University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gophers Sign Four to 2020 Recruiting Class
11/15/2019 12:39:00 PM | Baseball
MINNEAPOLIS - Head coach John Anderson and the Gopher Baseball coaching staff has announced the signing of four student-athletes to its incoming 2020 recruiting class: outfielder/left-handed pitcher Brett Bateman (Arden Hills, Minn.), left-handed pitcher Noah DeLuga (Lake Zurich, Ill.), catcher Cody Kelly (St. Michael, Minn.) and right-handed pitcher George Klassen (Port Washington, Wis.).
The signing of these four student-athletes for the 2021 season marks one of the smaller classes for Gopher Baseball in recent history, but also represents a change in recruiting proximity as all four players hail from Midwestern roots (two from Minnesota, one from Wisconsin and one from Illinois). Minnesota's previous three classes have featured far more diversity in terms of location, paving the way for a Gopher roster that sports the most out-of-state players in program history. In these classes, Minnesota plucked prospects from as far west as Washington and Colorado, spreading all the way to the southeast with the likes of Georgia.
The current 2020 class has a chance to grow in size as the roster is set to lose just one senior in Jordan Kozicky, but as many as 15 Gophers are eligible for the 2020 MLB Draft this upcoming June. For now, the Maroon and Gold adds depth on the mound and on the field with two left-handed pitchers and an outfielder (Bateman represents the only two-way player in this class), a catcher and a right-handed pitcher.
"This class was tricky because we have so many draft-eligible players this coming spring and didn't want to flood the roster with more than we can handle. All in all, this class might be small but it's very, very talented," said recruiting coordinator Patrick Casey. "All four of these guys can make their mark right away. Each of them is not only a standout on the field, but in the classroom as well. We feel very good about keeping our recruiting classes small and putting an emphasis on the guys we have coming in. I'm excited about this group and the impact they can make on our program and at the University of Minnesota."
Minnesota's previous two recruiting classes have been highly touted and ranked among the nation's most elite, with the 2018 class labeled as the 37th best in the country and tops in the Big Ten Conference. The 2019 class was ranked 54th in the nation and third in the Big Ten Conference by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. As one of only five Power Five schools in the country with all eligible players penciled in to return in 2020 (no transfers), Minnesota sports one of the strongest Academic Progress Rates in the country at 1.000, to go along with a 94 percent graduation rate.
"I'm very proud and excited to announce our 2020 recruiting class that will be joining the Gopher Baseball family. Not only are these very talented individuals, but they also have a strong desire to wear the 'M' and continue our history and tradition of excellence here at the University of Minnesota," said Anderson. We believe, as a coaching staff, that we addressed our needs accordingly, adding high-end pitching and key position players to complement our offense. This is a talented class with an exciting future and a chance to make an immediate impact on our program. I feel this is a committed and passionate group of young men who understand our team 'WHY' and they embody the personal values and intangibles that will fit seamlessly into our culture. I look forward to welcoming them to campus in the fall of 2020 and mentoring each of them as we help prepare them for the next 50 years of their lives."
Brett Bateman
| Position: OF/LHP | Height: 5-10 | Weight: 170 | Bat/Throws: L/L Hometown: Arden Hills, Minnesota | High School: Mounds View Scouting Report: Centerfielder with exceptional skills, speed and high-end hitting ability |
One of the top two-way players in the Midwest, Brett Bateman heads to the U after a stellar prep career at Mounds View High School as a three-sport athlete. As a three-year starter in centerfield for the Mustangs, the Arden Hills native has compiled a .468 average over the past two seasons in the ultra-competitive Suburban East Conference to go along with 73 hits, 84 total bases, 50 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 53 games played. As a sophomore, Bateman helped the Mustangs capture the Section 5AAAA title en route to a berth in the 2018 Minnesota State High School Tournament. As an All-Section and Suburban East All-Conference Honorable Mention selection, the speedy leadoff hitter paced the offense with a .387 average (29-for-75) to go along with 34 total bases, 21 runs and nine steals while logging 27 innings on the mound with 36 strikeouts and two saves.
