LOVELAND - Finally getting in front of college coaches and scouts again has Jack Vogele excited.

“Two years ago I was a different player,” Vogele related. “I’ve grown three or four inches and put on 20 to 30 pounds.”

Up from 5-11 170 pounds his freshman year at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy to a  6-3 200-pounder as a junior, Vogele sees an enormous difference in his game.

“I’ve gotten a lot faster and more powerful,” pointed out the 11th-rated 2022 outfielder in Ohio. “Before I was a corner outfielder and middle-of-the-order guy, now I’m a speedy leadoff center fielder-type guy. I’ve really worked to get to that.

“I’ve worked out at Pro Force with people from Midland and the Flames. It’s made me understand proper form running and putting on the right type of weight. And my hitting has gotten way better. I batted .235-245 freshman year and this year I was .500 with 48 hits. Two years ago the focus was on hitting the ball and putting it in play, now I’m driving the ball way better.”

Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting, sees a lot of promise in Vogele.

“He’s a physical dude at 6-foot-3 with a big engine and athleticism,” Chiero explained. “At the plate he’s an upper-90s guy who’s efficient and mobile movement wise. Each time we see him it seems like he ends up with multiple barrels. Aside from the physical abilities, he’s a high-motor guy who has an obvious passion for the game.”

It is something Vogele believes he can bring to the next level.

“I’ll be one of the hardest workers in the program,” Vogele said. “I’ll bring some top-notch speed to the top of the lineup.”

The hope is that recruitment picks up for the 87th-ranked incoming senior in the state.

“It’s been super quiet for me, I haven't heard from anyone in a long time,” Vogele admitted. “During school ball coach said Michigan State showed some interest but I never had direct contact with them.”

Vogele believes schools are missing the boat as he remains patient with the process.

“I feel they haven’t seen me recently,” Vogele explained. “They only saw me freshman year which is the last time they could see me. Maybe they’re basing it off two years ago instead of what I am now.”

Junior year of high school at CHCA proved to be memorable for Vogele and his teammates.

“That was one of the best experiences of my life,” Vogele said of winning the Division III state championship. “Nothing can compare to that.”

Vogele, who turned 18 the week of the state tournament, played center field and batted leadoff for the first time ever this season.

“I love being at the top of the order,” related Vogele. “You get to set the tone for the whole game. Whatever it takes to get on, a 10-pitch walk, a single, a double, the whole idea is to get on and get home. It’s given me a better understanding of the game and it’s made me a way better base runner.”

Vogele pointed to Midland Braves hitting coach Marcus Davis with helping “transform my swing” while crediting the Midland coaching staff, led by head  coach Scott Stalker, with aiding development on his baseball journey.

“College baseball has always been a dream of mine,” the seventh-rated 2022 uncommitted outfielder in Ohio admitted. “My dad played center field at Notre Dame and I went to their games back when I was three and four-years-old.  When I got older and got to high school I started seeing guys committing to colleges and that made me want to do the extra, whether it was stretching or lifting or hitting more cuts, so I could do that.”

A 3.7 student considering a major in business or communication, Vogele has his sights set on making that college baseball dream a reality.

“I’m looking for a good academic school that’s good at baseball,” Vogele said. “A MAC, A-10, Missouri Valley Conference type of school would be a good fit for my academics and baseball skills.”

A busy time is ahead as Vogele works toward that goal.

“I’ll be going to the WWBA in Georgia,” Vogele said. “I was originally going to the Top Prospect Games but with the state finals I wasn’t able to go. But they transferred that to Kentucky so I’m able to go to that (Tuesday, June 29), and then in the fall I’ll most likely go to Jupiter with Midland.”

Vogele is willing to do whatever it takes, as evidenced by his quest to play in the state tournament as well as attend his brother’s wedding on the same day.

“I was going to play on Thursday, then drive to Indianapolis for the wedding on Friday and drive back to state for the finals on Saturday,” explained Vogele.

However, weather moved the state tournament back a day, hence the state semifinals and his brother’s wedding were now both on Friday.

“I had to take a private jet to his wedding and then drive back to state,” Vogele said.