It was a banner day in January for the Fairfield baseball program.
The team saw four of its seniors hold a mega signing day Friday afternoon at the high school representing three baseball programs getting Falcons at the next level.
Keegan Miller, Landon Miller, Michael Slabaugh and Cohen Yoder all held their formal ceremonies together, the Millers both signing with Indiana Tech, Slabaugh to Huntington University and Yoder to Glen Oaks Community College.
“I just left this up to the kids, asked them is there somewhere you think you might want to go and then started communications with those coaches that, hey, we have players interested. What do you think?,” stated Fairfield baseball head coach Darin Kauffman, who noted the four signings is likely the most any Fairfield baseball program has had from one team. “We got a lot of calls on our kids, but then it’s not just about baseball, but what do you want to do after baseball and job or career they want to proceed with.
“We went through it with Alec (Hershberger) last year, and it’s cool to see our program have this many kids make it to the next level, but also the number of people who have asked about them.”
Landon Miller, Indiana Tech, sports medicine major
Accolades: All-NECC 2023
Key numbers as a pitcher: 4-1, 2 saves, 38 K in 34 IP, 1.21 ERA; as a hitter 14 RBI in 78 plate appearances
Thoughts on joining the Warriors: “I’ve grown up playing baseball with coaches who wanted us to play good, quality opponents. I think that’s helped me prepare to play at Indiana Tech. The coaches have helped me become a player who can compete at the college level.”
Keegan Miller, Indiana Tech, business entrepreneurship major
Accolades: All-NECC 2023
Key numbers as a pitcher: 8-1, 2 CG, 76 K in 55 IP, 2.40 ERA; as a hitter: .329 BA, 22 R, 24 RBI, 5 3B
Thoughts on the Fairfield brotherhood preparing him for Indiana Tech: “We’ve been playing together here for a long time. I think it’ll transfer over to Indiana Tech well, and Landon is coming with me. They connect really well in their program, and they talked a lot about that in the recruitment process with me. The brotherhood we have here sets me up well for college baseball.”
Michael Slabaugh, Huntington University, undecided on major
Accolades: All-NECC 2021, 2022, 2023; Class 3-A All-State Honorable Mention
Key numbers as a hitter: .470 BA, 47 H, 12 2B, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 14 SB; as a fielder: .982 fielding percentage
Thoughts on joining the Foresters: “I felt like they were family to me. All of the coaches explained everything really well and I liked the school and the program. I’ve always had a dream to play college baseball and Huntington felt like home.”
Cohen Yoder, Glen Oaks CC, project management major
Accolades: All-NECC 2022, 2023
Key numbers as a hitter: .426 BA, 43 H, 36 R, 15 2B, 21 RBI, 9 SB; as a fielder: 8 double plays, 48 assists
Thoughts on joining the Vikings: “Ever since I was 10, I wanted to go to college to play baseball. I’ve worked hard at it. People who were around me, family, friends, it’s just been my goal. Having a big senior class who have similar goals, it made it easier to work towards. It motivates me to play more.”