NEW LOTHROP - The Future Games ignited the recruiting process for Brady Birchmeier, helping the top-ranked 2022 first baseman in Michigan find a college home.

“It started two weeks after the Future Games,” the New Lothrop junior reflected about interest from Bowling Green that ended up in an offer and commitment with the Mid-American Conference school. “There was a phone call and after that I was calling with them more and more.”

Prior to BG, there was admittedly minimal interest on the recruiting front for Birchmeier.

“I wasn’t really talking with schools before the Future Games but then after it I was talking to schools at least once a week,” noted Birchmeier, whose other main colleges reaching out were additional MAC schools. “That was not expected, but I was happy with it.”

The 21st-rated junior in the state was also pleased with the style of recruitment by Bowling Green.

“I liked how dedicated they were to me,” Birchmeier said about what stood out with BG. “They were always checking in and wanting more film. Each time we talked they wanted more and more.”

Bowling Green liked what they were seeing in the switch-hitting corner infielder who exhibited an exit velocity of 105 at the PBR main event in Pennsylvania, the best of anyone at all 2020 Future Games showcases..

“They love my swing and the potential to be a middle-of-the-order guy,” the 6-2 210-pounder explained. “They also need a corner infielder and from what they’ve seen I’m a great fit with that. They saw my fielding and that interested them.”

A visit to the university, which is located a little more than three hours from Birchmeier’s New Lothrop home, helped seal the deal.

“I went with my dad to see the campus and it felt like home there,” Birchmeier related. “I let them know I liked it the night after they offered. I have a few close friends going there which I like, too.”

Recent improvement proved beneficial in attracting schools to Birchmeier.

“I started off the summer hot and got invited to the Future Games,” Birchmeier said. “At the Future Games I did very well and that continued the rest of the summer.

“It was different with live streams and coaches not there but it was a great experience playing with all the Michigan players and the uncommitted players from other teams,” Birchmeier added about the PBR event in early August. “It was the best experience of my baseball career.”

Birchmeier showed well in the eyes of Aaron Wilson, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting.

“One word to describe Brady at the plate and that was ‘impressive’,” pointed out Wilson. “Let’s talk about a player that absolutely rakes with the ability to hit for power and average.”

It has the 3.5 student, who plans to major in sports medicine, ready to take the next step on his baseball journey.

“Ever since I started playing with the Motor City Hit Dogs in 9U up until 15U I’ve wanted to play college baseball,” Birchmeier said. “A lot of people have told me I had the potential so the last few years I’ve really pushed for that. After my first offer it really, really hit me this was going to happen.”

Improving arm strength and speed will be the focus now for Birchmeier, who believes he can make major contributions at the next level for a program with a lot of promise in his eyes.

“I bring the ability to lead any team,” Birchmeier noted. “I think we’re always going to be in contention with the recruiting class we have coming in. We’re going to be a good team and I’m looking forward to being around my teammates and experience playing baseball another four years.”

Relief comes with the commitment for Birchmeier, who thanks “any coach I’ve ever had for being helpful getting me out there and seen” in his time playing ball.

“I’m very relieved and my family is super happy,” Birchmeier concluded. “We all felt comfortable with the campus and we’re happy they saw my potential for this to finally come true.”