Blosser Enjoys Journey To Become Michigan Commit

AVON LAKE - A “random” phone call proved to be very important in the life of Hayden Blosser.

“Coach Smith at Michigan was at Indiana when my high school coach was there,” Blosser explained in reference to UM assistant coach Tracy Smith and Avon Lake mentor Andrew Means. “He played for him at Indiana so they knew each other. Coach Means screenshotted a photo of me pitching at a PBR tournament to him and I went to a camp there a week later. They were really interested.

“Once Sept. 1 came around, (pitching) coach (Brock) Huntzinger called. I almost didn’t pick it up because it was a random number. But I answered and I ended up going Oct. 15 on a visit. They offered and I committed on the spot.”

While in Ann Arbor, the sixth-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in Ohio attended the Penn State-Michigan football game.

“The energy was crazy,” Blosser noted. “I toured all the facilities and it was beautiful.”

Cincinnati, Ohio State and Xavier all offered the 425th-ranked junior in the nation before a decision to commit to Michigan was made.

“At the end of the day I wanted to go where I was wanted the most,” Blosser pointed out. “All the coaches seemed to care. Michigan is such a prestigious school, it would be silly to pass it up.”

Even for a lifelong Ohio State fan.

“Growing up I was an Ohio State fan in every spot,” Blosser reflected. “I could never see myself going to Michigan. But as time went on and options opened up I realized I’d love to go there.”

Michigan saw a lot of promise in the 6-3 160-pounder.

“They emphasized that they liked my athletic ability,” Blosser explained. “I believe I can develop under them to be the best pitcher and hitter I can be for them.”

The opportunity to pitch as well as play the field and hit for Michigan is an added bonus.

“They want to see me compete at both,” noted Blosser, a shortstop on his high school team at Avon Lake. “A lot were open to it but I had to bring it up to some schools that were recruiting me just for my arm. With Michigan, they brought it up to me.”

It was the winter going into 15U baseball when Blosser had his first call with a college.

“That kicked it off and the rest is history,” Blosser said. “I didn’t even know it was possible at 14U but I had a lot of coaches that helped.”

It proved to be an enjoyable recruiting process according to the 11th-rated junior in the state.

“I thought it was awesome,” Blosser explained. “I’m so happy to have been able to go through it. It was stressful at times with the constant talking about a timeline, but it was good. No coaches rushed me but it can be hard, especially for a 15 or 16-year-old kid.

“The Future Games helped me a bunch,” Blosser added in reference to the prestigious PBR event in Georgia where the 138th-ranked 2024 in the country played for Team Ohio. “The atmosphere was something you’ll never have again. That really helped with my recruiting.”

Blosser, who will turn 17 on Nov. 17, pointed to a number of people that had major roles in his quest to play college baseball.

“My high school coach Andrew Means got me my first call,” Blosser said. “I don’t think I’d be close to where I am without him. Ryan Rua with T3 Warhawks has been a role model for me and Cory Valentine with Bo Jackson has helped me so much. Jordan Chiero (PBR Ohio Director of Scouting)  also helped a ton with the Future Games and my development. And my parents, with the constant hours of support and money spent on trips, I can’t thank them enough.”

A 3.4 student at Avon Lake, Blosser is confident he can be a major asset at the Big 10 Conference university in Ann Arbor, which is located 21/2 hours from home.

“I’m someone that will compete and has the drive to win,” Blosser said. “At the end of the day I want to win a national championship and believe that with me and the other recruits in the class that we can do that.”

Sports medicine is being considered as a college major by Blosser, who looks ahead with anticipation at what life will be like at Michigan.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the freedom I’ll have,” Blosser said. “It will be exciting to develop under these coaches, I trust all of them. I know the recent commits which makes me calm knowing I’ll fit in with these guys.”

Even as someone who grew up an Ohio State fan.

“My room is actually scarlet and gray yet,” Blosser noted. “I don’t dislike them, but I’ll have to be secret about that.”