Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with UW-Oshkosh commit Jesse Sustachek



By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin /Illinois

Jesse Sustachek (Oak Creek, 2014) had an easier path than most to making his college decision, and for this right handed pitcher it only took the Unsigned Senior Showcase for him to turn the head of UW-Oshkosh. Sustachek’s fastball has some of the best arm side action in the state. His sinking two-seamer consistently stays underneath hitters’ barrels and he confidently pounds the zone with it.

After the Unsigned Senior Showcase we caught back up with Sustachek to fill in the details about his commitment to UW-Oshkosh.Jesse Sustachek

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Sustachek: My expectations were that the process would be difficult. I thought I had to attend many showcases and camps to get my name out there.  But luckily, I only had to go to one to get some coach's attention.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Sustachek: I was looking for a program with a great business program because I want to major in marketing or management. I was also looking for a campus that wasn't too big and was easy and fast to get from place to place. Another thing I was looking for was a program where it was easy to contact my professors in case I had trouble with a paper or something. Oshkosh can offer me all of these.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Sustachek: Yes it was because I didn't want to be too far away from home if there was a family emergency. Oshkosh also worked out great because it is only an hour and 15 minutes from Oak Creek, so it isn't any trouble for friends or family to drive up to watch games.

PBR: Where did UW-Oshkosh first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Sustachek: Oshkosh first saw me at the Unsigned Senior Showcase in Appleton. Coach Tomasiewicz then called me about a week later. We talked on the phone a bit about the program and what I'm looking for in a school. Coach Tomasiewicz was very nice and gave a lot of details about the way he was going to do things with the program, so we set up a campus visit. 

PBR: What do you like most about UW-Oshkosh and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Sustachek: I really liked the indoor facilites where pitchers can long toss and do flush runs when it's cold. There is also a drop down batting cage that extends so you can see the flight of the ball off the bat. I was also really impressed with the weight room. It was built a couple years ago and it's huge. My favorite part is that there is a spot specifically for athletes. The locker room was also very cool along with the field. The key factor was the plans that Coach Tomasiewicz had for the team going into the future. I was so impressed that I actually committed right there on the spot.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Sustachek: The recruiting process started to heat up right after the Unsigned Senior Showcase. Wisconsin Lutheran, Concordia, and Oshkosh all got in contact with me and we set up visits. I feel that if I didn't do the PBR Showcase, I would still be looking for a school to attend next fall. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Sustachek: Other schools that were on my list were Wisconsin Lutheran College, Concordia University, UW-Stevens Point, and McHenry County College.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Sustachek: My best attribute as a baseball player would be the state of mind that I'm in on the field. I don't let things get to me and I am comfortable being uncomfortable. It transfers onto the field with my team because if someone has an error or a bad at bat, I help them forget about it and move on the next play or at bat.

PBR: What has been the lowest point in your baseball career; what have you learned from it and how has it helped you grow as a player?

Sustachek: The lowest point in my career would be when I made varsity as a sophomore and I rarely played. I got really frustrated that I showed up and worked hard in practice and the drills, but never got in the game unless it was a non-conference game. But it made me learn that nothing is going to be handed to me and I needed to work as hard as I could to make myself a better player. 

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Sustachek: The advice I'd give them is to never stop working hard. You may hate some parts of it, but you are just getting better physically and mentally. And don't be afraid to reach your limits and then exceed them. A good quote to hold on to is, "if you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful".

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Sustachek: My most memorable moment would be pitching in the GMC tournament championship my junior year against Franklin. I pitched a complete game with no walks and my team won. I got interviewed after the game for the first time which was an exciting moment for me.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel Oak Creek will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Sustachek: I feel our team will be very good. We have a lot of talented players coming in from the JV team last year. Our pitching and defense should be excellent along with our hitting. I believe we will be one of the top teams in the very competitive GMC conference. My expectations and goals are to win the conference and win state. My goals as an individual are to win First Team All-Conference as a pitcher.

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