KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan baseball team and head coach Billy Gernon have announced the signing of Cannon Paul, an infielder from Grand Rapids, to the program's class of 2025. Paul joins the quartet of Drew Everingham (Riverview, Mich.), Trevor Marshall (Troy, Mich.), Mason Pilarski (Macomb, Mich.) and Jake Ross (Tinley Park, Ill.) in WMU's 2025 class. All five are set to arrive on campus in the fall of 2025 and will suit up for the Broncos beginning with the 2026 season.
 
Cannon Paul • INF • 5-11 • 185 • Grand Rapids, Mich. • Grand Rapids Christian HS (GRCC)
Paul is projected to be the starting third baseman this spring for head coach Mike Eddington at Grand Rapids Community College. He played his high school ball at Grand Rapids Christian High School, where he was teammates with current WMU freshman Jackson Isaacs. As a senior, Paul played for former Bronco standout Kurt Hoekstra, and was a First Team All-State, Grand Rapids Dream Team and East-West All-Star Game selection.
 
Paul's first three years at Grand Rapids Christian were played under 2023 MHSAA Division 2 Coach of the Year Brent Gates. He helped the Eagles win a state championship during his junior year and to a state runner-up finish as a sophomore. During his prep career, Paul was a three-time All-District, two-time All-Region and All-Conference performer.

 The son of Mike and Michelle, Paul played his summer ball for Elite Black. His father, Mike, was the VP/Co-Owner of Elite Baseball-Softball Training, as well as an assistant coach at Grand Rapids Christian.
 
Coach Gernon on Paul:
"Cannon has grown up around the game his entire life. He is a hard-nosed, gritty ballplayer that has experienced high levels of success. His bat is advanced and we feel he could have an immediate impact on our offense and defense. Cannon plays with a high level of maturity, which will make him a quality addition to our locker room."

The Broncos are set to begin their 2025 season this weekend as they head down to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., for four games in three days. Opening Day for Western Michigan is on Friday against Michigan State, with first pitch slated for 4 pm.