ROCHESTER HILLS - Deciding on a college was more difficult than Parker Brzustewicz imagined.

“The hardest part for me is I hate saying no,” explained the top-ranked 2024 third baseman in Michigan. “There were three to five schools that I talked to that I could see myself at and playing for those coaches.”

While Xavier and Georgia Tech were among those being considered by the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s junior, it was Notre Dame that won out in the quest to sign the 361st-rated 2024 in the nation.

“I made the decision, but I could have gone with one of the others,” Brzustewicz admitted. “I appreciated talking with the others, but Notre Dame was best for me.” 

Brzustewicz was seen by the coaches with the Atlantic Coast Conference program playing in the summer for the Florida Burn and while participating for Team Michigan at the PBR Future Games.

“A combination of both got them on me,” Brzustewicz noted. “I took an official visit and went to the California football game (on Sept. 17). I saw the campus and it was really nice. I also met all the coaches. It was just a great experience.”

An “impressive offer” was made according to Brzustewicz, with an official offer presented a week before the seventh-rated junior in the state of Michigan accepted.

“I like the new coaching staff,” Brzustewicz explained. “(Assistant) Coach (Logan) Robbins and the hitting coach (Seth Voltz) are nice guys, they’re genuine and sincere. It’s close to home and the academics are great. It will set you up well for after baseball with a Notre Dame degree and the connections you can build on the rest of your life.”

Notre Dame saw a lot to like in the 29th-ranked junior third baseman in the country.

“They like my size and projectability, I’m skinny and lanky right now,” the 6-3 175-pounder pointed out. “They like how I barrel the ball and my hitability. My versatility also stands out. I can play seven of the nine positions, probably not center field and catcher. I can bring a lot of value playing a lot of positions. The combination of my versatility, hitting and that I’m able to pitch, I think I can help get them back to Omaha.”

The opportunity to be a two-way player is a bonus in the eyes of Brzustewicz.

“From most of my talks, I was more recruited as a hitter and fielder, but they said they’re not going to take my arm away,” Brzustewicz related. “If it helps them win, they’re going to use me to my fullest ability to win as many games for them as possible.”

The idea of playing at the next level began early for the 17-year-old, while becoming feasible just a few years ago.

“I always thought about it but when I was 12 to 14 is when I played in Cooperstown and in some southern events and it hit me that I could be a D-I athlete,” Brzustewicz said. “I just had to work. That’s when it became realistic for me.”

Help achieving the desire to play college baseball came from a number of coaches.

“Joe Mooney was my coach growing up and had a big impact on my life, not only baseball but with life lessons,” pointed out Brzustewicz. “My high school coach Matt Petry taught me a lot about baseball and recruiting. Coach Josh Sinibali, a coach with the Florida Burn has mentored me, coach Maurer, the recruiting coach at Florida, helped me through the full recruiting process and coach Matthews, another summer coach for Florida Burn, taught me many things on the field. Dylan Putnam is another coach that has helped, teaching me a lot of things about pitching since a young age.

“All of them have been there helping me make my decision and tweaking things to help make me the best baseball player I can be.”

The help proved vital in making Notre Dame the college choice for Brzustewicz.

“What a surreal feeling,” Brzustewicz related. “It was one of the first major decisions of my life. To fulfill a childhood dream to play at this level at Notre Dame with the top-line facilities and academics there, I have a lot of gratitude for all the people that helped me.”

Business/accounting will be the major for the 4.12 student at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, who is excited to be going to college three hours from home.

“I’m looking forward to competing and having a good time with my new teammates,” Brzustewicz concluded. “I want to get there and give my all for Notre Dame and the coaches, win as many games as possible and get them back to Omaha to win it.”