This past spring, Bateman broke out as one of the best overall players in Minnesota, posting a state-best .484 average with 44 hits, which was tops among all players. In addition, Bateman tallied 50 total bases, six doubles, 30 runs scored and nine stolen bases. On the mound, the southpaw went 3-1 with a program-record 0.38 ERA in 18 innings pitched to go along with 26 strikeouts and one save. In the process, Bateman helped lead Mounds View to the State High School Tournament. Also a finalist for the Pioneer Press Player of the Year Award, Bateman was honored as All-Section, Suburban East All-Conference, All-Area and named to the Star Tribune All-Metro Second Team as a junior.
In the summer, Bateman competes for the Tri-City American Legion program where he has excelled as both a centerfielder and a pitcher. In 2018, he led the team in hitting with a .404 average (59-for-146) to go along with 39 runs scored and 21 stolen bases. This past summer, he posted a state-best .471 average with 48 hits, one home run, seven doubles, 37 runs and 13 stolen bases (all team bests). On the mound, Bateman accumulated a 5-1 record with a 1.18 ERA in 30 innings pitched, amassing 52 strikeouts while being named the Tri-City Reds Most Valuable Player and Runner-Up for the Fourth District MVP.
As a five-time academic award winner in baseball, basketball and soccer, Bateman has also been a three-time participant for Team USA at the National Team Identification Series (NTIS). In addition, he was ranked as the No. 1 overall outfielder and No. 6 player overall in Minnesota by Prep Baseball Report (PBR).
Brett is the son of Keith and Laura Bateman, the former of which is currently the head baseball coach at Augsburg University. He also has one younger sister, Kaylee, who plays volleyball at Mounds View. At Minnesota, Bateman plans to major in Atmospheric Sciences with the intention of going into meteorology.
Schools Also Considered: Michigan, Illinois, Creighton, Southern Mississippi
Brett Bateman on why he chose Minnesota: "I chose the University of Minnesota because it's home for me. I've grown up a fan of all Minnesota sports. From the Twins to the Wild, Minnesota has always been in my blood. The campus is unbelievable and it felt like home to me. I've always wanted to represent my state and play close to my family. At Minnesota, I can do both. The coaching staff is unbelievable and the tradition at the U of M is like no other."
Assistant Coach Brandon Hunt on Brett Bateman: "We couldn't be more excited to add Brett to the Gopher Baseball family! He is without question one of the most well-rounded and exciting players in the state of Minnesota, and we cannot wait to see him wear the Maroon and Gold. Gopher fans are going to love watching Brett's speed, athleticism and Baseball IQ as these traits will provide an immediate impact to our 2021 roster. Brett's play will remind Gopher fans of former centerfield greats, JT Bruett and Charlie Nelson."
Noah DeLuga
| Position: LHP | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180 | Bat/Throws: L/L Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois | High School: Lake Zurich Scouting Report: Three-quarters slot left-handed pitcher with tremendous command of three pitches that he can throw in any count |
DeLuga heads to Gold Country after an outstanding prep career as a multi-sport athlete at Lake Zurich High School (Illinois) where he lettered in both baseball (four years) and basketball (three years). Having been named a North Suburban – Lake All-Conference player in 2018 and 2019, DeLuga also received All-Area Illinois honors in both years as well. As a sophomore, he posted a 3-3 mark on the mound to go along with a 2.36 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched. As a junior, the Lake Zurich native led the Bears in wins (four), ERA (1.40), innings pitched (44) and strikeouts (78) for the second consecutive season, earning him his second team Cy Young Award in as many years.
In addition to his achievements on the mound, DeLuga has also been a mainstay in the middle of the lineup for Lake Zurich, serving as an outfielder, first baseman and designated hitter. Over the previous two seasons, he posted 31 hits (eight for extra bases), two home runs and 21 RBI to help lead the Bears to 34 wins overall, including a 22-10 mark this past spring.
DeLuga was ranked by PBR as the No. 13 overall player in Illinois and No. 286 nationally. Meanwhile, Perfect Game ranked DeLuga the No. 36 overall player and the fourth-best left-handed pitcher in Illinois, while nationally ranking him inside their Top 500 as the No. 104 left-handed pitcher in the country. As a 2019 Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American, he was named to the WWBA Prospect Meadows and National Championship All-Tournament Teams this past summer. During this time, DeLuga posted a 0.40 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched for the Lake Zurich Lightning.
