Amelung Brings High Character And Strong Work Ethic To BG

POWELL - Bowling Green is the perfect match for Brock Amelung.

“I fit their mold from a character and work ethic standpoint,” the Olentangy Liberty senior pointed out. “That was something I was hoping to find and that’s what attracted me to BG.”

It is also part of what Bowling Green coaches like about the 17th-rated 2023 right-handed pitcher in the state.

“They like the way I pitch and my arm action, and really the type of person I am along with my athletic talent,” Amelung explained. “I’m the type of person they wanted. I do the right things and that fits what they’re trying to do there.”

A connection with the Mid-American Conference school began nearly a year ago.

“One of my coaches I grew up with, Jimmy Onate, got me in contact with (head) coach (Kyle) Hallock and I went to a camp there in October of 2021,” Amelung reflected. “That’s when I first talked with them. I did well this past spring and in the summer they came to see me twice. The offer came on a visit in early August and I accepted the next day. I really like coach Hallock and the coaching staff there.”

The 6-2 180-pounder had a lot of help in finding a perfect home for the future.

“I didn’t go to too many camps, for me it was about connections that my coaches have,” Amelung noted. “My high school head coach, Ty Brenning, helped a lot with my development and getting me connected with college coaches. My high school pitching coach, Jarod Yoakam, and Brad Goldberg, who gave me private lessons, helped me develop in all aspects of pitching.

“Coach Dan Moss, my summer coach, helped a lot with connections and getting guys out to see me in the summer,” Amelung added. “Jimmy Onate, my former high school coach and my Bo Jackson Elite coach who I’ve known growing up, helped a ton with connecting me with guys and helping me with the mental side of the game. He’s a great guy who has done a lot for me.”

There was more that proved beneficial for the 45th-ranked senior in Ohio.

“PBR was great in promoting me heavily after my velo jump,” Amelung related. “You can also use them as a resume for coaches to take a look at you.”

The recruiting process did have some difficult times, however.

“The stressful part was guys standing back there watching you throw,” Amelung admitted. “Seeing other guys committing was also tough, wondering when it was going to be my time. I just stayed the course and it all came to happen.”

Improvement definitely benefited the cause.

“Last summer I was 80 to 83 and not putting up big numbers,” Amelung noted. “I just kept working with Brad Goldberg throughout the fall and winter to clean up some things, worked in the weight room and became more explosive. Gaining weight and all of that contributed to the big jump. By developing a bigger arm, I was putting up higher numbers and hit 88 in the bullpen. Then I went to a PBR in February and hit 90 and everything exploded.”

The 17-year-old is confident about what he can provide BG on the field and off.

“I’m a good student that’s not going to get in trouble,” Amelung explained. “Academics are super important to me. They’re going to get a guy who comes in and grinds every day, someone who focuses on details and analyzes things. I also think I’ll be a great culture guy there with what they’re trying to bring in.”

Pre-med is the scholastic plan for Amelung, a 4.1 student who will major in biology.

“Making a commitment was a relief for sure,” Amelung said. “It feels good to know from a baseball and academic standpoint where I’m going. I feel super fortunate and thankful to have been in the recruiting process, not everyone has a chance to do that. But it’s a grind. You just have to stay level-headed and focus on what you can control.”