Klann Ready To Create Memories With MSU Teammates

LIVONIA - The recruiting process was looking a bit bleak for Robert Klann after a growth plate cracked in his hip the summer between junior and senior year of high school.

“Recruiting wasn’t booming for me,” admitted the recent graduate of Brother Rice. “All the coaches that were talking to me before the injury said their recruiting classes were filled and that they ‘hope you stay healthy.’ I was only talking to JUCO schools.”

Then determination set in.

“I knew I needed a good senior year to get to my goal of playing Division I baseball,” the 15th-ranked 2022 right-handed pitcher in Michigan related. “I worked my butt off and it paid off. I had a good senior year and my coach got coaches to come watch me. Michigan State was one of them.  I played high school ball with the pitching coach’s son at Michigan State so he was at games. He (Mark Van Ameyde) said to come on a visit and I went after the season ended.”

Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Ball State were other schools that took a major interest in the 6-3 210-pounder during spring season but it was MSU that stood out in the eyes of Klann.

“I had a huge velo jump winter of my junior year and they reached out,” Klann reflected. “I got to know the coaches and they saw me in the spring a bit.”

But then came the hip injury.

“I got my arm in shape during fall ball,” pointed out Klann about his recovery.

Soon after he was back throwing with the velocity that had grown over the past few years. The fastball was 84-86 the summer heading into junior year and topped at 87 in the fall.

“I was talking to D-II schools and then one day in the winter I was throwing live ABs and popped one out at 91,” Klann said. “I was 88-91 that day.”

By the end of spring season MSU was taking notice in the 40th-rated 2022 in the state.

“I was dominant against really good competition,” Klann said about what Michigan State liked about him. “I held my own against good competition and got better as the season went on.”

There was a lot for Klann to like about the Spartans.

“Definitely the resources they have to develop me into what I want to be,” Klann pointed out in reference to selling points in making a commitment to the school in East Lansing. “I grew up watching Michigan State and thinking it would be sweet to play there. It’s only an hour from home and playing in the Big 10 is all I’ve wanted.”

That childhood dream has become a reality.

“I always wanted to play at a high level since I was nine,” Klann explained. “When it became realistic was the end of sophomore year summer. I grew into my body, I got stronger and started putting up good numbers.

“What really got my name out there was video which got out there to coaches. Then I went to a PBR showcase with my summer team and busted out the same numbers so they knew it was legit. PBR came to games and made highlights. The numbers they put up by my name helped. The biggest thing was my high school coach, Bob Riker, who really helped get coaches there to see me.”

A 3.6 student planning to major in business management, Klann is confident about what he can bring to MSU.

“Wins,” Klann said without hesitation. “I think I can help change the program around, start winning more and hopefully win a Big 10 championship. That’s one of my biggest goals there.”

Admittedly, being uncommitted senior year of high school was nerve-racking.

“I was at a loss of hope a little bit but I knew my high school coach had my back and he put in a good word to schools,” Klann noted. “What a relief it is now. My parents were really excited for me. We felt it was just the right fit.”

Now the focus turns to college for the 18-year-old Brother Rice graduate.

“I’m looking forward to traveling around the country, playing good competition and competing,” Klann concluded. “I can’t wait to create some good memories with my teammates and have fun while doing it.”