Not only does DeLuga raise eyebrows on the field, but he impresses off the field as well. As a four-year Academic Honor Roll student, he is a member of the Athlete Leadership Team and a leader of the F.A.M.E program. At Minnesota, DeLuga plans to major in Sport Management with a minor in Finance. He is the son of Rick and Melissa DeLuga and has two sisters, Ashley and Lindsey.
Schools Also Considered: Northwestern, Indiana, Missouri State, Xavier, Yale, Miami (Ohio), Illinois State
Noah DeLuga on why he chose Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota because it truly made me feel like I was home. The combination of the outstanding coaching staff and the traditions of Gopher Baseball made it an even easier decision. Minnesota is the perfect fit for me to achieve my academic, baseball and life goals and I cannot wait to be a Gopher."
Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt on Noah DeLuga: "Noah is a three-quarters slot left-handed pitcher with tremendous command of three pitches that he can throw in any count. A basketball player and two-way player in high school, Noah displays the high level of athleticism we look for on the mound. He has a repertoire that consists of a low 90's fastball with late life and a very good breaking ball that is complemented by a plus changeup. His delivery, deceptiveness and competitiveness will remind Gopher fans of Jordan Jess. We fully expect him to continue to develop physically and help us early and often his freshman year."
Cody Kelly
| Position: C | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 180 | Bat/Throws: L/R Hometown: St. Michael, Minn. | High School: Albertville Scouting Report: Versatile and athletic catcher with an advanced approach at the plate |
With his commitment to the Maroon and Gold, Cody will join older brother Jack Kelly as a part of the Gopher Baseball family for the 2021 season. One of the top position players in the country, the St. Michael native will finish his prep career at Albertville as one of the best players in school history. Over the past four seasons, Kelly has amassed a .466 batting average (130-for-279) to go along with five homers, 33 doubles, 111 RBI, 77 runs scored and 194 total bases in 96 games.
As a five-year starter for the Knights on the diamond, Kelly has also been a four-year starter and two-time team captain in hockey as a defenseman. On the ice, Kelly scored seven goals and compiled 32 assists in 74 games throughout his career. In 2017-2018, Kelly helped lead St. Michael to a 20-win season and a trip to the Minnesota AA State Hockey Tournament. As a two-time First Team All-State and All-Area selection in baseball, Kelly will begin his senior season looking to break numerous Minnesota state records.
Already ninth in state history for most career RBI (111), Kelly has finished in the top-10 in the state the past three seasons for most hits, RBI and batting average. As a sophomore, Kelly led the Knights to the AAAA State Tournament and finished as the best overall hitter in the state, posting a .506 average to go along with two home runs, 11 doubles, three triples, 41 total hits, 39 RBI and 64 total bases. By season's end, he was named First Team All-Metro as the only sophomore to be nominated and finished as a finalist for the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year. Additionally, Kelly has been honored as a three-year Mississippi 8 All-Conference selection and two-time team MVP for the Knights. Last spring, his second season as team captain, Kelly finished with a .403 average to go along with three triples, seven doubles, 26 RBI and 66 total bases.
In the summer, Kelly has played for former Golden Gophers Tom Buske and Andy Henkemeyer with the Minnesota MASH and most recently for the Seattle Mariners Scout Team. As a 2019 Preseason Underclass All-American (High Honorable Mention) by Perfect Game, Kelly has been named to three different All-Tournament teams the past two summers while posting a .341 average with three home runs, two triples, six doubles, 24 RBI, 23 runs and 14 stolen bases against national competition.
Ranked as one of the best players in the country, Kelly checks in as a top-500 overall prospect and No. 133 ranked catcher in the nation by Perfect Game. PBR ranks Kelly as the top overall catcher in Minnesota and nationally ranks him as the No. 37 catcher and No. 410 overall prospect in the country.
