Eastern Michigan Athletics
Baseball Welcomes Newest Signing Class to Ypsilanti
9/17/2020 1:36:00 PM | Baseball
The nine-man class will debut in 2021
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University baseball team and Head Coach Eric Roof announced the signing of nine players to the incoming recruiting class, today, Sept 23. The newest class to flock to Ypsilanti consists of both transfer students and true freshmen, a mix that adds depth, and experience, to the already young and talented group of Eagles.
"I would like to give credit to both assistant coaches, A.J. Achter, our recruiting coordinator, and Jonathan Roof," said Eric Roof. "We have added some athletic position players who can swing the bat, as well as top-end arms who know how to pitch. All nine guys have a high ceiling and it will be fun watching them wear the Green and White!"
The 2020 signing class (2020-21 academic year) includes: Nick Chittum (Grosse Ile, Mich.-Grosse Ile), Gabe Denton (Clare, Mich.-Clare (North Iowa)), Alex Forry (Livonia, Mich.-Franklin), Zach Fruit (Dundee, Mich.-Dundee (Lansing C.C.), Jeremy Fuchs (Canton, Mich.-Plymouth), Mark Kattula (Sterling Heights, Mich.-Stevenson), Will Oberg (Wayzata, Minn.-Wayzata (Heartland)), Evan Sines (Lancaster, Ohio-Lancaster), and Cory Taylor (Shelbyville, Ind.-Shelbyville).
Nick Chittum RHP R/R 6-2 190 Grosse Ile, Mich.-Grosse Ile
A.J. Achter Quote: "Playing for Mario Garza at Grosse Ile High School and Atanas Illitch with the Little Ceasars summer ball program, Nick is a kid who worked his tail off to become not only one of the best prep arms in Michigan, but in the entire country. If not for the shortened MLB draft, Nick had a legitimate chance to be taken by an MLB organization. We are very fortunate that he ended up on campus for us and will be a great addition to our staff."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball program as an incoming recruit for the 2021 season…HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three letters and completed one stint as a team captain as a member of Mario Garza's Grosse Ile Red Devils…Set a single-season school record by recording 72 strikeouts as one of the team's primary pitchers in 2018…Rated the No. 1 overall RHP prospect in the State of Michigan for his class by Prep Baseball Report…Also rated the No. 4 overall player in the state by the same publication…Earned First Team All-Huron League honors on one occasion and was named an honorary participant in the 2020 MHSAA East/West All-Star Game (game canceled due to COVID-19)…PERSONAL: Full name: Nicholas Michael Chittum…Son of Brett and Linda Chittum…Has one sister, Jenna…Major: Exercise science.
Gabe Denton C/IF R/R 6-1 205 Clare, Mich.-Clare (North Iowa)
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Gabe is a student-athlete that will bring over his winning culture and bat from NIACC. We had our eyes on Gabe during the recruiting process for a long time and couldn't be happier that he will be suiting up in the pinstripes."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball program by way of North Iowa Area Community college…NORTH IOWA: Spent two seasons in the Blue and Gold as a Trojan…Played in 51 games during that span, and racked up 43 hits, including nine doubles and nine home runs…Finished with 32 RBIs and a .295 overall batting average, including a .330 mark in 2019, his lone full season with the team…HIGH SCHOOL: Was a four-year letterwinner and three-time captain at Clare High School in mid-Michigan…Hit at a .415 clip during a senior campaign in which the Pioneers went 30-5-1 on the season…Was a three-time all-conference, all-district, and all-region nominee and was also a first-team all-state selection in both 2016 and 2017…Named to the Bay City Times twice, and earned dream team recognition in the Morning Sun publication…Led Clare to a pair of conference and district championships while with the team…PERSONAL: Full name: Gabriel Jeffery Denton…Son of Jeff and Kim Denton…Has two sisters, Abigail and Leah…Major: Sport management.
