Bonnetti Excited To Bring 'Positive Energy' To Wright State

Anthony Bonnetti OF / RHP / Richmond, MI / 2025

CHESTERFIELD - It was the summer of 2021 when Anthony Bonnetti began to really make a name for himself.

“After the Future Games there was a lot of interest,” the Richmond sophomore reflected back to his time playing for Team Michigan at the PBR Junior Future Games in Georgia. “Everyone ran after guys on that team. A lot of our guys were looked at, so there wasn’t a lot of pressure.”

Among those taking notice was Wright State, and a summer later while playing in a 15U tournament in Ohio, Bonnetti made another impression and a camp invite followed.

“I went to that and they loved my speed and the way I hit,” the second-rated 2025 outfielder in Michigan related about his first trip to the university located in Dayton, a little less than four hours from home.

Flash ahead a few months, and Bonnetti was invited to a prospect camp at Wright State earlier this year.

“My 60 time was good but they said I still needed a little improvement,” Bonnetti explained. “But they liked that I could pitch.”

Enough so that the projection of the 6-2 175-pound 16-year-old helped bring an offer to play at the Horizon League school.

“They told me if my velo got up, they’d offer me as a two-way,” Bonnetti said. “But right now they want me as an outfielder.

“Really the biggest thing they liked was my personality and the way I carried myself when I went into the gym,” Bonnetti added. “I could make it a better place is what they told me.”

The eighth-ranked sophomore in Michigan saw similarities between his high school and Wright State, which played a role in his decision.

“Three years ago I moved to Richmond,” Bonnetti explained. “Wright State has a small town feel to it like Richmond. Players are all helping each other out and it just felt like home. Plus, it’s a big baseball school.”

The idea of playing at the next level has been a lifelong dream.

“My whole goal in life has been college baseball,” Bonnetti said. “My dad had me playing baseball since I could breathe. When I played at the PBR Juniors in Georgia I talked with a few colleges and Wright State was a big one there. After the first camp at Wright State my numbers were pretty good.”

Improvement came as well which helped the cause for Bonnetti, whose other college offer came from Oakland.

“Once I got to Richmond, there were a lot of country-strong guys there so I hit the gym,” Bonnetti related. “I was 145-150 then and now I’m 170-175. I’ve gotten a lot faster, too, my 60 time went from 6.9 to 6.6.”

Credit was given to a number of people with aiding his development as well as his recruitment.

“Tony and Scott Leonard have been great to me for three years,” Bonnetti said of the MotorCity HitDog 16U coaches. “They make sure we are at the right events for maximum exposure. They both have a ton of college connections and are always looking to support their players in getting to the next level.”

Richmond high school coach Scott Eavns is another that Bonnetti attributed with helping his baseball journey.

“I have been with coach Evans for the last two seasons and he has done a great job in helping me understand the game of baseball,” Bonnetti explained. “He’s old-school, and demands excellence. He believes in the team-first concept. He is always trying to make us better players, but most importantly, better men.”

Bonnetti looks forward to bringing those traits and more to Wright State.

“I’m a guy with positive energy,” Bonnetti said. “I come in with a smile and a laugh. I’m always hustling and never take a play off. I strive to be a good leader.”

A 3.75 student at Richmond who is considering broadcasting or physical therapy as a college major, Bonnetti is thrilled to have made his commitment.

“We were having a family party and (associate head) coach Nate (Metzger) called and gave me the offer,” Bonnetti reflected. “I was sitting with my dad at the table when coach Metzger called again and I committed. It finally set in, I had reached my dream.”

***Video from 2021***