Hill Ready To Make A Splash At Toledo

MEDINA - When Nate Hill made it official with a college commitment to Toledo, the seventh-rated 2023 catcher in Ohio knew it was the right decision.

“I felt like they wanted me to be there,” the incoming senior at Medina explained. “When I committed there was mutual excitement between the two of us.”

Initial interest with the Mid-American Conference school began in the fall when Hill was seen playing with Ohio Elite.

“That was the first time they saw me,” Hill reflected. “They didn’t rush out to me, but it was the start.”

The Top Prospect Games proved to be the nail in the coffin when it came to the view Toledo had in the 64th-ranked 2023 in the state.

“I did my thing and they reached out and offered,” Hill noted. “After that I gave it some thought. We were going to Alabama for an event and I thought that might be a place I could get some looks but I realized if I got another offer it wouldn’t be as good as Toledo so I pulled the trigger.”

It was at that time that interest had begun picking up.

“After the Top Prospect Games I got a bunch of follows on Twitter,” related Hill, who was getting looks from Walsh and Bryant State among others. “Oakland and some community colleges followed, but there wasn’t much in depth.”

An improved game had helped the cause at that point in time.

“I had really been working hard in the weight room and I gained 10 to 15 pounds,” the 6-0 190-pounder said. “I was also working at staying consistent with my hitting.”

Toledo was among those that took notice in the left-handed hitting backstop.

“Initially they liked my D as a catcher,” Hill pointed out. “Then they saw me throw. That was the first thing they saw about me at the Top Prospect Games. They see me as a versatile athlete, not just a catcher, and they also like my projectability as a hitter.”

The idea of playing baseball at the next level is a recent development for Hill, who turned 18 on July 23rd.

“As soon as I got into high school I started thinking it was something I wanted to do but I didn’t really understand what it took as a freshman,” Hill explained. “It took a year to realize what it took but I’m glad I figured it out.”

Finding out how to attack the recruiting process was vital.

“I sent out a lot of emails to start relationships with coaches but that didn’t help,” noted Hill. “The Top Prospect Games was a great experience, probably the biggest thing with my recruitment in helping me get my offer.”

There was also assistance along the way.

“Jake Johnson, who committed to Ohio State, helped me a lot with my skill stuff and how to get stronger and bigger,” Hill said in mentioning a pair of Medina High School graduates. “Hunter Havokost is another big one. He played at Tiffin and really helped out.

“My summer coach, Chris Check, also helped with recruitment and telling me what showcases I should go to.”

Once a commitment was made, Hill was ecstatic.

“At first it was a weight off my shoulders,” Hill said. “It was exciting to know I had a place to play after high school. Now I need to keep progressing my abilities so when I get there I can help the team win.”

A 4.0 student considering Spanish as a potential major, Hill anticipates a great time at his future destination in Toledo, two hours from his home in Medina.

“I think the most fun part will be playing against conference teams,” Hill concluded. “I know a lot of teammates that will be part of the MAC and it’s going to be fun competing with and against them.”