Hamman Finds A Home At Kansas State

DALLAS - A commitment to Kansas State has followed a move from Michigan for Robert Hamman.

The former Skyline High School student, who now attends Hillcrest High School in Dallas after his dad’s job took the family to Texas, is excited about what the future holds after deciding on the Big 12 Conference university located in Manhattan, Kansas

“The end goal is the MLB, and this is a huge step toward that,” Hamman noted. “If it doesn’t work out, I want to be at a college where I can still get a great education and have that here. They just invested a lot of money into a new business school.”

A 3.2 student in high school planning on a major in business, Hamman was seen twice by K-State and made a big impression.

“After they saw me the second time they wanted to see me on a visit and they offered,” the 18th-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in Michigan said about the trip to Kansas State that included watching a 40-17 football win over Missouri a month ago. “It rained and the game was delayed, but all the fans stayed. It was an electric atmosphere.”

The 6-1 160-pounder had more to enjoy on the visit.

“It had a small-town feel,” explained Hamman, who also had interest from Dayton, Xavier, Central Michigan and Ohio University. “They’re really into college life there.”

The 17-year-old also developed an adoration toward the baseball staff.

“All the coaches want to get the best out of you,” Hamman related. “They talk to you like family.”

Kansas State saw a lot to like about Hamman as well.

“What got them interested was my slider,” the 92nd-ranked junior in Michigan pointed out. “I have an okay fastball, but my slider is upper-70s and spins away from hitters. Coach (Rudy) Darrow, the pitching coach there, used to coach at Edmond, Okla., where my mom grew up. We talked about all the things he believes in and getting after it. I think he'll be able to help me get to that next level.”

It is a dream that began at an early age.

“I’ve played baseball since I was like six, throwing with my dad in the backyard,” Hamman said. “When I got to my eighth grade going into freshman year I could see that I could play the game at a high level. I started to develop my pitches and really began to work hard toward that goal.”

The recruiting process included help along the way.

“It’s stressful for everybody,” Hamman explained. “You see different guys commit every other day and you’re just waiting your turn. I went to one PBR event when I first moved to Michigan and that opened up the door to USA Prime, which got me to where I am now. PBR opened the door for me. The Scout Day was my first showcase. I think I threw 80 at that one.”

Skyline head coach Jone Evans and Michigan Prime Time Velo coach Adam Bodary were influential according to Hamman, who also credited Artillery Baseball owner Ajay Vulimiri with being a key part of his recruitment.

“When I was still living in Michigan I did Prime Time Velo and that really helped,” Hamman said. “I joined halfway through my freshman year and that taught me how your body works and how to get the most out of your body.”

Hamman is counting on making everyone proud once part of the Kansas State program.

“I’m really hoping to make an impact my freshman year,” Hamman said. “The first thing I thought about when I did this was how will I be able to make an impact in the Big 12 when I get on campus. I hope to be one of the guys in the rotation. Off campus I want to set an example for Kansas State.”

One memory has already been made - the day a commitment became official.

“I was on a zoom call with (head) coach (Pete) Hughes and my mom when I told them the news I was committing,” Hamman reflected. “Both of them were excited. My mom started crying. That was a very rewarding feeling.”

Hamman is now excited about what lies ahead.

“Getting bigger is something I’m looking forward to,” Hamman said. “They take you in the summer before freshman year where you eat a lot and lift a lot to help transform your body. Being a student-athlete will be a challenge but it’s going to be a great experience.”

Being away to attend school is not a concern.

“Kansas State is far from Michigan but I grew up in Texas, so I’m used to it,” Hamman concluded. “All of my extended family lives in Arkansas and Oklahoma so it’s good to be in those neck-of-the-woods. But I miss the guys in Michigan. They have some underrated baseball there.”