A Wildcat is turning into a Monarch.
2011 Oxford High School graduate Keith Paslean has signed his letter of intent to play college baseball with Macomb Community College this fall.
‘I’m real excited to continue playing,? Paslean said. ‘They had a really good year this year, finishing second in their league, so I am excited to go to a winning program.?
Paslean, a right-handed starting pitcher for the Wildcats, has a 2.52 Earned Run Average this season. During his four years on varsity, Paslean was a member of the 2008 district champions, was named to the All Flint Metro League in 2010, was a all North-Oakland County preseason top 10 player in 2010 and 2011 and was named team captain in 2011.
‘He is a hard worker and the coach down there is getting a great kid,? varsity baseball coach Jeff Willis said. ‘He is sound academically and athletically. He is the type of player you want in your program, whether it is little league, high school or college.?
Paslean said he chose the MCC Monarchs because he wanted to continue to improve before heading on and playing college baseball at a division one school.
‘Velocity is the big thing to improve on for me,? he said. ‘If I can get around 85-86 (miles per hour), I know other parts of my game will match up to division one level.?
He hopes to one day play for Oakland University.
Paslean said during talks he had with staff and coaches at Oakland, they encouraged him to play for a couple of years at MCC, saying in a few years he could come and play for the Golden Grizzles.
MCC baseball head coach Joe Santilli did not return phone calls and e-mails seeking comment on Paslean’s signing.
Willis has every confidence Paslean will be able to contribute to the team the moment he steps onto MCC’s campus.
‘He is the type of kid that will be a contributor even if he is sitting on the bench,? Willis said. ‘He is positive, he brings good morale, he has good leadership qualities.?
‘He is not a loud kid, but his actions will speak for themselves,? Willis said.