Athleticism is something that INF Kyle Schupmann (Luther Prep, 2022) shows at pretty much every aspect of the game. Schupmann features a quiet, easy swing that produces hard hit balls to the whole field. A swing that caught Tell Taylor, our state director’s eye, at the PBR Midwest Fall Championships and later featured in the Starting 9: Crosscheck Swings article, which offers a more in-depth look into some of the state's top swings. Per Blast Motion, Schupmann’s hand and bat speed are well above average, which will help him handle higher velocity when he reaches the next level. On defense, his athletic, sure-handed infield actions coupled with a big arm, one that has topped out at 92 mph across the diamond, allow him to fit that role of a left side infield type player. 

Back in April last year, Schupmann announced his commitment to the University of Cincinnati. Recently we had the opportunity to talk with Schupmann about his recruiting process, favorite baseball memory and more, which can be found below.

LATEST SCOUTING REPORT

Scouting Report

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3/20/21

Positional Profile: 3B/SS.
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, bend at the knees, smooth pre-pitch load, small leg leg kick.  Quick bat speed, easy swing, short level bat plane, gets extension after contact, whole field approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 98.67 max exit velocity, averaged 86.01 mph. 342’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 92 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works towards the baseball, quick exchange up the middle.
Run: 6.90 runner in the 60. 

Our Q&A

PBR: ​​What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Schupmann: When I first started my recruiting process, I knew it was going to be a fun but tough process, especially when a big chunk of it happened during Covid. I was looking for a program where I could go in and leave a completely different baseball player. I was looking for a program where I was going to be pushed every day and faced with challenges that would make me a better player and person. Lastly, I was looking for a program where I could develop and that would help me achieve one of my biggest goals of being drafted. 

P: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

S: No, I was willing to go wherever and however far I needed to go. 

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

S: My recruiting process started picking up the fall of my junior year after I attended a PBR showcase and was able to get some interest from schools. In late winter, and early spring of my junior year I attended another PBR showcase and really got a lot of schools that were interested. I’m not really sure when Cincinnati first saw me. I remember talking with our recruiting guy for Elite and he said that Cincinnati saw some videos and write ups on me and were interested. I called Coach Sprague and we began to develop an awesome relationship. 

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

S: I talked with Cincinnati for a long time and I really developed an amazing relationship with the staff. I always loved talking to them and knew that they were a really good fit for me. From the coaches, to the culture of the team, the recent success of the program, and the facilities, it’s everything I need to surround myself with opportunities to get better every day. 

P: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

S: I was talking to a good amount of schools and had interest from a few more. I really narrowed my options down when I felt I was ready to make a decision. My short list of schools I was talking with and really narrowed down to were Tulane, Grand Canyon, Xavier, and College of Central Florida. I really had a special connection with Cincinnati and with the relationship I had with the coaches it made for a very easy decision for me to pick Cincy. 

P: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

S: It has always been my dream to play in the CWS and in the MLB so from a serious standpoint it has been since I was a kid. But I really realized that I had the potential to be “college-caliber” when we first started playing in these big tournaments. I always did well against the top arms and teams and it just gave me the confidence that I was able to play at the Division I level. 

P: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

S: My biggest advice that I can give is to remember that baseball is fun. Develop a passion and enjoy the game and play with a smile on your face. Baseball will bring you lots of adversity and no matter who you are, you will face it. Never get to high never get to low is what I’m always told. I know it’s hard to have fun if your 0-3 with the strikeouts but that’s the game. 3/10 gets you in the Hall of Fame. Be the same person whether you're 0-3 or 3-3. 

P: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

S: My most memorable moment is when I got to go play in a tournament down in the Dominican Republic the summer before my freshman year. It was a completely different atmosphere playing down there against all these teams from around the world. I got to meet and play with a bunch of guys from around the US who I still am close with. It definitely was a trip that I will never forget. 

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

S: We lost a solid senior class from last year and have a smaller senior class this year. We have a younger squad with a very experienced Coach. I’m not quite sure how good we are going to be, but I can assure that the desire to win and passion for the game will be very clear. 

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