For love of the game: Josh Och commits to USM
CHANHASSEN, Minn. (BVM) — Sports have always had a profound impact on Josh Och. Growing up, he loved to play every sport, especially baseball. Fast-forward to 2021, the junior from Chanhassen High School has already decided where he’ll continue his athletic and academic journey: the University of Southern Mississippi.
I’m extremely excited to announce my commitment to the University of Southern Mississippi 💛🖤 Go golden eagles! 🦅 #SMTTT pic.twitter.com/tFxKddy3XR
— Josh Och (@josh_och) August 9, 2021
“My dad and my brother have both paved the way for me and taught me just about everything I know [about baseball],” Och said.
As a right-handed pitcher and a shortstop for the Chanhassen Storm, Och has already shown he is one of the top prospects in the nation and he is only getting better. Heading into his sophomore season, he participated in the PBR (Prep Baseball Report) Futures Game. Och has also been invited to numerous PBR showcases. This past summer, Och’s fastball topped out at 86 mph and he ran a 6.75 60-yard dash.
With impressive performances at the showcases, Och has done a lot with the Chanhassen Storm. This past season he threw 17. 1 innings, recorded 29 strikeouts and posted a 2.42 ERA.
Leading the way at Chanhassen, Och also suits up for the NorthStar baseball club. Playing summer ball with the best talent in Minnesota has pushed Och to perform at his best. But that isn’t the only thing that’s pushing him to be the best baseball player he can be.
His older brother, Ryan Och, was recently drafted by the San Diego Padres, and as a recent graduate of Southern Miss, Josh looks up to him.
With the 220th pick in the 2021 #MLBDraft, the Padres have selected Ryan Och from Southern Mississippi (MS). pic.twitter.com/9NubbldgPu
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 12, 2021
“Ever since we were kids, we were always competing against each other,” Josh said. “I got to be in Hattiesburg with my brother when he was drafted. That was [a] cool [experience].”
His older brother not only provides the necessary motivation, but Ryan is one of the main reasons why Josh decided to commit to Southern Miss.
“Knowing what to expect and [hearing about] the positive experiences he got from {Southern Miss.] I’m really looking forward to it,” Josh said. “Since I started talking to them, they’ve always been my No. 1 [choice].”
The Golden Eagles have added an important piece of its 2023 roster. As for, Josh Och has two more seasons at Chanhassen, but he has a bright future ahead of him when he takes the field in Hattiesburg.
“Baseball has been my whole life up to this point,” Josh said. “During the offseason I’m looking forward to when I can touch a baseball again [and] when I can get back out on the field. It’s a love that I hope never goes away.”
