Dream Nearing A Reality For Sophomore Remington

GRAND RAPIDS - The recruitment of Kyle Remington began to take off last spring as a high school freshman.

“It’s not a dream coming true, but it’s in the process,” is how Remington described his current status, which finds the 14th-ranked 2023 in Michigan getting interest from three Big 10 schools, two from the MAC and one each from the ACC, Atlantic Sun, Big East and Horizon leagues.

“I sent emails out and they reached out through my travel organization,” explained the Grand Rapids Christian sophomore.

An impressive performance at the Future Games added to his resume after retiring all six batters faced with three strikeouts at the prestigious PBR event in August.

“The whole way home my heart was beating faster and faster,” Remington reflected. “I pitched on a Tuesday and had pitched the Friday before, so I had to go on adrenaline and be crafty like I’d done all summer to get them out.”

Colleges took notice with how the 16-year-old performed against elite talent on Team Connecticut.

“I had a couple phone calls before the Future Games, but a lot more phone calls after that,” Remington pointed out. “It’s definitely been a big part of recruitment for me. I thank Aaron Wilson and the PBR staff for helping with such a well organized exposure event.”

Wilson came away impressed with what he saw of Remington.

“Kyle was our most efficient pitcher at the Future Games this past summer,” Wilson said. “He has a three-pitch mix on the mound and, most importantly, he understands how to pitch. His fastball has been in the mid-80s with a swing-and-miss curveball. He’s a high progression player that gets better each time you see him. He’s a very respectful young man off the field as well.”

Wilson is one of four individuals that Remington pointed to as being influential in his development and recruitment, noting the importance additionally of Brandon Justice (2020 summer coach, recruiting), Eddie Dewalt (2021 summer coach, recruiting), Brent Gates (high school coach, recruiting/infield skills) and Mike Paul (high school pitching coach, velocity/arm strength).

Three others have also proven beneficial in recent improvement.

“I’m definitely stronger from getting in the weight room, thanks to my high school trainer Daimond Dixon,” Remington noted. “I’ve also improved with my hitting helped out by hitting coaches Nick Swanson and Jimmy Kerr.”

The assistance and support has Remington now in high regard with programs at the next level.

“They like my potential at maybe being a two-way,” explained the fourth-rated 2023 outfielder in Michigan. “Not everyone is considering me as a two-way, some more of a PO, but it gives me an extra chance to compete at a high level. I’m working now on my pitching and also at getting more power in my bat and more line drives consistently.”

The 6-0 160-pounder admits being a two-way player is not a necessity after high school.

“I’m not sure of how big of a deal-breaker it is for me personally,” related the left-handed hitting Remington. “When I talk to coaches it will just click. Whether I’m a two-way or just pitch, I’ll be okay with either one.”

After all, the dream all along has been to have an opportunity to play the game he loves in college.

“It all started when I was extremely young,” Remington said. “Since I was six or seven I’ve been thinking about playing at the next level. I set heavy goals which make me compete every single day. This past spring and summer colleges started reaching out, but that only made me work even harder.”

Covid did, unfortunately, slow the process down a bit according to the fourth-ranked uncommitted sophomore in the state.

“I had some plans before covid, I just had to pivot and adapt,” Remington noted. “I researched some schools online and I’ve done some virtual tours and also got on campus at some schools with my parents. I’m planning more on spring break. What I’m really looking forward to is when I can meet coaches on campus.”

That is an important part of recruitment for Remington, whenever that becomes a reality.

“I want to get on campus and make sure my new home is right for me and my family, so getting on campus is a must,” Remington said. “Right now I’m keeping my options open. Each program is different. When I get on campus it will just click.”

Computer science or business are potential majors for Remington, who this past semester had a 3.7 GPA.

“Hopefully, some of the restrictions will be pushed so I can get to camps sooner,” related Remington, who looks forward to making more strides on the diamond in the near future.

“With pitching, I’d like to get in the upper-80s consistently and top at 90,” Remington said. “With hitting, I want to develop some more power.”