CINCINNATI - Many young boys have a strong aspiration to play baseball in the Southeast Conference. Aaron Blum was no different.

“Everyone dreams about it as a kid,” Blum said. “I had that around eighth grade/freshman year. I thought about having the opportunity to pitch with the best and play with the best players in the country.”

It is now a reality for the St. Xavier junior after a recent commitment to the University of Kentucky.

“I connected with Kentucky my freshman year and have talked with them on and off since,” the fourth-rated 2022 left-handed pitcher in Ohio reflected. “Things sped up recently.”

That was due to a livestream bullpen in late January in which the 6-3 170-pounder featured a velocity that topped at 91.5 while sitting 88-90.

“I have some great people in my corner that helped me,” Blum said in reference to pitching coach Greg Williams, strength and conditioning trainer Josh Ellermand and coaches with St. Xavier and Midland. “After the bullpen my phone lit up. That week I talked to about 25 schools. I had conversations with my coach, people I trust and my family helping me narrow down my list. At the end of two weeks I made the decision.”

The 24th-ranked junior in the state, who a year ago had a fastball velocity of 84 at the PBR Preseason All-State Underclass event, believes Kentucky has what he is looking for at the next level.

“It’s the right fit and atmosphere,” Blum noted about the school in Lexington, less than two hours from his Cincinnati home. “I like the work ethic they show there and the staff. They made an emphasis about developing me as a student and as a player and I think it’s going to be a great environment to work.”

Recently added strength, weight and explosiveness are credited with benefitting Blum in his quest to play college baseball.

“I’ve really worked on my training and pitching across the board,” Blum pointed out. “An increase in tempo on the mound, my speed through the delivery, has helped.”

The second-rated 2022 uncommitted pitcher in Ohio prior to the decision to make Kentucky his future home feels he can be a major asset to the SEC program.

“I plan to bring a strong work ethic and focus every day on earning a spot,” noted Blum, who visited the school last year for a camp prior to the pandemic shutdown. “Forming relationships is something else I’m excited about. I’m looking forward to meeting new teammates while competing at a high level.”

The 17-year-old understands the need to continue improving in order to compete in the SEC.

“I think I can add more velo,” Blum related. “Once I add that and can control it, that will be a big help. At the same time I’ll be working on getting a good feel for my secondary pitches.”

When a commitment was made, there was elation on both ends of the phone conversation.

“When I called coach (Nick) Mingione he really was excited which transferred to my excitement,” Blum said in reference to the head coach at Kentucky. “My family and siblings all had a part in this and I’m looking forward to getting there and keep working.”

The fact that he will be playing in the SEC only adds to the eagerness of what lies ahead.

“I’m very honored and excited to get there to compete and continue to develop,” Blum  concluded. “It’s an amazing opportunity.”