At Minnesota, Kelly plans to major in Business within the Carlson School of Management. He is the son of John and Becki Kelly and has one younger sister, Bailey, who plays volleyball at St. Michael-Albertville.
Schools Also Considered: Missouri, Vanderbilt, Long Beach State, North Carolina, Clemson, Illinois, Northwestern, Mississippi State, Michigan
Cody Kelly on why he chose Minnesota: "The coaching staff is one of the best in the country and the culture they have built is phenomenal. They preach the importance of other things outside of baseball and have incorporated a family-like culture which allows everyone to grow and become better people for their future endeavors."
Assistant Coach Patrick Casey on Cody Kelly: "We couldn't be more excited to have Cody as a part of the Gopher Baseball family. Cody will immediately complement our lineup with his advanced approach, athleticism and immense upside at the plate. He's one of the finest hitters we've evaluated at the high school level and has the capability to be a premium player right away as a freshman. Obviously, Cody will remind Gopher fans of his older brother, Jack, but he also has many similarities to former Gopher great Mike Mee, with his ability to hit to all fields with power. Cody is very versatile and athletic. He will be able to catch for us and also play the infield and outfield if need be. We proudly welcome the entire Kelly family to Gopher Baseball, including his mother Becki, father John and sister Bailey!"
George Klassen
| Position: RHP | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 170 | Bat/Throws: R/R Hometown: Port Washington, Wis. | High School: Port Washington Scouting Report: Athletic right-handed pitcher with an incredibly quick arm and a fastball that touches 94-95 mph |
One of the most highly-touted prospects in the country, Klassen is set to don the Maroon and Gold after exploding onto the scene this past year, garnering All-American honors as one of the top prep pitchers in the nation.
Klassen plays summer baseball for Greg Reinhardt of the GRB Rays and the Midwest Reds Scout Team, where he has posted a 5-2 mark over the last three seasons with 38 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. He has been named to six All-Tournament teams by Perfect Game, in addition to being named a Third Team All-American. In August, he was selected to compete in the 2019 All-American Classic as one of the top-50 high school players in the country.
Ranked as the No. 1 overall pitcher in the state of Wisconsin by Perfect Game and the No. 2 overall player, Klassen comes in as the No. 23 right-handed pitcher in the country and the No. 77 overall player while also receiving a perfect 10 prospect grade. PBR tabbed Klassen as the No. 2 overall pitcher in Wisconsin and the No. 130 pitcher in the country.
Klassen finished his junior season as one of the top hurlers in the state of Wisconsin and was named North Shore All-Conference Honorable Mention. By season's end, the right-hander accumulated 56 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched, allowing only 10 hits. At the plate, he finished with a team-best 25 hits in 27 games played, with a .362 average to go along with one homer, one triple, five doubles, 16 RBI and eight stolen bases.
The Port Washington star turned in two of his best performances in back-to-back starts on May 2 and May 14, when he worked five innings apiece against West Bend and Cedarburg. In these two starts, Klassen scattered a mere three hits with zero runs allowed while striking out 11 and 12 batters in each start, respectively.
Apart from his accolades on the diamond, Klassen has also lettered in track & field the previous two years, competing in the 400-meter and hurdles. Klassen is the son of Jim and Lani Klassen. His sister, Sarah, currently attends the University of Minnesota.
Schools Also Considered: Vanderbilt, Arizona State, Miami, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Oregon, Michigan, Washington, North Carolina State, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana
George Klassen on why he chose Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota because I felt that it was the best fit for me out of all the choices I had. I also have high respect for the reputation of the coaching staff and the history of the program. I feel that Minnesota will help further develop my baseball career as well as help me grow as a person."
Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt on George Klassen: "George is a long, athletic right-handed pitcher with an incredibly quick arm and a fastball that works in the low-to-mid 90's, touching 94-95 mph. From a talent perspective, this is one of the highest caliber arms we have ever recruited. He will immediately remind Gopher fans of Max Meyer. As is consistent with our pitching recruits, George displays a high level of athleticism, having also run track in high school, but more so, he's a proven winner and a high character individual who will add strong leadership to our program. We are excited to have George on campus and feel he will develop quickly into a frontline starter."