Fox Believes In What Ohio State Is Building

NORTHVILLE - Tyler Fox grew up a Michigan fan. His dad is also a fan of the Maize-and-Blue while his mother’s favorite is Michigan State.

Something will have to give after the Brother Rice junior made a commitment to Ohio State.

“That will be interesting,” Fox said of the change. “It will take some getting used to. I had a lot of Michigan shirts, but now I’ve gotten some Ohio State stuff. It’s different, but cool.”

The fifth-ranked 2024 third baseman in Michigan pointed to the PBR Future Games as a “huge” moment in his recruitment with Ohio State.

“I talked to (assistant) coach (Andrew) See there,” Fox reflected. “We stayed in contact for a month and then set up a visit in mid-October and I saw the football game with Iowa. They offered there but I wanted to weigh my options.”

There were other considerations in a process that began with interest from Duke in the spring.

“After the Future Games I talked with Butler and went there in early September and got an offer,” Fox related. “I was also talking with Michigan and Notre Dame a little bit.”

But it was Ohio State that Fox preferred once all was said and done.

“I like coach Mo and the entire staff,” Fox said in reference to the new Ohio State head coach Bill Mosiello. “I believe in what they’re building and coach Mo’s goals. I like the campus and the atmosphere and I like the coaching staff.”

Ohio State relished the promise shown by the left-handed hitting 6-3 188-pounder.

“They like my swing and definitely that I’m projectable,” the 20th-rated junior in Michigan noted. “They think I can make an impact with my bat as a freshman. They see me as a second/third base guy, but I have the versatility to play other positions.”

A third baseman, second baseman, first baseman in high school who also plays those positions as well as corner outfield in the summer, Fox is excited about the opportunity to play college baseball in Columbus, four hours from home.

“Something I’ve always thought about doing was getting to the next level,” Fox explained. “When my travel team started playing in good tournaments and I was seeing kids talking to schools it made me think I could do it. Then I started talking to Duke and I knew I could accomplish this.”

Admittedly, it was far from easy, however.

“It was definitely stressful at times, it’s such a big decision in my life,” Fox said. “It was eye opening. The Future Games was huge in getting me out there exposure wise.”

Fox pointed to more help along the way in becoming a Big 10 Conference commit.

“My parents have been big supporters,” Fox related. “My dad has been my coach since T-Ball doing anything he can in any way he can to help. He coached me in summer ball until I was 13, that’s when I started playing for coach (Bob) Riker with D Las Vegas. He’s my high school and summer coach and he’s helped try to make me the best player I can be on and off the field.”

The 16-year-old is confident with his abilities to help the Buckeyes once in a Scarlet-and-Gray uniform.

“I’ll bring a great bat and great talent on the field,” Fox said. “I have a strong work ethic, always doing the best I can. I think I’ll work and mesh well with my teammates.”

Fox, who carries a 4.4 GPA in high school and is considering a major in business at Ohio State, admits a lot of relief hit once a commitment was made.

“It was a big weight off me,” Fox said. “Having family and friends there for support was great.”

Now the focus turns to the future at Ohio State.

“I’m looking forward to getting better and developing in the program,” Fox concluded. “I feel I can be a great player there. Lifting, fielding, hitting … it’s going to be fun to experience and to share with my teammates.”

As for becoming a Buckeye with his mom a Michigan State fan and dad a Michigan fan, Fox chuckled.

“It’s a fun thing that we’re got to get used to.”