COLUMBUS - A pair of PBR showcases helped bring a connection between Emmett Gillies and Akron. The end result is a commitment by the Bishop Hartley senior to the Mid-American Conference school.

“They first gained interest in me at the Arsenal PBR Scout Day,” Gillies said in reference to the February event. “After I put up some good numbers they reached out. I sent them some film and then I ended up going to the Top Prospect Games. They were there, liked what they saw and ended up offering not long after that.”

The 25th-rated 2022 right-handed pitcher in Ohio admits to uncertainty prior to the two events.

“With Arsenal I didn’t know what my numbers were,” Gillies reflected. “I was just hoping they weren’t terrible but they ended up 89 (best at the Scout Day). I didn’t know I could do that. Then at the Top Prospect Games there were a lot of coaches there. I’d never been in that kind of environment. It was a really good experience going to that.”

It helped solidify in his mind the idea of playing at the next level.

“I’ve always wanted to play college baseball since I was a little kid,’ explained Gillies, the 11th-rated uncommitted 2022 RHP in Ohio prior to his commitment to Akron. “I’ve always wanted to keep playing as long as I can with how much I love the sport.

“After the PBR Scout Day I knew I was going to play in college. I knew then I could play at a high level with how much I’ve improved.”

Gaining 25 pounds has proven beneficial according to the 6-3 175-pounder.

“I’ve been in the weight room trying to add weight,” related Gillies, who a year ago tipped the scales at 150. “That’s helped the velo on my fastball and what Akron wants me to keep doing.”

The ability to keep improving is a big part of what Akron likes in the 79th-ranked senior in the state.

“The like how much I have to grow,” Gillies pointed out. “They like my projectability with my fastball and my offspeed.”

The 17-year-old sees more improvement ahead.

“I definitely can improve on my changeup,” Gillies admitted. “I’d like to make it my go-to pitch in the future.”

Eastern Michigan, Charleston (W. Va.) and Memphis were others talking with Gillies before Akron moved to the front.

“The coaches at Akron really made me feel welcome,” explained Gillies, who visited the school a few weeks before commiting. “They were always checking up on me. When I was there I liked the campus and the environment seemed really good. The layout was awesome. It all was accessible and easy to get to from where I’d be in a dorm. The facilities were nice and the indoor fieldhouse and dorms were also pretty nice.”

Gillies pointed to a pair of coaches in particular with playing a major role in his baseball journey to college.

“Multiple coaches in the Arsenal organization helped me out a lot,” Gillies said. “My summer coach, Brian Glonski, put in so much time with me and the Arsenal coach above me with 18U, Andrew Westbrook, has so many contacts.”

Gillies, who carries a 3.7 GPA and plans to major in finance management at Akron, which is located two hours from his home in Columbus, is anxious to make a quick impact in the MAC program.

“Hopefully, I’ll be a strong starter, get a lot of innings in and go deep into games in the future,” Gillies said of what he hopes to bring Akron.

Becoming a Division I college athlete is admittedly a dream come true.

“This means a lot to me,” Gillies said. “It doesn’t mean I don’t have to work just as hard now as I’ve been doing, but it’s just a really nice feeling to obtain something I’ve always wanted to do.”

It brings a feeling of happiness for everyone.

“There’s a lot of excitement for me, I’m pretty proud,” Gillies said. “My parents are so happy for me and they’re also excited and proud.”