said. “As the senior season progressed, I got stronger and better at pitching.”

To be able to take his game to the Big 10 is exciting for Brock, who turned 19 at the end of June.

“It’s a relief knowing where I’m going to college,” Brock concluded. “It feels great to be committed to a great program that’s very very hungry and excited for the season to start. We not only want to win the Big 10, but win it all.”