Knupp Finds A Lot To Like About Eastern Michigan

Keegan Knupp 3B / RHP / Olentangy Orange, OH / 2025

GALENA - Keegan Knupp made a discovery during a memorable high school season with Olentangy Orange.

“After our state tournament run, after performing on the big stage, I knew it was for me,” Knupp said.

College baseball had become a realistic goal.

It is more than that now. It is a reality after making a commitment to Eastern Michigan.

“My summer team Launch gave us the opportunity to go to a camp at Eastern Michigan and I had a good day in the field and at the plate,” the Olentangy Orange junior related about the Sept. 9 camp that helped him get on the radar of EMU. “Coach (Tom) Marker (Olentangy Orange head coach) has a good connection with (Eastern head) coach (Robbie) Britt and that helped. I went on a visit Oct. 21 and they offered. I committed the next day.

“I liked coach Britt a lot, I talked to him for a long time,” Knupp added. “All the staff are cool guys, that’s the main reason I chose Eastern. The campus was nicer than I expected. After the visit I said I’d give it two weeks, but I went home and decided to commit.”

Bowling Green and VMI were others that Knupp was considering in his quest to play at the next level.

“I’ve wanted to play college baseball my whole life,” Knupp said. “That’s been my dream. When I got the chance it was just so exciting to fulfill that dream.”

Eastern saw a lot to like in the 6-3 187-pound third baseman.

“They like my size and they think I’m projectable,” Knupp noted. “My glove in the field stood out to them and they think they can make me a more powerful hitter. They like to recruit infielders and I can play short, third base and second base, wherever I’m needed.”

Glove work is an area where Knupp has made big strides.

“I’ve really improved my glove,” Knupp said. “I’ve also improved my approach at the plate. Coach Marker has really helped me with that. He taught me how to be elite at the plate and elite in the field. Playing a competitive schedule in the summer with coach (Andrew) Westbrook also helped build elements to my game.”

His abilities were pointed out during his recruiting process.

“PBR was really helpful the whole high school season,” Knupp explained. “They posted things about me a couple of times and said I was a ‘plus, plus defender.’ They gave me the nickname ‘Hoover.’ ”

Defense is an area that the 17-year-old feels he can bring to the table at Eastern Michigan.

“On the field I can give them an elite glove,” Knupp said. “Off the field I’ll be a really good teammate. I’m someone that can connect with people, make strong bonds with people. It’s greater than just baseball.”

Knupp pointed to Marker and Westbrook as major influences in his baseball journey along with his parents.

“They were amazing at letting me play and not worry about my future,” Knupp said. “My dad also helped me a lot with talking to coaches.”

Knupp, who carries a 3.9 GPA, is considering a major in either education or sports analytics at Eastern Michigan, a university located two hours and 45 minutes from home.

“I’m excited to go there and build a close bond with all my teammates while competing against the highest level,” Knupp said. “In talking to coach Britt, they not only get you better on the field, but also in the weight room and with the community. I’m looking forward to those aspects.”