D-I College Dream Becomes Reality For Garman

DAVISON - Grant Garman is ready to be the next from his family to play college baseball.

A commitment with Oakland has the junior at Flint Powers Catholic closing in on a lifelong dream.

“My dad played at Michigan State and in the minors,” Garman related. “Since I started playing I’ve wanted to play Division I college baseball and then go to the next level.”

Ironically, an older brother who plays collegiately, provided help in an unusual way.

“He was in the transfer portal and Oakland asked him about me,” Garman noted. “But they didn’t have room for him in his class.”

While JD Garman is now at Northwood, the younger Garman has found a home at the Horizon League university in Rochester Hills.

“I had a call with them and they wanted to build a relationship,” the sixth-ranked 2024 left-hander in Michigan explained. “We did a lot of texting after my games. They came to every summer game of mine and that made a difference to me. I would call and thank them for coming to the games.

“I went to their camp and after that is when they offered,” Garman said about a camp that took place in late June.

Garman made his decision to commit in early August.

“I wanted to see what the recruiting process was like,” Garman noted. “I didn’t want to rush the process.”

The southpaw has his view about what he can provide to a college program.

“In my opinion, velocity is one thing and I only touch the low-80s,” Garman said. “But I haven’t grown into my body.”

The 16-year-old was grateful with the manner in which Oakland looked at him.

“I like how Oakland welcomed me into their family,” Garman pointed out. “They like my composure on the mound and my mental game. I don’t get frustrated, I keep my composure.”

There is more that stands out about the 43rd-rated junior in the state.

“I’m a leader for my team even though I’m an underclassman and they like that,” Garman said. “They also like the way I move my pitches and that sometimes I drop sidearm. They like how I can change angles.”

The 5-10 175-pounder believes he can make an impact once his days of college ball begin.

“I want to start freshman year, and I know that’s hard,” Garman explained. “I also want to be one of the team leaders and help get us to the World Series. The first step is winning our first game. And we have to win the Horizon League first. I also want to beat the Big 10 schools and see us play against ACC and SEC schools. I like the better competition. That will only help you get better.”

Garman pointed to PBR with playing a role in helping get his numbers out there for coaches to see during his recruitment, while also going back to his family with aiding the cause in making baseball at the next level a reality.

“My dad and brother are both role models in my life,” Garman said. “They’re good people and good leaders and my brother is a motivator for me. They have impacted my life so much. My dad owns a dome near our home and we have a weight room in my basement so I’ve put a lot of work in with his help.

“My mom and sister are also big supporters,” Garman continued. “I made my own choice with Oakland, but they all helped through the rough parts of the journey.”

To have the recruiting process over is, admittedly, a comforting feeling.

“It was so exciting when I committed,” Garman reflected. “We had a party with my family and the people that supported me. The next week I walked campus with my family. I was super excited to see it again and I’m super excited to be part of the Oakland family.”

Business will be the major for Garman, a 3.75 student at Flint Powers Catholic who is looking ahead with enthusiasm to a great college experience.

“I have a lot of goals that I’ve written down,” Garman said. “I want to hit 88-89 next year and sit in the low-90s when I get to college. I want to be on a winning team and help Oakland be the best team in the country. I know those are big goals but you have to set goals for them to be goals.”

Garman already has obtained one goal.

“My Division I dream has come true and I’m excited for that journey to begin,” Garman said. “But I still have two years left of high school.”