A top performer in the state of Wisconsin, UTL Max Hennemann (Oak Creek) is currently ranked No. 12 in our state’s 2023 rankings thanks to his performance at the PBR Future Games. Hennemann collected multiple hits at LakePoint and was one of the team’s most valuable defenders, spending time up the middle of the infield as well as center field. Hennemann’s impressive, all-around performance during the Future Games eventually led to his commitment to the Norse. 

Recently, we had the opportunity to discuss the recruiting process with Hennemann. As well as his favorite baseball memory, and how he feels his high school team will be this spring. 

LATEST SCOUTING REPORT

Scouting Report

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9/8/21

Hennemann made a significant jump after a strong showing at the PBR Future Games in August. That dynamic, all-around performance at LakePoint boosted Hennemann up the rankings, rising 16 spots in the state. The 5-foot-10, 145-pound Oak Creek product has long been one of the state’s most athletic follows with savvy, smooth defensive actions on the infield and he’s been comfortably roaming the outfield as of late, too. Hennemann’s run tool aids him in a big way on offense and his ability to impact the baseball on the barrel combined with a natural all fields approach has slowly solidified a competitive profile offensively that could see him contribute from the top of a lineup long-term.

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?

Hennemann: I don’t really know what I expected to be honest. I can say I didn’t expect it to be so stressful – don’t get me wrong it all pays off once you finally find the right school. It’s very exciting to tell the coaches of your future college that you're gonna play ball with them for the next handful of years. I don’t think I’ll forget that phone call where I told the coaches that I am accepting their offer. It feels amazing to finally see your hard work pay off. I was looking for a college that really wanted me there and playing for them. I also wanted a chance to compete for a position my freshman year and not sit the bench and most importantly somewhere to continue my baseball career. It’s such an amazing sport that I’m not ready to let go of quite yet.

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

H: No, not really. Although, I will miss my family, friends and coaches when I go off to Northern Kentucky. I cannot wait to create new friendships and become family to a whole new group of guys. With NKU it already feels like I’m a part of a family.

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

H: My recruiting process started to heat up the summer going into my junior year of high school, as I really improved my numbers, strength, and game since my freshman year. I was really excited and determined to get out on the field and prove myself to college coaches. I really started to get in touch with coaches after the PBR Future Games, which is how I got in touch with NKU. I don’t think I’d be where I am now if I didn’t get invited to the Future Games and I’m very grateful for that unforgettable experience. I think if you asked the other guys from Team Wisconsin, or any other kid from any other state for that matter, they would agree.

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

H: What I liked the most about NKU is the sense of family and support from not only the coaching staff and team but the small fan group of NKU. They may not be the biggest or most known college but it kind of seems like it when you’re around the campus and in Highland Heights. A key factor in making my decision to commit to NKU was that there is a completely new coaching staff. I feel that Coach Peyton and Coach Dintaman have a good game plan put in place for the future of NKU baseball and I really want to be a part of that. 

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

H: My list was very short. Every kid who wants to play baseball at the next level dreams of going to Vanderbilt or Louisville, etc. For some kids, that’s a very realistic goal but for me, I knew where I stood and I knew it wasn’t in the books for me. Again don’t get me wrong, I’m so happy and excited to be a Norse. Before my commitment, I was talking to a couple of JUCO programs, like Wabash Valley JC and Trinidad State.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

H: INF Ethan Hindle (Arrowhead, 2023; Kentucky), although I haven’t faced him but he did play on Team Wisconsin. The dude is just a stud; smooth hands in the infield, never having to worry when the ball is hit to him. He can also play anywhere in the infield at a high level. His bat is fantastic too – a very simple swing that generates a lot of power and he’s a quick dude. 

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?

H: Ever since I was playing tee ball I knew I didn’t want this game to ever end for good. When college baseball was starting to become a thought, I feel like I always was confident in myself that I could play college ball somewhere, wherever that would be. I started hitting the gym in sixth grade and asking for extra ground balls or extra swings. Ever since then, nothing has changed. Nothing makes me happier than getting in extra work with the guys.

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

H: My advice would be just doing what is best for you. It may seem selfish but at the end of the day, you're the one who has to be happy with the end result. Also, try not to focus so much on what other people are doing. I always worried about who was better than me or who was lifting more weight than me. To be honest I still do look too much into that kind of stuff but use it as motivation to become better and stronger than others. Just keep grinding and it’ll pay off. 

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

H: There are too many that stick out, I’ve played baseball with kids in 8U and still have tight friendships with them to this day. I think the most memorable thing in my career is just all the relationships that I’ve gained from this amazing game that will last a lifetime. Of course, my commitment to NKU is something I’ll always remember. 

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

H: I think we will do well. Franklin I feel is our only concern this year. Even last year it was a concern, with one of the best pitching staffs in Wisconsin and Franklin really found a way to stick it to us. I can’t wait for this upcoming season. High school baseball is always a blast and I wouldn’t want to play for any other school than Oak Creek.   

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