CINCINNATI - It was about a year ago when college baseball became realistic in the eyes of Chase Herrell.

“I went to a PBR event for Midland and I hit 87,” the 21st-rated 2023 right-handed pitcher in Ohio reflected. “I was like … yeah. I have a shot now.”

The shot became much more following a fall prospect camp at Ohio State.

“I threw well there,” Herrell related. “That’s when they first saw me. We continued to talk after that and it ultimately led to an offer.”

The proposal from OSU came via a phone call.

“I committed on the call when they offered,” Herrell said about accepting a chance to be part of the Big 10 program.

“I loved the coaches,” the Milford High School junior added. “They were great every time I talked to them. I really felt welcome. They have amazing facilities and I feel they can develop me in my career.”

A Louisville fan growing up, the 17-year-old made quite an impression on the Ohio State coaches.

“In talking to the pitching coach at the camp, coach (Mike) Stafford said I was intelligent on the mound and that he liked how I threw the ball,” Herrell noted.

The dream of playing ball in college has been around for some time.

“Since I started playing, baseball has been my first love,” Herrell said. “I’ve always wanted to play at the Division I baseball level and Ohio State gave me that opportunity.”

It did not come without a lot of commitment.

“I put in countless hours of work,” the 57th-ranked 2023 in the state noted. “I’m always in the weight room and always working on my craft.”

Herrell pointed to Alpha Baseball as playing a big role in his improvement.

“They have a good group there,” Herrell said, crediting Greg Williams and Jon Keesling in particular. “They have a great staff and all the guys there create a great atmosphere.”

The recruiting process only got better along the way, according to Herrell.

“I just got more comfortable as time went by playing in front of scouts,” Herrell explained. “That helped a lot as well as playing against good teams.”

The Top Prospect Game at the beginning of summer gave a glimpse of what the 6-3 185-pounder had to show.

“There were a lot of scouts there and I threw well,” Herrell said. “It was great to be seen by everyone.”

Toledo was the second choice of schools according to Herrell, who gave props to being part of the Midland organization.

“I’ve been playing with Midland since I was eight,” Herrell related. “They’ve been a big part of helping me develop.”

While that development has turned into a commitment, the work is far from over.

“I’m still trying to improve everything,” pointed out Herrell, who is now topping out at 88. “I want to get my slider a little harder and get my fastball velo ticked up.”

A health related field like exercise science is being considered as a major by Herrell, who carries a 3.9 GPA.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to focus hard on baseball and being around a bunch of other talented guys,” Herrell said about his future. “I’m ready to get after it with them and start that brotherhood.”

Knowing where the future lies brings a sense of relief.

“It’s a really really good feeling to have the stress off my shoulders,” Herrell concluded. “To be able to find a home is a great great feeling.”