Opportunity At Minnesota Exciting For Remington

GRAND RAPIDS - The grin may finally be gone for Kyle Remington. But it sure lasted a long time after the 2023 from Grand Rapids Christian committed to the University of Minnesota.

“I didn’t stop smiling for like 20 hours,” Remington reflected about his excitement to attend the Big 10 school. “I couldn’t sleep that night. I called my grandparents and they were so excited for me. My parents were excited, my brother was excited … It was just a good time.”

Interest from Minnesota began less than a year ago.

“I started talking with them about mid-October 2020,” the fourth-rated junior outfielder in Michigan related. “We met through my high school coach. I sent video of me hitting in the cages and doing bullpens and also sent video of me playing in high school. That led to an offer.

“I ended up going on a visit during spring break on my own. I walked around and decided it was the one. I liked all the athletic complexes and that they’re all within walking distance of each other. The campus is beautiful. I also took a short drive to a place called Dinkytown which has a cool atmosphere.”

It was just the second time Remington had ever been to the state.

“When I was young I went to a Twins game,” Remington noted.

His time in Minnesota will now become more extended after the decision to commit to the university located in the Twin Cities.

“This sounds kind of cliche but it means everything,” Remington said of the opportunity to be part of a program in the Big 10. “Playing college baseball has pretty much been one of my goals since I was very young. It’s been kind of my life’s work.

“I actually grew up watching Michigan and Michigan State football. It’s probably the only conference I can name all the teams.”

Those two state schools and Xavier were other colleges high on the list of Remington.

“I just liked Minnesota the best,” the 11th-ranked 2023 in the state said.

The uncertainty of a future position is actually a plus in the eyes of Remington.

“They don’t have a position for me now, they said it’s too early to tell,” explained the 6-0 160-pounder, a right-handed hitting outfielder and left-handed pitcher for Grand Rapids Christian and Arsenal Baseball. “It’s too early to define what I am. They said when it’s closer, then we’ll decide.

“I like that they didn’ say this is what I am. They’re very flexible. But I’d like to be two-way.”

No matter the position, Remington is confident he can be a major force in the Big 10 program.

“I really like to compete,” Remington said. “That’s one of the number one things that separates me. I have a fiery compassion to compete.”

Remington, a 3.7 student planning on a major in computer science or business, had an extreme amount of help in getting to this point.

“I give lots of credit to PBR, the Future Games and showcases,” noted Remington, a 2020 Future Games participant for Team Connecticut who in March was named one of the 2023 winter standouts across the country by PBR. “Playing against the all the best players at the Future Games shows that you can compete outside of just local guys. The showcases show your progression and shows you are working.”

Remington pointed to additional assistance along the way.

“A big thanks to Brent Gates (high school coach), Aaron Wilson (PBR Michigan Director of Scouting), Mike Paul (high school pitching coach) and the entire Arsenal coaching staff as well,” Remington said. “Also a big thanks to the Minnesota coaching staff for the opportunity.”

With the commitment comes relief at the thought of recruitment now being over.

“It’s been a fun journey,” Remington said. “Set a goal that you want to commit somewhere and then talk to coaches. When you do finally commit it’s … Wow. I set my goal and did it.

“When I’m playing a game now there’s so much off my shoulders. I don’t have to try and show what I can do. I can relax and have fun playing.”