Alex Forry RHP R/R 6-3 215 Livonia, Mich.-Franklin
A.J. Achter Quote: "Alex was our first commit in the 2020 class and a great get for us. He is a big, physical presence with some power stuff. He comes to us from a great high school and summer program in the Livonia Franklin and the Michigan Bulls."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball team as an incoming freshman recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Played two seasons under Matt Fournier as a member of the Livonia Franklin High School baseball team…Was an all-district, all-region, and all-state recognized pitcher during his time with the Patriots…Rated as the No. 9-overall RHP in Michigan by Prep Baseball Report, and is also considered the No. 27-overall prospect from the Mitten State by the same publication…PERSONAL: Full name: Alexander James Forry…Son of Chris and Carolyn Forry…Has one brother, Matt…Father, Chris, was a member of the EMU men's track and field program from 1987-91...Major: Marketing.
Zach Fruit RHP R/R 6-4 203 Dundee, Mich.-Dundee (Lansing C.C.)
A.J. Achter Quote: "Zach is a local kid who developed into a power arm at Lansing Community College. At LCC, he played for one of our former teammates and former EMU assistant Jordan Keur. With Zach's life on his fastball paired with his ability to spin the baseball, he has a chance to be a crucial piece of our pitching staff this spring."
EMU: 2021: Comes to Eastern Michigan by way of Lansing Community College…LANSING COMMUNITY: Spent two seasons with nearby Lansing Community College, playing one full campaign in 2019 (2020 cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic)…Made 10 appearances and racked-up nearly 30 innings of work as a primary relief pitcher for the Stars…Struck out an impressive 39 batters during his time with LCC…HIGH SCHOOL: Was a three-time letterwinner as a member of the Dundee High School baseball team…Tossed an incredible senior year that included 85 strikeouts and just a 1.38 ERA…Put together an incredible 9-2 record during his senior season…Holds Dundee records for wins as a senior, as is the only pitcher is Dundee history to record a zero-loss conference record on the bump…Was a three-time all-district, two-time all-region, and one-time all-state honoree…Invited to play in the Monroe County All-Star Game following his senior season…PERSONAL: Full name: Zachary Tyler Fruit…Son of Robert and Jessica Fruit…Has two sisters, Adrienne and Amber…Major: Education.
Jeremy Fuchs LHP L/L 6-2 160 Canton, Mich.-Plymouth
A.J. Achter Quote: "Jeremy is the lone LHP in this class for us. He is an ultra-competitive kid with a great feel for filling up the zone and changing speeds. He is a Plymouth High School graduate, same school which produced Anthony Sharkas."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball team as an incoming recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for Plymouth High School baseball…Ranked as the No. 3 LHP in Michigan by Prep Baseball Report...Ranked as the No. 4 left-handed pitcher and No. 29 overall player in the state of Michigan by Perfect Game…Also earned two letters in football…Posted a 2.75 ERA in his most recent season for the Wildcats…PERSONAL: Full name: Jeremy Bradley Fuchs…Son of Bradley and Pam Fuchs…Has one brother, Jacob…Major: Criminal justice.
Mark Kattula IF R/R 6-0 210 Sterling Heights, Mich.-Sterling Heights Stevenson
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Mark is a physical student-athlete who leads by example on and off the field. He comes from one of the best summer programs in the state of Michigan in Arsenal Baseball. He will bring a big-time bat with him to EMU. His focus and determination are second-to-none."
EMU: 2021: Joins EMU as an incoming recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year letterwinner for the Sterling Heights Stevenson High School baseball team…Batted .353 with 42 hits and 25 RBIs in two seasons for the Titans…Also compiled a .441 career OBP…Rated as the No. 1 first baseman and No. 10-overall player in the State of Michigan by Prep Baseball Report…Named to the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game…PERSONAL: Full name: Mark Michael Kattula…Son of Maher and Lilyan Kattula…Has one brother and two sisters…Major: Biochemistry.
Will Oberg IF R/R 6-3 215 Wayzata, Minn.-Wayzata (Heartland)
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Will is a student-athlete transfer coming in from Heartland CC. He will add versatility and a quality bat to the lineup with a physical presence to him. His leadership and work ethic are going to be contagious within the team."
