Central Michigan University Athletics
Photo by: Brayden Gallagher
Central Michigan Baseball GM Council Seeks to Elevate Program to Sustained National Prominence
5/22/2026 2:25:00 PM | Baseball, General
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The storied Central Michigan Baseball program is one of the most successful in the Midwest, with a combined 30 conference championships and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances.
In an effort to keep the program among the elite, the Central Michigan Baseball GM Council has been launched with a fundamental purpose: To elevate CMU Baseball to sustained national prominence.
The council comprises 11 members, each of whom played and/or coached at CMU, and is a committed brotherhood of alumni, donors, and advocates.
"We couldn't be more excited about the creation of the CMU Baseball GM Council," said CMU coach Jake Sabol, the council's chief executive officer. "In this new time in collegiate athletics, it is very important that we work to adapt within the new guidelines set by the NCAA.
"I am so thankful to each of these board members for their desire to serve and their commitment towards enhancing our program. More than ever, student-athlete benefits have a major impact on our ability to build a program and construct a roster, and creating strategic energy around this will be a major goal of the council.
"Our goal was to put together a strong group of former Chippewas, from different eras, who are motivated and determined to give back to the program that provided so much to each of us. They are excited to unite together to create an alumni outreach that will bring us all back together to strengthen Chippewa Baseball."
The council comprises Sabol; Devan Kline, general manager; Dave Keilitz, chairman of the board; and Ryan Heeke, Tyler Huntey, Craig Keilitz, Ryan Krueger, Nick Krzyzaniak, Chris Kupillas, Zach McKinstry, and Dave Pagel.
All were letter-winning players at CMU who went on to standout careers, some within the sport, and others in other fields.
"We think the council is a tremendous initiative in helping to drive resources, visibility, and strategic momentum to ensure that our storied baseball program competes at the highest level, both on and off the field," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said.
Kline, who played at CMU from 2006-09 under then-coach Steve Jaksa, signed with the San Francisco Giants as an undrafted free agent after his playing days at CMU. He is the founder of Burn Boot Camp, a national fitness franchise focused on community-based training programs.
Kline said that Central Michigan, and particularly its baseball program, played a major role in his evolution into a successful businessman.
"I came from a broken home – no role models, no play book," Kline said. "CMU gave me both and a lifelong brotherhood and a championship attitude that became the foundation for my life.
"Becoming GM of the CMU Baseball GM Council isn't a job, it's repaying a debt to the place that raised me and I'm happy to give back.
"I'm grateful for coach Jaksa for taking a chance on me which led to an opportunity to play professionally. Now I want to help coach Sabol give more kids like me the chance to be great."
For more information on the Council or on how to support the program go to:
https://cmuchippewas.com/sports/baseball
https://cmuchippewas.com/documents/2026/4/23/Baseball_General_Council___7_.pdf
In an effort to keep the program among the elite, the Central Michigan Baseball GM Council has been launched with a fundamental purpose: To elevate CMU Baseball to sustained national prominence.
The council comprises 11 members, each of whom played and/or coached at CMU, and is a committed brotherhood of alumni, donors, and advocates.
"We couldn't be more excited about the creation of the CMU Baseball GM Council," said CMU coach Jake Sabol, the council's chief executive officer. "In this new time in collegiate athletics, it is very important that we work to adapt within the new guidelines set by the NCAA.
"I am so thankful to each of these board members for their desire to serve and their commitment towards enhancing our program. More than ever, student-athlete benefits have a major impact on our ability to build a program and construct a roster, and creating strategic energy around this will be a major goal of the council.
"Our goal was to put together a strong group of former Chippewas, from different eras, who are motivated and determined to give back to the program that provided so much to each of us. They are excited to unite together to create an alumni outreach that will bring us all back together to strengthen Chippewa Baseball."
The council comprises Sabol; Devan Kline, general manager; Dave Keilitz, chairman of the board; and Ryan Heeke, Tyler Huntey, Craig Keilitz, Ryan Krueger, Nick Krzyzaniak, Chris Kupillas, Zach McKinstry, and Dave Pagel.
All were letter-winning players at CMU who went on to standout careers, some within the sport, and others in other fields.
"We think the council is a tremendous initiative in helping to drive resources, visibility, and strategic momentum to ensure that our storied baseball program competes at the highest level, both on and off the field," Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said.
Kline, who played at CMU from 2006-09 under then-coach Steve Jaksa, signed with the San Francisco Giants as an undrafted free agent after his playing days at CMU. He is the founder of Burn Boot Camp, a national fitness franchise focused on community-based training programs.
Kline said that Central Michigan, and particularly its baseball program, played a major role in his evolution into a successful businessman.
"I came from a broken home – no role models, no play book," Kline said. "CMU gave me both and a lifelong brotherhood and a championship attitude that became the foundation for my life.
"Becoming GM of the CMU Baseball GM Council isn't a job, it's repaying a debt to the place that raised me and I'm happy to give back.
"I'm grateful for coach Jaksa for taking a chance on me which led to an opportunity to play professionally. Now I want to help coach Sabol give more kids like me the chance to be great."
For more information on the Council or on how to support the program go to:
https://cmuchippewas.com/sports/baseball
https://cmuchippewas.com/documents/2026/4/23/Baseball_General_Council___7_.pdf
Baseball vs Valparaiso
Tuesday, May 12
Baseball vs Akron
Sunday, May 10
Baseball vs Akron
Saturday, May 09
Baseball vs Akron
Friday, May 08