Vanderbilt Always The Dream For LaFine

UNIONTOWN - Noah LaFine had plans to go to Omaha this year but it never happened after the baseball season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

However, the Hoban freshman believes a trip to Omaha could be in his future after making a commitment to Vanderbilt.

“Vanderbilt has been my number one school for as long as I can remember,” LaFine reflected. “Seeing them play in the College World Series (in 2019) was awesome. I’ve always dreamed of playing in Omaha and with the great program at Vanderbilt I have a good chance.”

The number one-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in Ohio began talking with the defending national champions this summer.

“They saw me at some big tournaments such as the PBR Future Games,” noted LaFine. “I had a good connection with the pitching coach and really liked everything about it ... the coaching staff, how they run practice and that the teams are always good. I’m very competitive and want to win. As a pitcher, I want good defense and good hitters on my side.”

Vanderbilt likes the projection of the 5-10 150-pound 15-year-old.

“They see me as a starter,” LaFine said. “I’m not overly huge, but they like that I have a quick arm.”

The idea of playing college baseball at such a high level has been there for some time.

“It’s always been a dream to go D-I, especially to the SEC,” LaFine related. “That’s another reason I like Vanderbilt. It’s been my number one school since I started playing baseball.”

Three years ago LaFine began to believe playing at the next level was realistic.

“In sixth grade is when I really started standing out as a pitcher,” pointed out LaFine. “Going to tournaments and comparing myself with other kids, I could see I was more advanced and I began to think I had a shot at going to Vanderbilt.”

Making strides during a spring season without baseball proved beneficial in making that quest a reality.

“Over the quarantine I wasn’t going to take a break,” LaFine noted. “I saw it as a time I could fix some mechanics. I noticed I wasn’t pushing off my back leg and worked on that.”

A velo that was at 82 in December has now reached 89.

“That was Memorial Day weekend,” LaFine said of when he hit his top velocity mark. “It was awesome to see a new PR. That’s always a good feeling.”

More improvement is in the plans.

“There are some things I think I can work on to improve,” LaFine noted. “My offspeed is good, but it can get better. I also want to start working out more. I’ve not actually done that, but I’m going to start that this offseason.”

Approximately 30 schools had made contact with LaFine during his recruitment, including Power Five programs Miami, Arizona State, Duke, Alabama, Clemson and Louisville. In-state schools Cincinnati and Ohio State also had an interest before Vanderbilt won out.

“I always knew Vanderbilt was my number one choice,” LaFine said about making the decision at such a young age. “Prior to getting an offer, I always said if Vanderbilt gave me a good offer I’d jump at it. Once it came, I jumped on it.”

The offer came while LaFine was checking out the university.

“I went last Saturday,” LaFine said of his trip on Sept. 21. “I really liked the atmosphere of the campus and how it’s connected to Nashville. I always wanted to go to a college in a big city.”

His commitment came two days after the offer.

“My mom wasn’t with me when I went there so I wanted to wait to be around my parents when I accepted,” LaFine explained.

It brought an end to a recruiting process that was highlighted by participation in the Future Games.

“It was awesome to represent Ohio on such a big stage with so many scouts watching,” LaFine said. “It was cool how they put all the cameras on us and had drones flying around and a podcaster talking when you’re pitching. That was really cool.”

LaFine pointed to Jeff Tobaka, his pitching coach since fourth grade, as a big influence in helping get his game where it is today.

“He used to pitch in the majors so he knows what he’s talking about,” noted LaFine, who admittedly is happy to have his college future home decided.

“I’m very excited and very grateful to receive an offer from Vanderbilt, which in a lot of people’s eyes is the best program in the country,” LaFine said. “This means a lot. I remember the first year I was pitching, I wasn’t the best so I tried to work harder than everyone else to be the best. You have to put the work in to become the best.

“Now I look forward to playing at Vanderbilt with such a good coaching staff behind me. It’s a good place to call home.”