Hard Training Has Keilen Ready To Contribute At The Next Level

Logan Keilen C / 3B / St. Johns, MI / 2024

ST. JOHNS - There are a lot of ups and downs when it comes to the recruiting process. Logan Keilen has found that out first hand.

“When it’s going well it’s exciting and I’m eager for more, but then sometimes it dries up and you just don’t know,” said the incoming senior at St. Johns High School, who has “taken a couple visits” at this point in his recruitment. “It’s nice to get exposure. A lot of it is my coach having connections. I went to the Future Games last summer and that helped and I also sent out emails to get my name out to as many as I can.”

The second-rated 2024 catcher in Michigan points to maturity as a selling point.

“I’ve played up my whole life,” Keilen related. “I’ve always been more mature mentally and physically. I played 18U when I was 15. I get along well with older guys, that’s one of my main attributes.”

But there is more to his game that stands out.

“A former Future Games participant and a solid ‘catcher’s’ body, Logan is someone that has shown the ability to hit with power,” noted Adam Goodwin, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting. “He has position versatility from behind the dish and at one of the corner infield spots. He has really developed well with the Capital City Kings and Joe McDonald.”

Improvement has come from hard work according to the 17-year-old.

“I’ve really trained hard to get better,” Keilen said. “I’m working out and taking care of my body as much as I can to reach my potential. Talking to coaches about my approach and swing mechanics has really helped. My offseason training comes alive during games. It’s muscle memory, I don’t have to think about it.”

The 41st-ranked 2024 in the state believes he is ready to contribute at the next level with every aspect of his game.

“I think my bat will help me out, I have power but can also hit singles and doubles,” Keilen stated. “My arm is getting better and my blocking is getting better. I’ll bring my whole game, which will help me out.”

The 6-0 210-pounder, who is “talking with a couple of MAC schools and other midwestern mid-majors along with D-II schools in Michigan and some JUCOs”, has an idea of what he is looking for in a college.

“I mainly want to be developed, getting better each and every day,” Keilen explained. “I want to go to a place that feels like home where I love the coaching staff. I want a staff that has a winning history while still developing players to their highest potential. That’s what I’m looking for in a school. I want to win, but development is the biggest thing.”

It was at age 11 or 12 when Keilen’s interest in playing at the next level took off.

“That’s when I got into baseball,” Keilen noted. “I started training and eating better. Working out doesn’t bother me. I love the offseason. That’s when I knew I wanted to play college baseball. I love training, it’s a hobby of mine.”

As for his visits to date, Keilen is having fun with the process.

“I’ve visited small schools and enjoyed them and visited big schools and really enjoyed them,” Keilen said. “Anything will be a cool opportunity. When you step on campus and experience it, that’s when you know it will happen.”

Finance/business is the planned major for Keilen, who carries a 3.6 GPA and has no timeframe on making a commitment.

“I’m open to all opportunities,” Keilen concluded. “When it all feels right is when I’ll make my decision. The next few months will be big in my recruitment. Hopefully, I’ll find what I want. I’m eager to do that, we’ll just have to see what happens.”