EMU: 2021: Joins EMU by way of Heartland Community College…HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Named a 2020 team captain…Batted .407 in his final season as a Hawk…HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year letterwinner for Wayzata High School under head coach Bobby Dewitt…Two-time Lake Conference champion…Two-time section champion…2016 Minnesota State Champion…All-Conference selection…All-State team and All-State Tournament team honoree…Named to the MSHSL All-Star team…PERSONAL: Full name: Will Oberg…Son of Steve and Marne Oberg…Has one brother, David, and one sister, Lexi…Major: Communications.
Evan Sines IF R/R 6-2 195 Lancaster, Ohio-Lancaster
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Evan is a passionate student-athlete who loves to play the game. We are looking forward to having him bring his worth ethic and defensive capabilities to the middle of the infield."
EMU: 2021: Joins the Eagles as an incoming recruit for the 2021 season…HIGH SCHOOL: Played three seasons under Corey Conn as a member of the Lancaster High School Gales…Missed entire 2020 season due to cancellation from COVID-19 pandemic…Helped lead the Gales to two conference and two district championships in 2018 and 2019, respectively…Was a first-team all-conference selection and second team all-state selection in the State of Ohio following his junior season…One of just a handful of LHS players to ever record a 100 hits-or-better in a career…Rated as the No. 2 second baseman in Ohio by Prep Baseball Report…PERSONAL: Full name: Evan Edward Sines…Son of Ed and Amy Sines…Has one brother, Aaron…Major: Exercise science.
Cory Taylor IF R/R 6-2 175 Shelbyville, Ind.-Shelbyville
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Cory is an athletic student-athlete who can do just about anything on and off the field. He comes from a great summer ball organization with the Indiana Prospects. We are looking forward to adding his athleticism and versatility within the team."
EMU: 2021: Joins the Eagles as an incoming recruit for the 2021 season…HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for Shelbyville High School under head coach Royce Carlton…All-America honorable mention…All-State Academic Team honoree…Led the Hoosier Heritage Conference in stolen bases…Also a four-year letterwinner in soccer, garnering an All-Conference selection and two All-State Academic nods…Posted a .898 career fielding percentage for Shelbyville…Finished his high school career with a .278 batting average, including 62 hits and 35 RBIs…PERSONAL: Full name: Cory James Taylor…Son of Pat and Kim Taylor…Has one brother, Tyce…Major: Exercise science.
"I would like to give credit to both assistant coaches, A.J. Achter, our recruiting coordinator, and Jonathan Roof," said Eric Roof. "We have added some athletic position players who can swing the bat, as well as top-end arms who know how to pitch. All nine guys have a high ceiling and it will be fun watching them wear the Green and White!"
The 2020 signing class (2020-21 academic year) includes: Nick Chittum (Grosse Ile, Mich.-Grosse Ile), Gabe Denton (Clare, Mich.-Clare (North Iowa)), Alex Forry (Livonia, Mich.-Franklin), Zach Fruit (Dundee, Mich.-Dundee (Lansing C.C.), Jeremy Fuchs (Canton, Mich.-Plymouth), Mark Kattula (Sterling Heights, Mich.-Stevenson), Will Oberg (Wayzata, Minn.-Wayzata (Heartland)), Evan Sines (Lancaster, Ohio-Lancaster), and Cory Taylor (Shelbyville, Ind.-Shelbyville).
Nick Chittum RHP R/R 6-2 190 Grosse Ile, Mich.-Grosse Ile
A.J. Achter Quote: "Playing for Mario Garza at Grosse Ile High School and Atanas Illitch with the Little Ceasars summer ball program, Nick is a kid who worked his tail off to become not only one of the best prep arms in Michigan, but in the entire country. If not for the shortened MLB draft, Nick had a legitimate chance to be taken by an MLB organization. We are very fortunate that he ended up on campus for us and will be a great addition to our staff."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball program as an incoming recruit for the 2021 season…HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three letters and completed one stint as a team captain as a member of Mario Garza's Grosse Ile Red Devils…Set a single-season school record by recording 72 strikeouts as one of the team's primary pitchers in 2018…Rated the No. 1 overall RHP prospect in the State of Michigan for his class by Prep Baseball Report…Also rated the No. 4 overall player in the state by the same publication…Earned First Team All-Huron League honors on one occasion and was named an honorary participant in the 2020 MHSAA East/West All-Star Game (game canceled due to COVID-19)…PERSONAL: Full name: Nicholas Michael Chittum…Son of Brett and Linda Chittum…Has one sister, Jenna…Major: Exercise science.
