By Matt Huck
Area Scout

RHP Jordan Strick (West De Pere, 2018) recently committed to Winona State. Strick is currently ranked No. 69 in the PBR Wisconsin Class of 2018. Here is a report on him from the TOp Prospect Milwaukee Showcase in July.

7.27.17 - 6-foot-3, 205-pound, right-handed pitcher, large frame, thick body. On the mound, short, firm arm action, high ¾ slot, works towards first base side. Fastball, tilt, 83-85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, commands, repeatable, 69-71 mph.

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

Strick: Going into the recruiting process, I was expecting it to be a fun ride in terms of checking out schools and talking with coaches and players from different colleges. As I went through the process, it was enjoyable yet stressful, but it was all worth it in the end.

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

Strick: Ultimately, I looked for how they developed players, and which baseball program I could succeed in. Also, what type of throwing programs they see me working on especially as a pitcher.

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

Strick: Yes and no, during my Junior Year I wanted to go as far away as possible, to experience a different location outside the Midwest, but as summer rolled around I felt as if staying around this area would be the best for me.

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?

Strick: At the end of my Sophomore year, I started in the Sectional Final game for West De Pere against Kimberly. I basically got shelled but a couple schools reached out to me after, and that's kind of when it all started for me. It didn't really heat up until halfway through this past summer season with the GRB Fox Valley Rays.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Strick: My Coach (Kyle Knudson), had a relationship built up with Coach Reilly, and he sent him a couple of videos of me. Kyle then encouraged me to reach out to them, and we talked on the phone a few times, before he came out and saw me throw live. Over the time, I became very comfortable talking with the various Winona Coaches and got a chance to go on a couple visits there which really brought me to feeling at home with their staff.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Strick: I met several of their players who did not hesitate to come shake my hand and show me around a bit. Everyone at Winona was very friendly, not just their baseball team. I wanted a place that I could see myself staying for the next 4 years of my life, a place I could always go back to, a place where I could succeed in the classroom and a place I could genuinely be happy. 

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

Strick: I had quite a big list actually, I looked at St. Thomas, La Crosse, Oshkosh, North Central and Upper Iowa. But in the end, it came down to Winona, St. Thomas, and La Crosse.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Strick: I faced Ben Carew from Kimberly who ended up at Kent State. He flat out could mash the ball.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Strick: The summer going into my Junior Year I knew I could be a college caliber player. After the loss to Kimberly, I became a very goal oriented person, and I worked hard at putting on weight to add MPH to my fastball and did whatever it took to be better.

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

Strick: Never let anyone tell you you can't do something or will never be good enough. If you have a dream, do whatever it takes to accomplish it, and don't stop until you achieve it.

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

Strick: It would have to be throwing a Complete Game 3 hitter my sophomore year to win conference against Xavier. 

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

Strick: I believe my team could make a serious run this year. We had a big graduating class this past year, so we have to fill 6/7 starting spots around the field, but I like our chances with the talent and hard work we have. Our goal as a team is to always compete and work to get a shot at State this year.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Strick: This past summer I played with the GRB Fox Valley Rays. It was my first time playing travel baseball and it was an awesome experience getting to be around guys that have similar goals as I do. My best memory off the field with those guys was going to Steak N Shake whenever we could, but on the field was the combined no hitter with Will Monroe!

Related Content