Hanley Believes Goals Are Attainable At Kent State

Ben Hanley RHP / Mason, OH / 2026

MASON - A visit to Kent State was all that Ben Hanley needed to bring assurance it was the right college fit.

“Before I committed I wanted to get to know the coaches more,” the Mason High School junior explained. “When I went on a visit I loved the campus and talking to (pitching) coach (Mike) Birkbeck. I love his philosophy and his track record of getting guys to the MLB. That’s the goal.

“Their track record in the postseason was also important. That’s another goal. I want to pitch in the regional or Omaha and there is an opportunity to do that with them.”

The 130th-ranked 2026 right-handed pitcher in the nation initially had contact with Kent State on Aug. 1.

“Coach Birkbeck called out of the blue,” Hanley reflected. “It was a stressful day, so I didn’t think much of it. I ended up going to a fall camp there in late September, that’s when I first talked to them, and they offered me on the spot.

“That was my first offer,” the 10th-rated junior in Ohio continued. “I was a little surprised. I didn’t see them at my summer games. I was grateful they would put such faith in me at such an early time. It was hard not to say yes on the spot, but after I looked at it, it was the best option for me.”

Cincinnati was another school being considered by Hanley, who had a busy Aug. 1, the initial day that college coaches could make contact with players in the 2026 class.

“The Future Games helped a lot,” Hanley said of the strong interest he received that day. “There were a bunch of calls, but it was easy to tell who had the most interest.”

The process, admittedly, brought some nerves.

“It was pretty stressful seeing other ’26s commit,” the fourth-ranked junior right-handed pitcher in the state noted. “I just felt it was smart to wait and see my options. As time went on, only a few schools were in the running and Kent was the best for me.”

There was a lot to like about the 6-1 195-pounder.

“The first thing coach Birkbeck said when I was done pitching in the fall was that he loved my composure on the mound and my mentality,” Hanley related. “I don’t show emotion. He also loved my spin. I have a lot of spin on my slider and sinker. They felt they could definitely work around some pitch design with that. Coach Birkbeck said he could see me as a weekend starter and I liked that.”

The 17-year-old pointed to his family as a big part of making his college dream a reality.

“I was there when my brother went through the process,” Hanley said of his older sibling Jake, a freshman at Indiana. “That helped me learn how to go through it and see what questions to ask. I also can’t thank my parents enough. They were helpful in preparing me for what coaches would ask and not to be too quick to say yes, figure out what’s important to me.”

There were others credited by the 414th-rated 2026 in the country with being influential in his development and recruitment.

“John Sullivan with Legends introduced me to the Kent State coaches as well as other coaches this fall,” Hanley said. “My high school coach, Curt Bly, was helpful with talking to coaches and having the confidence to pitch me as much as he did in high school. Everyone at Alpha also helped me with the recruiting landscape.”

Additionally, an improved game proved beneficial in making an impression on coaches at the next level.

“I’ve been working on my velocity, trying to get my bottom to be higher,” Hanley explained. “From school season into summer and fall I was seeing jumps. I’ve gained 5-10 pounds since high school and I’m sitting higher, with the bottom 88 instead of 86.

“I’ve also been working on my slider/curveball with Greg Williams at Alpha Baseball. In the fall I worked on my sinker, and that’s turned into one of my better pitches. I made changes with my change as well and have also learned better how to pitch.”

All helped lead Hanley to a commitment with the Mid-American Conference school located 31/2 hours from home.

“It felt amazing,” Hanley said of making his college choice. “I committed on a Thursday night and my brother couldn’t wait to put it out on Twitter to let everyone know about the decision. It’s a relief not having to worry about it and knowing I made the right decision.”

A 4.2 student at Mason who plans to major in business in college, Hanley has high anticipation about his days ahead at Kent State.

“Obviously, school’s important,” Hanley concluded. “I’m looking forward to that and working with the coaches, competing to win a championship. That’s what it’s about.

“I know a couple that are committed there so I can work with those guys. It’s all about working toward my goals and getting to the majors.”