Gabe Denton C/IF R/R 6-1 205 Clare, Mich.-Clare (North Iowa)
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Gabe is a student-athlete that will bring over his winning culture and bat from NIACC. We had our eyes on Gabe during the recruiting process for a long time and couldn't be happier that he will be suiting up in the pinstripes."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball program by way of North Iowa Area Community college…NORTH IOWA: Spent two seasons in the Blue and Gold as a Trojan…Played in 51 games during that span, and racked up 43 hits, including nine doubles and nine home runs…Finished with 32 RBIs and a .295 overall batting average, including a .330 mark in 2019, his lone full season with the team…HIGH SCHOOL: Was a four-year letterwinner and three-time captain at Clare High School in mid-Michigan…Hit at a .415 clip during a senior campaign in which the Pioneers went 30-5-1 on the season…Was a three-time all-conference, all-district, and all-region nominee and was also a first-team all-state selection in both 2016 and 2017…Named to the Bay City Times twice, and earned dream team recognition in the Morning Sun publication…Led Clare to a pair of conference and district championships while with the team…PERSONAL: Full name: Gabriel Jeffery Denton…Son of Jeff and Kim Denton…Has two sisters, Abigail and Leah…Major: Sport management.
Alex Forry RHP R/R 6-3 215 Livonia, Mich.-Franklin
A.J. Achter Quote: "Alex was our first commit in the 2020 class and a great get for us. He is a big, physical presence with some power stuff. He comes to us from a great high school and summer program in the Livonia Franklin and the Michigan Bulls."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball team as an incoming freshman recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Played two seasons under Matt Fournier as a member of the Livonia Franklin High School baseball team…Was an all-district, all-region, and all-state recognized pitcher during his time with the Patriots…Rated as the No. 9-overall RHP in Michigan by Prep Baseball Report, and is also considered the No. 27-overall prospect from the Mitten State by the same publication…PERSONAL: Full name: Alexander James Forry…Son of Chris and Carolyn Forry…Has one brother, Matt…Father, Chris, was a member of the EMU men's track and field program from 1987-91...Major: Marketing.
Zach Fruit RHP R/R 6-4 203 Dundee, Mich.-Dundee (Lansing C.C.)
A.J. Achter Quote: "Zach is a local kid who developed into a power arm at Lansing Community College. At LCC, he played for one of our former teammates and former EMU assistant Jordan Keur. With Zach's life on his fastball paired with his ability to spin the baseball, he has a chance to be a crucial piece of our pitching staff this spring."
EMU: 2021: Comes to Eastern Michigan by way of Lansing Community College…LANSING COMMUNITY: Spent two seasons with nearby Lansing Community College, playing one full campaign in 2019 (2020 cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic)…Made 10 appearances and racked-up nearly 30 innings of work as a primary relief pitcher for the Stars…Struck out an impressive 39 batters during his time with LCC…HIGH SCHOOL: Was a three-time letterwinner as a member of the Dundee High School baseball team…Tossed an incredible senior year that included 85 strikeouts and just a 1.38 ERA…Put together an incredible 9-2 record during his senior season…Holds Dundee records for wins as a senior, as is the only pitcher is Dundee history to record a zero-loss conference record on the bump…Was a three-time all-district, two-time all-region, and one-time all-state honoree…Invited to play in the Monroe County All-Star Game following his senior season…PERSONAL: Full name: Zachary Tyler Fruit…Son of Robert and Jessica Fruit…Has two sisters, Adrienne and Amber…Major: Education.
Jeremy Fuchs LHP L/L 6-2 160 Canton, Mich.-Plymouth
A.J. Achter Quote: "Jeremy is the lone LHP in this class for us. He is an ultra-competitive kid with a great feel for filling up the zone and changing speeds. He is a Plymouth High School graduate, same school which produced Anthony Sharkas."
