Kling: Focused on States, Looking Forward to Future

Central High School star baseball player Paxton Kling is excited for what the future holds, but he is also focused on bringing home a state championship, something the Dragons haven't won since 2017. The senior's life has been filled with many accomplishments, including six games with the U.S. national under-18 team, commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU), and MLB draft buzz.

Playing in the majors was always a dream for Kling, but he never thought he had a shot until his sophomore year. "It was always a hope," Kling said. "I think it really started to hit me around 16 when I started playing for Flood City."

Travel ball

Flood City is a travel baseball team that Paxton played for, they are known for producing and recruiting impressive baseball talent. One notable program alum includes Jack Hurley, Virginia Tech's star left fielder who gained national recognition when he led the ACC in batting average early in the season. He is a major reason why the Hokies won their first baseball regional in school history.

"The coaches [at Flood City] told me to play for Canes National," Kling said. "And that's when I really started getting recognized. I was also constantly being the one, two, three, or four hitter along with playing centerfield every game. That's when I realized I had a future in baseball."

Canes National is a team that is designed for players who have the potential to play at the College level. Kling played on this developmental team for the U-17 program. The Canes national team has had well over 250 players drafted in the MLB. Some notable alumni include Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe and first round draft pick Tyler Beedee who is currently a relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Looking to LSU

Kling hopes to be another player in a long line of players who have played for Canes National and made the majors. Kling made a step in the right direction recently recommitting to LSU. Kling had to rethink his decision, after initially committing to LSU his sophomore year. Longtime head coach Paul Mainieri announced his retirement suddenly last year citing health reasons. "That's when I reopened my recruiting process." Kling said.

During that time, LSU hired Jay Johnson from the University of Arizona. Kling said he loves LSU and is looking forward to building a relationship with Johnson.

LSU is a powerhouse in the sport; it is a powerhouse in a conference full of powerhouses. LSU has won the SEC regular season title 17 times, and have won a college world series 8 times. The Tigers are a team loaded with talent, including Dylan Crews who is projected to be drafted in next year's MLB draft. With the roster being stacked was Kling promised playing time?

"No," Kling said. "Usually nobody can guarantee you that. If a coach is guaranteeing you starting time, he is lying to you."

Kling said he wasn't sure the level of playing time he was going to get, but that he was ready to go out there, play the game he plays, and fight for a starting role.

Kling believes he has found a solid home in Baton Rouge, where LSU's campus is located. This area has become well known for its raucous nightlife.

"When I am down there, it's about business," Kling said. "I am going to go down there, lift and compete, while also focusing in the classroom."

Kling is all business, and baseball-wise at LSU, he is most looking forward to, "playing at the SEC level because the SEC has such a great level of competition," Kling said. "Being able to face guys who can pitch 90s on a regular basis is going to be fun."

Maybe MLB

Kling is excited to have signed for LSU, but it's a decision that is not set in stone. The senior is currently ranked as the 102nd best MLB ready prospect in the draft, in all positions. He has a strong chance of being picked in the first, second, or third round of the MLB draft this year.

"It's always been a hope and a dream," Kling said. "I have always worked my hardest to be where I am at. Now realizing I can be drafted and going to LSU, it is nice to see what I have done and what my parents have done, and what God has given me through my accomplishments."

The MLB draft is different from most professional drafts. A player can enter the draft out of high school, get drafted by a team, and then elect not to sign with the team and go back to college. After another year in college, they can then re-enter the draft again without the obligation of having to go to the team that initially drafted them. Kling is not leaning either way yet.

"There is not a firm decision," Kling said. "I just want to focus on my high school career and then I am going to play summer ball in Illinois."

Dragon domination

Kling mentioned his high school career and his senior year. This year the Central Dragons are 25-0. They have made it past the first two rounds of the state playoffs and are back to the semi-finals, where they lost last season.

"We were pretty good in little league," Kling said. "We were undefeated in my 7th grade year. This group knew we were special, so to see that it is paying off for us is really special."

Though Kling spoke to the team's success, he is also lighting it up this season. Kling is batting an otherworldly .585.

"I think the consistency comes from me just knowing the strike zone," Kling said. "My approach at the plate has always been solid. It's like they say you see the ball well and you hit the ball where it's at."

Despite his great batting average Kling only has 4 homeruns on the season. How Kling would adjust to a league that has become fixated on the homerun ball?

"I don't think it's an issue," Kling said. "I'm focused on hitting into gaps or line drives. Pretty soon you will hit a home run. Obviously, it matters to hit more homeruns, but as long as I stick to my game and my approach there will always be a spot for me in the lineup."

Kling is pretty confident in his abilities, and nobody should blame him. It's a reason why Gatorade named him Pennsylvania's baseball player of the year. Kling has a bright future ahead of him, but what excites him the most about this future?

"That I can have a profession in a game that kids play, and everyone can play. A game that started in the backyard with wiffle ball; and then little league. It's just a game I love to play."