HAMILTON — Badin High School senior right-handed pitcher Brett McKinney has verbally committed to pitch for Ohio State University next year.
McKinney said he was deciding between OSU and Miami, but the Buckeyes’ persistence won out in the end.
“Their coaches were constantly calling and sending e-mails,” he said. “And when I went up there to visit, I really liked the facilities. It’s a first-class atmosphere up there. Everything they do is first class.”
The son of Chuck and Melanie McKinney, of Hanover Township, Brett has a career varsity record of 19-3 with four saves. He has struck out 132 batters in 144 innings and has an ERA of 1.60.
“The (OSU) coaches told me I would definitely come in and play right away,” McKinney said. “Whether it’s as a starter or in relief, they don’t know. But I will get a chance to pitch right away.”
As for his studies, McKinney said he is unsure what field he wants to pursue.
“That was another thing I liked about Ohio State, they have an exploratory program where I take my basic classes in addition to some classes in different majors just to see what I like and what I might want to do,” he said.
As excited as he is about his future, McKinney said he’s fully focused on the present.
The 24-1 Badin baseball team will play in a Division III sectional championship game Monday at 5 p.m. against Clinton-Massie, and McKinney will be on the mound looking for his 20th career prep win.
He’s also been one of the Rams’ biggest offensive weapons, hitting .486 with team-high totals of five home runs and 36 RBIs.
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