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Connor Young, OF/LHP, Milford HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Kalamazoo?

Young: I chose Kalamazoo College because I am so impressed by Coach Ott and his energy level. His passion and energy was evident during my visits and throughout the recruiting process. The facilities at Kalamazoo are what you expect for a Division 1 school. Academics are also very important to me and I know that Kalamazoo is a great academic institution. In the end, Kalamazoo is the best fit for me from a baseball standpoint as well as for academics. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Young: I considered Northwood, Hillsdale, Bellarmine (Louisville, KY) and Morehead State but Kalamazoo College was the best fit for me on the baseball field. 

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?

Young: The coaches saw me play with the Michigan Bulls after my junior season. I have a great relationship with Coach Ott and Coach Vanalten. They have made me feel welcome even though I am not even at school yet. So, it was that feeling that helped build our relationship. Coach Ott sold my parents on my Kalamazoo College as well. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Young: Kalamazoo has several upper classmen starting pitchers. I hope to be able to contribute from the bullpen my freshman season with a goal of being a starter by my second year. However, I will still shoot to be a starter as a freshman. I hope to show the coaches I can play some CF for Kalamazoo. 

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Young:  I play for the Michigan Bulls. Before I moved to Michigan, I lived in Indiana and played for the Michiana Scrappers. The Michigan Bulls is a great organization that develops their players and gives them several opportunities. I think travel ball has greatly helped my development because of great competition and being able to travel around. I have played in Kentucky, Nebraska, Louisiana, Florida and Texas over the years and played against so many great players.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Young:  The person who has had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player is my father because he has always kept me positive, working hard, and made me know my dream could become a reality. Also, my mother has been my biggest cheerleader and supporter and is always there for me.

PBR: What were your stats last spring?

Young:  I play CF and am a LHP. I hit 0.386 with 7 doubles at Milford High School. I also stole 25 bases in my junior season. For the Bulls, I am a career 0.346 hitter with 12 doubles and 1 home run. As a pitcher for the Bulls, I had a 7-1 record with a 2.18 ERA. For Milford, I was 2-2 with a 3.75 ERA.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Michigan?

Young:  The best hitter I have seen in Michigan is a fall ball teammate of mine with the Bulls, Luke Schilling. The best hitter I have faced is Jarod Burton of Gull Lake.