GRAND BLANC - Starting for a state championship team as a freshman gave Nathan Fidelino the realization that there was a good chance college baseball would be in his future.

It is now a reality for the Grand Blanc High School junior, who recently made a commitment to Michigan State.

“It all started my freshman year after winning the state championship at their place,” the second-rated 2024 third baseman in Michigan reflected. “We stayed in contact, I did some camps and they offered a month ago. It got serious maybe six months ago with them getting into their 2024 recruiting class. They said they’d love to have me hit some triples and doubles for them. I accepted a week later.”

A strong ability at the plate is what attracted Michigan State to Fidelino.

“They said as long as you hit we’ll find a spot for you, whether it’s first base, third base or corner outfield,” Fidelino related.

Two other attributes caught the attention of MSU coaches.

“Attitude and work ethic,” the 11th-ranked junior in the state said about what stood out about him to the baseball staff at the Big 10 university in East Lansing.

Central Michigan, Cincinnati and Toledo, along with a few other mid-majors as well as local colleges, had big interest in Fidelino, but the 16-year-old had his sights set on wearing the green-and-white for the Spartans.

“I’ve always been a Michigan State fan and when the opportunity came it was hard to pass up,” Fidelino said. “It’s local and it’s a good school.”

Fittingly, the connection began with Fidelino playing in the state tournament on the home field of the Spartans.

“Going into the playoffs I was slumping,” Fidelino related. “But in the playoffs I hit like .600. I was 2-for-3 or 3-for-4 in the semis and maybe 2-for-3 in the finals. My coach reached out to me after, saying they were interested. It was an ecstatic feeling. It was my first real glimpse of recruitment.”

Even with the promising start, the process was far from stress free according to Fidelino.

“It was stressful waiting to see if this school will offer or wondering if this school will come to see you,” Fidelino pointed out. “It was the pressure of the performance.”

But there was help in getting recognized.

“I went to a lot of PBR showcases and that helped with my ranking,” explained Fidelino, who also credited high school coach Kevin Hobbs with bringing guidance to the process. “The Future Games was a huge help with my recruitment. Coaches got a good chance to see me there.”

The desire to play in college began early.

“From my youth baseball days it’s always been a goal of mine,” Fidelino said of his aspiration to advance to the next level. “When I was eight or nine, I had guys telling me you’re going to make it big and I’m hoping to be able to fulfill that.”

With that in mind, there is an understanding that improvement is necessary.

“The goal is getting better every day,” Fidelino noted. “Trust the process of your work and it will get you there.”

There is one aspect that Fidelino is confident about providing the Michigan State program.

“I feel I will bring good energy to any field that I’m on, so I know I can contribute that,” Fidelino said.

Engineering or psychology will be the major for Fidelino, a 3.2 student at Grand Blanc who was thrilled to make a commitment to his favorite college, which is located an hour from home.

“It’s beyond exciting,” Fidelino related. “It’s a huge relief to be able to play baseball and not have to hit well because scouts are there.”

While college is still nearly two years away, the 6-2 195-pounder can’t help but look ahead to what life will be like at Michigan State.

“I’m excited for the new experience,” Fidelino concluded. “From youth travel baseball to high school baseball, college is the next step. It’s more of a job than the others, but I’m excited for it.”