EMU: 2021: Joins the EMU baseball team as an incoming recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for Plymouth High School baseball…Ranked as the No. 3 LHP in Michigan by Prep Baseball Report...Ranked as the No. 4 left-handed pitcher and No. 29 overall player in the state of Michigan by Perfect Game…Also earned two letters in football…Posted a 2.75 ERA in his most recent season for the Wildcats…PERSONAL: Full name: Jeremy Bradley Fuchs…Son of Bradley and Pam Fuchs…Has one brother, Jacob…Major: Criminal justice.
Mark Kattula IF R/R 6-0 210 Sterling Heights, Mich.-Sterling Heights Stevenson
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Mark is a physical student-athlete who leads by example on and off the field. He comes from one of the best summer programs in the state of Michigan in Arsenal Baseball. He will bring a big-time bat with him to EMU. His focus and determination are second-to-none."
EMU: 2021: Joins EMU as an incoming recruit…HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year letterwinner for the Sterling Heights Stevenson High School baseball team…Batted .353 with 42 hits and 25 RBIs in two seasons for the Titans…Also compiled a .441 career OBP…Rated as the No. 1 first baseman and No. 10-overall player in the State of Michigan by Prep Baseball Report…Named to the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game…PERSONAL: Full name: Mark Michael Kattula…Son of Maher and Lilyan Kattula…Has one brother and two sisters…Major: Biochemistry.
Will Oberg IF R/R 6-3 215 Wayzata, Minn.-Wayzata (Heartland)
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Will is a student-athlete transfer coming in from Heartland CC. He will add versatility and a quality bat to the lineup with a physical presence to him. His leadership and work ethic are going to be contagious within the team."
EMU: 2021: Joins EMU by way of Heartland Community College…HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Named a 2020 team captain…Batted .407 in his final season as a Hawk…HIGH SCHOOL: Two-year letterwinner for Wayzata High School under head coach Bobby Dewitt…Two-time Lake Conference champion…Two-time section champion…2016 Minnesota State Champion…All-Conference selection…All-State team and All-State Tournament team honoree…Named to the MSHSL All-Star team…PERSONAL: Full name: Will Oberg…Son of Steve and Marne Oberg…Has one brother, David, and one sister, Lexi…Major: Communications.
Evan Sines IF R/R 6-2 195 Lancaster, Ohio-Lancaster
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Evan is a passionate student-athlete who loves to play the game. We are looking forward to having him bring his worth ethic and defensive capabilities to the middle of the infield."
EMU: 2021: Joins the Eagles as an incoming recruit for the 2021 season…HIGH SCHOOL: Played three seasons under Corey Conn as a member of the Lancaster High School Gales…Missed entire 2020 season due to cancellation from COVID-19 pandemic…Helped lead the Gales to two conference and two district championships in 2018 and 2019, respectively…Was a first-team all-conference selection and second team all-state selection in the State of Ohio following his junior season…One of just a handful of LHS players to ever record a 100 hits-or-better in a career…Rated as the No. 2 second baseman in Ohio by Prep Baseball Report…PERSONAL: Full name: Evan Edward Sines…Son of Ed and Amy Sines…Has one brother, Aaron…Major: Exercise science.
Cory Taylor IF R/R 6-2 175 Shelbyville, Ind.-Shelbyville
Jonathan Roof Quote: "Cory is an athletic student-athlete who can do just about anything on and off the field. He comes from a great summer ball organization with the Indiana Prospects. We are looking forward to adding his athleticism and versatility within the team."
EMU: 2021: Joins the Eagles as an incoming recruit for the 2021 season…HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year letterwinner for Shelbyville High School under head coach Royce Carlton…All-America honorable mention…All-State Academic Team honoree…Led the Hoosier Heritage Conference in stolen bases…Also a four-year letterwinner in soccer, garnering an All-Conference selection and two All-State Academic nods…Posted a .898 career fielding percentage for Shelbyville…Finished his high school career with a .278 batting average, including 62 hits and 35 RBIs…PERSONAL: Full name: Cory James Taylor…Son of Pat and Kim Taylor…Has one brother, Tyce…Major: Exercise science.
Players Mentioned
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