Music City to Morgantown: Connor Kaiser Takes Country Roads to West Virginia

Granville, W. Va.- In early June, Connor Kaiser was in the NCAA Super Regionals with Vanderbilt University, competing for a chance to bring home a national championship.
Now more than two weeks later, the shortstop is chasing his big-league dreams as a member of the West Virginia Black Bears.
A third-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kaiser's journey to West Virginia was initially put on hold so he could finish his career with the Commodores. In fact, the day before the 2018 MLB Draft began, he was on the field in the NCAA Regionals playing a game against Clemson.
Needing one more win to earn a trip to the Super Regional, Kaiser had the game of his life. Against the ACC powerhouse, the Vandy shortstop hit three home runs and tied an NCAA postseason record with 10 RBIs on his team's way to a 19-6 win.
"Our whole team in general was focused on winning," said Kaiser. "We wanted to take care of business in that game, and we luckily took a lot of good swings, and got some good pitches to hit. It was a fun game to be a part of."
Vanderbilt returned to Nashville to prepare for an upcoming series with Mississippi State in the Super Regional. Then, just one day removed from his historic performance, Kaiser found out his professional future was waiting for him in the Pirates' organization.
"We had just gotten back from Clemson," said Kaiser recalling the moment he found out he was selected. "My teammates and I were in the locker room, and that's when I heard my name called. It was cool to be around all them and to have them celebrate with me. It's something I'll never forget."
His future in professional baseball clearer than ever, Kaiser was able to focus on his team's matchup with Mississippi State. Vanderbilt battled in the three game series, but was eliminated by the Bulldogs to end the 2018 season.
"It was tough. We knew the season was going to end at some point, but it's always tough when it ends abruptly, Kaiser said. "I'll remember my teammates, coaches, and staff. It was kind of a family atmosphere. All of us were really close."
With his college days behind him, Kaiser is ready to begin his journey in the Pirates' farm system, starting with the Black Bears. After going to Pittsburgh to sign his first contract, the new prospect made his way to Granville on Saturday to get settled in at Monongalia County Ballpark.
"It's something that you dream of as a baseball player to play professionally. I'm so lucky that Pirates gave me an opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it," said Kaiser.
A self-described "people person," Kaiser is spending his first week with the team getting to know his new teammates and coaches. Now a member of the Black Bears family, the laid back, movie-loving, former basketball player is ready to begin his journey to the top of the Pirates' organization.
Being selected with the third-round pick might make some people feel the pressure of high expectations, but according to Kaiser, he's just focused on winning baseball games.
"I have no expectations," said Kaiser "It's the same game I've played my whole life. I'm just going to go out and compete, and everything will take care of itself."