Van Ameyde Decides The Opportunity Is Right At Oakland

Cash Van Ameyde OF / LHP / Brother Rice, MI / 2025

LAKE ORION - It was not an easy decision.

But in the end, Cash Van Ameyde did what he thought was best for him when deciding between his final two schools. Would it be Oakland or Michigan State?

“It was between State and Oakland, but I felt the best choice was to go a different direction,” Van Ameyde said about committing to Oakland rather than MSU where his twin brother, Cole, is headed and his father, Mark, is an assistant coach.

Ironically, Oakland entered the picture for Van Ameyde when the previous coaching staff was in charge.

“Last year around the start of the school season (head) coach (Jordan) Banfield offered me and my brother,” the top-rated 2025 outfielder in Michigan related. “It was the first one outside of Michigan State. I really liked it there but then coach Banfield left.”

Cal-State Bakersfield, where Banfield is now the head coach, then became a consideration by the 17-year-old, but Oakland also remained in the picture along with Michigan State.

“I stayed in contact with the new coach at Oakland and they offered,” the Brother Rice High School senior said. “What intrigued me was the opportunity to play freshman year in a good program, play at a high level and develop. I really like the coaches there.”

The 17th-ranked senior in Michigan took a visit to the university in Rochester when Banfield was the head coach.

“I loved the campus,” Van Ameyde noted. “I met some players and what they told me was they liked the direction of the program. It all intrigued me.”

Enough so to make a commitment to the Horizon League school located just 25 minutes from home.

“I’ve always wanted to play college baseball and then pro ball,” Van Ameyde reflected. “The goal was Division I baseball. I was thinking about it after freshman year of high school and more after sophomore year. Then after playing at Rice this year it was becoming a reality.”

Admittedly, recruitment was not easy according to Van Ameyde.

“It’s changed a ton,” Van Ameyde said about the recruiting process which has gone through a rule change the past two years. “A lot of D-I schools don’t know what their roster will be like and that hurts. What helped me a ton was Prep Baseball. There was a lot of exposure going to the Junior Future Games, Future Games and Senior Future Games along with all the showcases.

“I enjoyed the process for the most part, though at times I was stressed out,” added Van Ameyde.  “But it was a fun experience talking to all the coaches. It didn’t really bother me when people would ask about playing with my brother and my dad. I just wanted to make my own choice.”

Older brother, Chase, a freshman at Notre Dame, threw in his advice.

“I talked to him a little about it and he told me to do what’s best for me,” Van Ameyde explained. “He said whatever feels like the best choice for you and your future, do that.”

His parents as well as high school coach Bob Riker were also a big part of the decision-making process.

“My dad was good at not making it feel like State was the best choice,” Van Ameyde related. “He just sat back and made sure I made my own choice. My mom helped me through all of it in deciding where I wanted to go.

“Coach Riker and the staff at Rice were also helpful. I talked to coach Riker about where he thought would be a good fit and the same thing with (assistant) coach (Mike) Steele as far as where I would get a chance to play right away and what was the best fit for the future.”

Through it all the 5-10 170-pounder continued to work on his game.

“I’ve improved my speed, while defense has always been a good part of my game,” Van Ameyde explained. “Starting full time junior year at Rice, I really improved at the plate. It helped me develop at the plate seeing all that velo and getting consistent ABs.”

Head coach Brian Nelson and the staff at Oakland certainly like what they have seen.

“They like my speed, my defense and the chance I can make an impact at the plate right away,” pointed out the left-handed hitting Van Ameyde, who is confident about playing an important role in the program.

“I’ll bring a good all-around game,” noted Van Ameyde, who can play anywhere in the outfield. “I’ll definitely bring good defense, speed to be able to steal bags, hit for a high average and have a little pop.”

Uncertain of a college major, the 3.9 student admits it was a great feeling to commit.

“Relieving and exciting are the two main things,” Van Ameyde said. “I’m happy that I can now focus on developing and the high school season trying to win another state championship.”

Then it will be on to Oakland.

“I’m looking forward to playing high-level baseball, a chance to play further on in my future and hopefully in the pros,” Van Ameyde concluded. “I love playing baseball and this is a good opportunity for me. It’s been a goal for a long time and I’m happy to achieve the first part of my goal.”