Commitment Q&A with Missouri State Commit Michael Callahan
January 25, 2024
As a sophomore, Callahan played a key all-around role for a Lafayette squad that won their District. He hit .311 with a .423 on-base percentage across 126 plate appearances, swiping 26 bags while being caught just twice. Additionally, given his athleticism and run tool, Callahan provided valuable defense in the outfield for the Lancers.
We came away even more impressed with Callahan at the St. Louis Top Prospect Games in June, where he was arguably the day's top prospect in attendance. He darted his way to a 6.72 60-yard dash, was up to 89 mph from the outfield, and also took an exceptionally impressive round of BP. Callahan averaged 94.1 mph per batted ball on this day, peaking at 97.3 mph, with a 100% sweet spot rate and 363 ft. max batted distance.
Perhaps Callahan's most impressive showing though came on the largest scale, as he was truly a standout performer for Team Missouri at the PBR Future Games in late July. Aside from a strong workout day - 6.61 60, 88 mph outfield velocity, 95.6 mph max exit velocity - Callahan reached base safely in all three of Team Missouri's games. He swiped double-digit bags in that span and also made a handful of quality plays with the glove in the outfield.
A few months after the event, Callahan announced his commitment to Missouri State. Recently we spoke with him about his recruiting process as a whole, why he chose the in-state Bears, and more - all of which you can find below.
OUR Q&A
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Callahan: I expected to just get phone calls and begin building relationships with a few schools, but after the Future Games the amount of phone calls surprised me. I realized that I had to focus on schools that would meet my needs academically and as an athlete. I also wanted to find a school that I could have the opportunity to compete for playing time my freshman year instead of sitting for two years and not playing at all.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Callahan: Yes, I wanted to be far enough away that I felt like I could learn to live on my own and make my own decisions, but also be close enough that I could go back and see my parents within a day of driving. Then also it was important to me that they could attend as many games as possible.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?
Callahan: The whole recruiting process started heating up and began August 1st right after the Future Games. The first place that Missouri state saw me play was when I went to their hitting clinic in late January, which then led to them seeing me at a few out of town tournaments.
PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Callahan: What I really liked most was the fact that I felt comfortable talking to all of the coaches the second I met them. Then also right when I stepped on campus, it immediately made me feel like I was at home. The programs history of success and player development was also a big factor.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Callahan: SLU, Valparaiso, Lindenwood.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?
Callahan: As a Hitter vs Pitcher competition I would say JD Dohrmann (Vianney, 2025). The reason is his ability to throw a fastball on your hands and then throwing a nasty off speed from the same arm slot that dives across the plate.
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
Callahan: It was my 8th grade year when I recognized I had the ability. This inspired me to work hard to be ready my freshmen year. When i saw that I could compete with upper classmen that was big time confidence boost that really got me motivated and confident that I could play at the next level.
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
Callahan: Always bet on yourself and don't let anyone tell you that you won't make it. If you work hard enough you can master every skill you need to be able to compete at the next level. It is really important to get into the weight-room as much as you possible. The more muscle you add the greater your performance will be.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Callahan: The most memorable moment so far has been throwing out the winning run in the District Championship against Vianney last year. I was struggling at the plate that day, but I was able to keep my head in it. I've learned over the years that you can impact the game in so many ways, so you need to be mentally in it when time comes.
PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?
Callahan: I feel really confident in our team this year. We are returning over half of our starting line-up. We have multiple pitchers who can be consistent in the strike zone and have great guys behind them they can trust. Our guys are hungry because we were so close last year. I also believe Coach DuPont and his staff will have us prepared and ready to make a run at state.
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