Inside The Clubhouse: Rohan Kasanagottu
January 17, 2025
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FREMONT, CALIF. - It was towards the end of a tough sophomore season for Rohan Kasanagottu where he didn’t see the field much other than pregame and postgame activities. With not a lot of playing opportunities, Kasanagottu had a lot of time on his hands during catch play and bullpens and it was then that he discovered something that would change the trajectory of his career.
During a game of catch with Quinten Marsh, the lefty threw a “gross” pitch back to Kasanagottu. The “gross” pitch turned out to be a splitter. Kasanagottu asked Marsh to teach him the grip for the pitch.
“It was one of those things that just clicked right away for me. Usually, baseball things don’t click right away with you, but that pitch just clicked. From the first splitter I threw, it was nasty. It’s my favorite pitch to throw.”
After showcasing his abilities on the mound early in the summer, Kasanagottu eventually earned himself a spot on Team California at the 2023 Prep Baseball Future Games. Kasanagottu thrived at the event and earned a lot of attention as a result. In the end though, he decided to take his splitter, as well as his impressive arsenal of other pitches, to the University of Southern California next fall.
“USC was one of my top schools going into recruitment, it felt like home. I was able to experience the Trojan life on my official visit,” said Kasanagottu. “Coach Stankiewicz has a baseball program on the rise right now and I look forward to watching them this year and being a part of the program in the future.”
Kasanagottu at the 2023 Future Games
Kasanagottu joins a recruitment class filled with talent and potential. Diego Velazquez (SS), Walter Urbon (OF), and Gavin Lauridsen (RHP) are all within the top 50 ranked players in the state, and will be joining the Trojans next fall as well.
The 2023 Prep Baseball Future Games in LakePoint, Georgia was were it all came together for Kasangottu.
“It was my last event of the summer and I gave it all I had,” said Kasanagottu. “I threw the first day and it went really well. I got a lot of good eyes on me and I was able to meet a lot of good coaches and players. It was an overall great experience.”
Kasanagottu’s success at the event led to receiving offers from the University of California, Berkeley and Brown University, among several others before ultimately deciding on the University of Southern California.
After a successful junior high school season, Kasanagottu had the opportunity to throw an entire summer as a “known name” and he didn’t disappoint. Now, after a rigorous fall, he is eager to play his final year at Valley Christian, hoping for a senior season filled with both individual and team success.
The Valley Christian Warriors, led by head coach John Diatte, is stacked with committed talent from top to bottom. Brock Ketelson is a dual-threat weapon committed to Stanford. Hunter Fujimoto is a left-handed outfielder committed to Santa Clara University. Jordan Ortiz serves as the team’s backstop and is committed to Loyola Marymount University. The previously mentioned Quinten Marsh is a well-rounded outfielder committed to play at Stanford.
“This year our group of seniors is second to none,” said the three-year varsity veteran. “We’ve been talking about our senior year since we were freshmen, and we are excited to leave our own legacy as a senior class. I think this is going to be our best year yet. Looking forward to my senior year and having one last ride with the guys.”
As for being a leader on the team, Kasanagottu does not shy away from the pressure. During a tight jam or crucial moment in the game, Kasanagottu stays true to his craft.
“My biggest thing about pitching is being in control,” said Kasanagottu. “Where you throw the ball dictates the outcome of the game. For me, I love that feeling. I learned to love the moment and love to compete.
In his junior season, Kasanagottu recorded a 1.67 ERA across nine starts and fourteen appearances. The pitcher also fielded his position very well, recording no errors on nine total chances.
In regards to the splitter, the pitch ranges from 300 RPM to 800 RPM. Using the pitch to tunnel alongside his other pitches is what has given hitters the most trouble. Kasanagottu credits the growth of the pitch to a lot of repetition as well as support from his coaches to continue throwing it.
“I’ve come a long way with the splitter, but I am grateful it has worked out for me.”
Valley Christian comes into the upcoming season hoping to prove why they belong in the best team in Northern California discussions.
The Warriors finished last season with a record of 27 wins and 6 losses. With a strong senior class, experienced coaching staff, and competitive regular season schedule, the Warriors have what it takes to make it deep into playoffs.
“Prep Baseball has always been one of the big organizations that has stuck with me and believed in me,” said Kasanagottu. “Future Games put me on the map and was super eye-opening for me. I’ve gotten over thirty text messages from my performance at Future Games from major division one programs. Shoutout to PBR and thank you for believing in me and setting up a lot of good events throughout my career.”
Kasanagottu and the Valley Christian Warriors open their season against Elk Grove at Stephen Schott Stadium on Wednesday, February 26.
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