Hill Finds Michigan To Be The Perfect Fit

GROSSE POINTE WOODS - Brennan Hill showed what he was all about with an impressive performance in the Division I high school state championship game in June.

Although Grosse Pointe North lost 1-0 against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, the top-ranked team in the nation, the sophomore left-hander made a name for himself throwing a three-hitter while permitting only a first-inning run. Colleges certainly took notice 

“It definitely helped recruiting wise,” Hill related. “There were a lot more options after that. It was the best atmosphere I’ve played in and I knew if I did my best I’d be able to compete with them and it worked out. Although we lost, we were in the game and had a chance.”

A little more than a month later, with college interest on the rise, the second-rated 2024 left-handed pitcher in the state was on the mound at the PBR Future Games in Georgia and Michigan was there to witness.

“They have a new staff that was hired in the summer and they saw me for the first time at the Future Games,” Hill noted. “I was only there a day, I pitched and left, but in the car on the way to the airport I called and talked to (assistant) coach (Ben) Greenspan. We talked a few more times after that. I got on campus in September and again in the middle of October. The first time it was more of a tour of campus and the weight room. It’s a great college town and the facilities are some of the best in the country.”

An offer came with the second trip to Ann Arbor.

“I thought it was time and committed,” Hill said.

It brought an end to a recruiting process that began early.

“I started talking to college coaches for the first time in eighth grade,” the ninth-ranked junior in Michigan related. “It was obviously a lot having not even played in high school yet. My freshman year I didn’t do what I wanted at the plate so two-way opportunities went away. But interest picked up this summer and after the Future Games I was ready to be done with it.”

A final decision on where to go to college came down to Ohio State and Michigan.

“It was a combination of things,” Hills explained about what all went into the determination that Michigan was the choice to make. “It’s close to home and I’ve been a Michigan fan my whole life. It just felt right.”

Greenspan, the recruiting coordinator and pitching coach for the Wolverines, along with the rest of the UM coaches liked the potential regarding what Hill has to bring to the program.

“The new staff has a lot of moving pieces and they needed some lefties,” Hill pointed out. “We were the perfect fit for each other. I love Michigan and they needed lefties.”

With a decision, admittedly, came a sense of relief.

“I’ve been thinking about college baseball since I was like 12 years old,” Hill said. “My brother went to play in college and I knew I had a chance and that became my goal. My oldest brother knows what it takes and my other brother is the hardest worker no matter if it’s baseball or schooling. My dad has been training me my whole life. They’ve all been a part of this.

“Once I made the decision a lot of stress was lifted,” Hill continued. “It’s been a stressful process for me and my parents trying to find the right place for me, not just on the baseball side of things but the school side as well.”

Improvement on the mound proved helpful in finding a college home for the 3.6 student who is uncertain about a major at Michigan.

“I worked with a lot of people that helped me with my pitching and Driveline,” Hill noted. “I’ve also improved on all the mental stuff. My talent has always been there, but this year I turned things around mentally and didn’t let it beat me.”

It has the 16-year-old ready to make an impact at the university located 50 minutes from home.

“From a numbers standpoint, I’ll bring them depth,” Hill explained. “I want to contribute my freshman year, if not pitching then in bringing a positive mentality to the program as a hard worker and someone who wants to get better.

“What I’m looking forward to is having an opportunity to play. I love competing and playing baseball. Hopefully, I’ll go in there my freshman year and play. I can’t wait to do that.”