Commitment Corner: 2022 LHP Michael Kennedy (Troy)

Michael Kennedy LHP / 1B / Troy , NY / 2022

PBR: Tell us about your commitment (where). Why did you choose this school? What are you most looking forward to when you step on campus?  

Kennedy: I am committed to Louisiana State University. There are many reasons a lot bigger than baseball that made me pick this school over the others.  One of them being the coaches, I was able to build a strong relationship with each and every one of the coaches. Along with that the major I want to pick is kinesiology and they have some of the best trainers/mentors for that. I am extremely intrigued with learning about how the human body works, especially after I rehabbed from my ACL year at 12 years old. One final reason was because of the location, Baton Rouge had a superb environment and the entire LSU nation wants to win and build winners. Overall it had the least amount of things I didn’t like. I often tell kids who are getting recruited to look for the things they don’t like, because otherwise they will be blinded to the red flags by all the pretty facilities and words they throw at you.

PBR: How is your off-season training progressing?

Kennedy: My training has been phenomenal, my trainer at Corvino Performance has allowed for me to get back in the weight room since I was 13 and I haven’t looked back. My velo has jumped considerably as I was 83-86 at the Call to the Hall and then in 3 months I was 87-90.  Along with velocity he puts me out of my comfort zone which is what I love to do. Most humans only allow themselves to go to 40% physical capacity because their brain tells them to stop. I want to break that rule and become the best I can every day.  Along with physically training and developing I’ve been reading every night and connecting better with my mind. Breathing exercises and mind body connection allows for me to be the best I can every day. Two books I recommend are “Can’t Hurt Me” and “You are a Badass.”

PBR: Do you have any experience with PBR? If yes, how was your experience?

Kennedy: PBR was always welcoming and thoughtful for each and every player at the events I’ve participated in.  Whether you were being looked at as a top-level player or not, all players received the same opportunity to showcase their skills.  They are also able to genuinely reach out to you and talk to you through social media which some other big companies like PBR won't do.

PBR: Who is your biggest influence, both on the field and off?

Kennedy: My biggest influence is my Uncle who passed away from throat cancer, he is my why, my driving force to stay on the right track.  Before he passed he wrote me a letter to become the best I can be. So every day I try to follow through for him and myself.

PBR: What goals do you have for 2021 HS Season?

Kennedy: For the 2021 HS season I hope to better not only myself but the people around me the best I can. I want to continue learning how to be a good leader on and off the field.