Opportunity At Utah ‘An Amazing Feeling’ For Gregg

Owen Gregg SS / 2B / Appleby College, ON / 2024

OAKVILLE, Ontario - It was in grade nine when the deep affection for baseball hit Owen Gregg.

“That’s when I felt love for the game and didn’t want to stop playing it,” the Appleby College senior related.

The end to his days on the ballfield will not be coming any time soon after a commitment to the University of Utah.

“They first saw me at the Future Games and they saw me at the Blue Jays Academy as well,” reflected the second-rated senior shortstop in Ontario, who will be taking a gap year and is technically a 2025 college recruit. “They reached out and I had a couple calls with (assistant coach/recruiting coordinator) Mike Brown and he wanted me to come and check out the facilities and meet the coaching staff.”

The visit to Salt Lake City, the first time Gregg had ever been there, took place in late October.

“I loved the staff, they had so much knowledge to share with how my strength fits into the program,” Gregg explained. “I loved the mountains and the fresh air. That was something new for me to experience. I saw it as a great place to spend four years.”

An offer came on the visit and it did not take long to decide.

“I accepted in person, shook hands and said I’m ready to become a Ute.”

There was an offer from Maine and interest from Northwestern, Oregon, Michigan, USC-Upstate, Pepperdine and Middle Tennessee State, however Gregg knew that Utah was right for him.

“I had other visits planned after Utah, but I committed on the spot,” Gregg said.

Utah saw the 6-0 170-pound shortstop as a great fit to the program.

“They saw my leadership on my Pirates’ team and my defensive ability,” the 14th-ranked senior in Ontario noted. “They said I could be a program shortstop for them and lead the team for four years. They liked my ability to hit and not try to be someone I’m not, how I played and how I’m true to myself.”

Gregg’s recruiting process began after his interest in baseball took off in grade nine.

“I started going to prestigious events and there was always somebody watching,” Gregg reflected. “It all started at the Junior Future Games two years ago. I showed well and a couple of schools, Missouri and Yale, reached out.

“I didn’t know much about recruiting at the time, my family never had anyone go through this, but I started to learn more about it and started to ramp it up this year.”

Help came from Fieldhouse Pirates’ coach Jimmy Richardson, recruiting advisor Joe Oliveira and PBR Canada/Ontario Scouting Director George Halim.

“PBR really helps showcase athletes like myself on a premium stage,” Gregg said.

Playing for Fieldhouse was another benefit in the eyes of the 16-year-old, who won’t turn 17 until Dec. 30.

“Fieldhouse has a great program and development system,” Gregg explained. “They have coaches with tons of knowledge about the next level and pro scouts coming in to check them out. I’ve been there seven years, and the last year in particular really helped me improve my game. I played a year up this year and the game was quicker. That helped me develop my skills to be ready for what’s next.”

It has Gregg confident about being a strong asset to the program at Utah, which will join the Big 12 Conference in baseball for the 2025 season.

“I think I’ll bring a leadership mindset, leading by example,” Gregg said. “I think I can help the Utes by being an impactful defender, making the routine plays, as well as a hitter that finds a way on base to get the job done for the team.”

Business administration or business management will be the major for Gregg, a 3.9 student excited about what lies ahead at the university which is a four-hour direct flight from his home in Oakville, just southwest of Toronto.

“I’m looking forward to the culture they have at Utah, the camaraderie and brotherhood,” noted Gregg, who admits the feeling of making a commitment was “unreal” for him.

“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since grade nine,” Gregg concluded. “But it’s not ending there, there’s more to come. But this is such an amazing feeling and opportunity for me.”