By Mike Penn
Michigan Director of Scouting

The recruiting road is often long and not always easy to navigate.  Moments of frustration can certainly set in. 

Ben Balgaard (Howell HS) was no exception to those frustrations.

Balgaard saw early interest from some big schools primarily because of his experience at the Midwest Futures Games. In his words "the Midwest Futures Games was the single most enjoyable and important showcase I've ever been to."

But interest never turned into offers, and Balgaard started to refine his decision making.

For Balgaard, being "needed" was a major factor in his decision.  He wanted good academics and a good program, but as a competitor he wanted to play right away as opposed to perhaps red-shirting his freshman year.

"My recruiting process started my sophomore year with heavy Division I interest. As time went on, however, I was able to narrow the search down to the schools that really wanted and needed me."

Ultimately he settled on Northwood University.  He and the coaching staff both feel that he should make an immediate impact on the team, perhaps even getting a chance to start if he earns the spot.

"I feel a ton lighter having the commitment out of the way. Now I am able to focus all my attention on school and baseball. I've always performed my best when I played loose. Having the college choice out of the way will allow me to enjoy my final high school season a lot more."