MANCHESTER, Ct. - “My secondary pitches got coach Brown’s attention,” TJ Winn said.

“The chance to play in a baseball program in the Big East got my attention.”

With that, St. John’s University proved to be the perfect match for the East Catholic High School junior.

“The first time they saw me was at the Future Games,” related the 30th-rated 2023 right-handed pitcher in New England. “After that I pitched a game in Northborough, Ma., and their pitching coach (George Brown) was there. He liked it and we started talking on the phone.

“I told him I was going to pitch a game at Staten Island and he said since it was on my way, come on a visit. I visited there and I loved it. I ended up pitching well at Staten Island and they made me an offer the next day. Later that week I made a decision. It was between St. John’s and two others, but St. John’s just checked more boxes for me.”

Playing baseball in the Big East was only one of the things that helped Winn decide on St. John’s.

“I loved the whole vibe on campus,” the 13th-ranked junior RHP in Connecticut noted. “I also loved that it was just outside New York City.”

An improved game helped Winn make an impression on colleges during the recruiting process, with one other Division I offer made before deciding on St. John’s.

“Over the last year or two my slider developed a lot,” the 6-0 160-pounder related. “This summer I started throwing a changeup more and I'm also throwing a little harder.”

One additional vital element stood out about his work on the mound, which featured two scoreless innings pitching for Team Connecticut at the Future Games.

“My overall command is everything,” Winn said.

It has helped the 86th-ranked 2023 in New England find a college home, two hours away from where he now lives in Manchester.

“I always knew I wanted to play college baseball but I didn’t know much about it,” Winn explained. “Two years ago I became more interested in it and knew it was what I wanted to do.”

The journey there did not take long.

“What surprised me was how quickly it all went for me,” admitted Winn. “I know with others it can be drawn out and stressful, but I liked how short it was for me. It was easy to make a decision.”

Winn pointed to his dad, Tommie, as being one of the most influential people in helping him become a D-I commit.

“Above everyone my father has been the biggest,” noted Winn, who also credited coaches on his travel team Connecticut Capitals with playing a key role. “He’s been my pitching coach since I started baseball and helped me the most of anyone. I really appreciate everything he’s done for me. It’s nice to have your pitching coach live with you and be able to help you at any time.”

Sport management and business are under consideration as college majors for Winn, a 3.51 student who believes he will be a major asset to the St. John’s program.

“I like to think I’ll work very hard and bring a lot of energy to the team.” Winn said. “I’m going to try to contribute as soon as I can.”

As for college in general, the 16-year-old is eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.

“I’m going to live the lifestyle of going to other sporting events,” Winn concluded. “I’m really looking forward to doing things like that.”