Niles West’s Ross commits to Michigan

Updated: July 5, 2011 11:26AM

The University of Michigan has a proud baseball tradition that includes players like George Sisler, Bill Freehan, Jim Abbott, Barry Larkin and Chris Sabo, all who went on to play in the major leagues.

Perhaps someday the name Kevin Ross will join the list of Wolverines greats.

On Friday, that possibility drew one step closer when Ross, who will be a senior at Niles West, gave an oral commitment to Michigan.

Ross, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound shortstop, spoke by phone to Wolverines coach Rich Maloney on Friday night to say he had chosen to don the Maize and Blue. He plans to make it official in November.

“Coach Maloney talked about the program and how much he wants me there, and I basically just told him that I want to be there,” said Ross, who was in Georgia for a traveling team tournament. “This is another step in my career and I’m hoping to take it further than that (to the professional ranks). (Maloney) told me that I was good enough to go to the next level with him.”

Ross, who hit .436 with 30 RBI, 35 runs and 16 stolen bases last season for Niles West after transferring from Mather, was watched closely by the Michigan coaches a few weeks ago when his travel team, the Chi Town Cream, was competing in Ann Arbor.

“I did pretty well and I guess they liked what they saw. They made a good offer. I took the tour and liked what I saw,” said Ross.

“My favorite thing is the field (recently-renovated Fisher Stadium). It’s a hitter’s ballpark. Plus, I like the academics. If baseball doesn’t work out, I’ll have a great education.”

Ross also noted that one of his heroes, Derek Jeter, once committed to play for the Wolverines, before opting for the pros.

Ross spent the first day of the July contact period taking calls from interested schools, including Illinois, Eastern Illinois and Central Michigan.

While he has yet to sign the letter of intent, Ross said his future is in Ann Arbor.

“I’m done. I’m committed,” he said.

This summer, Ross has been playing for Niles West and the Cream, which took a record of 21-0 heading into July 4th tournament in East Cobb, Ga. The Cream already has won tournaments in Ann Arbor, Lombard and at Triton College.

On June 28, Ross attended a tryout for Team Illinois for the Area Code Games Aug. 5-10 in Long Beach, Calif., and is waiting to hear if he made the roster.

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