Eastern Michigan A 'Dream Come True' For Leonard

Scott Leonard 3B / 2B / Sterling Heights Stevenson, MI / 2025

LATHRUP VILLAGE - When Scott Leonard made his commitment to Eastern Michigan, the opportunity to play baseball with his brother was only part of the enjoyment.

“It didn’t hit me at first,” Leonard reflected. “I was a D-I player at that point. When I got my edit I looked at it and it hit me. I’m going to play college baseball. I’m just excited for that.”

For a time, it appeared Leonard and his brother Brett, both juniors at Sterling Heights Stevenson, were headed in opposite directions when it came to college.

“I was leaning toward Akron and Central, two really good schools,” explained Leonard, who also had interest from Toledo. “But then Eastern Michigan came into the picture with the chance to go with Brett. It was a no-brainer and I took it.”

Eastern initially saw Leonard at the Future Games.

“Coach (Trevor) Beerman saw me there and after that I went to a showcase and coach (Tyler) Sullivan saw me,” the second-rated 2025 third baseman in Michigan related. “After that they wanted to bring me and my brother on board. Coach Beerman got in touch a week after the showcase and I went with my brother and met the head coach.

“I love his way of coaching,” continued Leonard, in reference to head coach Robbie Britt. “I’ve played tough and hustled my whole life and that’s his way of coaching. When he offered, we accepted an hour later. We love everything about it. It’s close to home and me and my brother get to play together for four more years.”

Admittedly, that “means the world” to the 16-year-old.

“We’ve trained together our whole lives,” Leonard said. “To have the chance to play together in college is indescribable. It’s hard to put into words.”

The idea of playing at the next level has been a long time dream.

“My whole life I’ve been training to play another four years,” Leonard noted. “Since I was seven or eight the goal has been to play college baseball. When my brother Nick made it to the pros I was even more driven. Now I’m going to D-I. The next step is pro ball.”

Nick, now 26, was an idol for Leonard while growing up.

“The way he played is the way I do now,” the 31st-ranked junior in the state explained. “Hustle every ball out. He taught us a lot. He taught us to love baseball.”

Eastern Michigan found desire to be just one area of the game that stands out about Leonard.

“They like my hands and feet and that I run pretty well,” Leonard noted. “They like my hit tool. I was 4-for-4 with barrels, two triples and a double at the showcase. They also like how I play defense. They saw that at the Future Games.”

A commitment capped off a year that saw an enormous amount of improvement.

“A year ago I was chubbier, 235 pounds,” the 5-11 190-pounder related. “I had to look at myself in the mirror and get to work. I wasn’t going to play D-I like that.

“Now I’m faster and more agile. That helps, especially at third base where I can move left and right. I’m lighter on my feet and more smooth than a year ago.”

There were a number of people in his corner helping make the baseball journey to college a reality.

“Coach Adam at PBR helped me a lot with my recruitment,” Leonard said in reference to PBR Michigan Scouting Director Adam Goodwin. “He put my name out there to a lot of coaches so they could see the type of player I am.

“My dad (Scott) and my uncle (Tony) also helped a lot along the way. My mom has been in the shadows but she helped a lot as well. My brother, cousin and Beno Walters all helped push me to be where I am.”

A major in business at Eastern Michigan is the plan for Leonard, who believes he can provide a spark to the Mid-American Conference program.

“I’ll bring leadership, I’ve never been a follower,” Leonard said. “Hard work, my skills, I’ll bring that. I’m just excited to be on the field with the coaches there.”

That is just part of what Leonard is looking forward to at the university located just a half hour from home.

“I’m ready for an experience of a lifetime,” Leonard concluded. “I can’t wait to look around and see all the fans. It’s a dream come true.”