Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – As the Virginia Tech baseball team gears up for the 2025 season, one player epitomizes resilience, leadership, and selflessness: Garrett Michel. After a wrist injury ended his 2024 season prematurely, the standout first baseman is poised to return stronger than ever. A 2023 Freshman All-American, Michel is a unifying force on the Hokies, who feature a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces. His ability to lead by example, coupled with his deep love for the game, sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
The Denver, North Carolina, native’s tenure in Blacksburg began with an unforgettable 2023 freshman season. Ranked among Perfect Game’s Top 500 Incoming Freshmen, Michel wasted no time proving his value. Starting 51 games, he delivered an exceptional .339 batting average, 16 doubles, 11 home runs, 51 runs scored and 45 RBIs. The rookie's .465 on-base percentage ranked as the 11th best mark among ACC players while his .626 slugging percentage placed among the league’s top 20 power hitters. Those numbers, coupled with his .982 fielding percentage, earned him multiple accolades, including Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Freshman All-American, 2023 VaSID [Virginia Sports Information Directors] University Division Rookie of the Year and ACC All-Freshman Team honors.
Despite his individual success, Michel’s greatest joy came from being part of the team. In retrospect, the junior’s favorite memory with the Hokies affirmed his belonging in the program as a freshman: a towering home run hit over the batter’s eye at Miami against regarded pitcher Alejandro Rosario.
"That's when I realized I was meant to be here, helping this team win," Michel said. "I've worked my butt off to get here, and I'm blessed to play at this level."
Entering his sophomore year in 2024, the infielder carried immense confidence and momentum, eager to build on his debut season. Through eight games, he was batting above .400 with four doubles and four home runs. But on March 1, nine games into his second collegiate campaign, a freak wrist injury against Stony Brook abruptly halted his season.
"I mean, it's unfortunate the injury happened," Michel said. "It was a freak accident, and it was out of my control. It's baseball."
The months that followed tested Michel’s character as much as his physical strength. Forced to navigate the unfamiliar territory of being sidelined, he embraced his role as a vocal leader, staying connected to his teammates despite his inability to contribute on the field.
“It was tough. I’ve never truly been sidelined like that before,” Michel reflected. “But the team, the coaches—they were unbelievable. They made me feel included, even when I couldn’t play. I tried to do everything I could, whether that was being a leader in the dugout or supporting the guys during practice. It meant the world to have them checking in and keeping me involved.”
Michel credits much of his resilience to the unwavering support he received from his coaches, teammates and Virginia Tech’s team chaplain, Brian McHone.
“I joke around and call Brian my Blacksburg dad because that’s truly how I feel,” Michel shared. “He was always checking in on me, making sure I was okay. And Griffin Green [former Virginia Tech pitcher], who’s now at Wake Forest, was huge for me. He had gone through a similar injury, and he helped guide me through it all.”
Although he came close to a return late last season, Michel chose to focus on his long-term recovery. That summer, he rejoined the Bourne Braves for a second season in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he regained his rhythm and prepared for his much-anticipated return with the Hokies.
Now entering 2025, Michel is determined to make his comeback count—not just for himself, but for his team. His injury gave him a newfound appreciation for the game and deepened his commitment to his teammates.
“Getting the game stripped from me made me love it even more,” Michel said. “I come to the field every day excited to practice and play with the team. I’m just focused on getting better every day and helping us win.”
Michel’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering chemistry in a roster infused with new talent. Despite the influx of fresh faces, the Hokies have quickly formed a tight-knit group, which Michel believes will be a key factor in the team's 2025 success.
“The group connected really fast—faster than any team I’ve been a part of,” Michel shared. “We have so many different guys with unique experiences, and it’s been awesome learning from each other. Whether it’s in the locker room or on the field, we’re always cracking jokes and having fun. It’s a special group.”
As the junior eyes the upcoming season, he’s also balancing the excitement of his 2025 MLB Draft potential. But true to his character, his focus remains firmly on the upcoming season.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a kid, meeting with scouts and having these opportunities,” Michel said. “But at the end of the day, I can’t think about that. I have to play my game, worry about my teammates, and help us win. If I do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
With his resilience, humility, and unwavering commitment to the game, Michel is as dependable as collegiate ball players come. The veteran’s leadership will be a defining force in the molding of Virginia Tech’s 2025 outlook.
The Hokies kick off their new season at home on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 4 p.m. against Bucknell. With exhilarating ACC matchups ahead and the picturesque backdrop of English Field at Atlantic Union Park, every Virginia Tech baseball game offers an opportunity to be part of something truly special. Don't miss out on the action—get your Virginia Tech baseball 15-ticket flex plan, now available for the 2025 season. For only $90, you’ll have the flexibility to attend ACC home games on your schedule. Whether you’re catching marquee matchups like Virginia or enjoying the thrill of the game with friends, the flex plan ensures you won’t miss a moment!