Wisconsin Native, Passarelli, Was Always Ohio State Fan

Gianni Passarelli SS / 3B / Buckeye Valley, OH / 2021

That isn’t about to change after Passarelli, now living in Ohio, committed to become a Buckeye.

“My dad got a job at Ohio State in June of 2018,” reflected the Buckeye Valley junior. “I was still in Wisconsin at the time and we sent a video. My head coach knows (Ohio State head) coach (Greg) Beals well and they sent somebody to watch me play at the WWBA.”

A prospect camp at OSU and a visit to the Columbus campus all eventually took place for Passarelli, as well as a move to Ohio.

“My dad was driving back and forth until April when his house was done,” Passarelli related. “I was staying in Wisconsin but after that I decided to move.

“There were pros and cons,” Passarelli admitted. “My high school team had all my friends and my mom was there. But everybody knew what was best for me and it’s worked out so far.”

Ohio State saw a lot to like in the 35th-ranked 2021 in the state.

“Specifically, they like my bat,” noted the 6-0 170-pound left-handed hitter. “I’m consistent hitting and my fielding is clean. But they really emphasized my bat and the kind of teammate I was when they saw me.”

Improvement has been vital over the past year for Passarelli, who played at Indian Trail High School in Wisconsin as a sophomore.

“For me it’s been about being consistent,” Passarelli said. “If you don’t hit, you’re got going anywhere. I emphasize doing the little things before the game. It’s being consistent and repetitive in practice.”