PLANO, TX - Jack Hattrup looks at his recruitment in an interesting way.

“Just getting emails is not discouraging, it’s more along the lines I need to work harder to receive more offers,” Hattrup said.

The Plano West junior has been to camps at a couple of ACC and Big 12 schools. There have been numerous showcases, including the recent PBR Preseason All-State invite-only event at Prestonwood.

Still, contact with colleges has been somewhat limited for the top-rated uncommitted junior left-handed pitcher in Texas.

“It’s been mainly emails about camps and questionnaires,” Hattrup explained about his college interest received. But the communication is starting to heat up for the 6-4 187-pounder. “I have an open mind relative to accepting what gets offered to me.”

A first baseman when not on the mound, Hattrup has made strides in his game of late.

“In the last year my game has improved significantly,” the 71st-ranked player in the state’s 2019 class said. “I’ve got more control and my velo has increased from the high-70s to low-80s a year ago to 87-88 now. My fielding has also improved, as well as my hitting.”

But while the left-handed hitting Hattrup is a high school two-way player (pitcher and first baseman), pitching appears to be his meal ticket to the next level.

“I still need to increase my velo and also to improve my offspeed,” Hattrup noted.

Pitching coach Kyle Abbott has been helpful in that regard for Hattrup over the past few months.

“He’s been working with mostly mechanical stuff,” Hattrup explained. “My sophomore year I had a problem falling off the mound with the front side pulling off too much. He’s helped with fixing that which in turn has helped my velocity and control.

“Next up are some minor tweaks.”

Hattrup also credits summer coaches Brian Gaffney and Lance Hayes with Academy Select, as well as high school mentor Kevin Clark with being influences in aiding his desire to reach college baseball.

“I’ve thought about playing ball in college for a long time,” Hattrup said. “When I went from middle school to high school I started playing in a lot of showcases and that really made me want to play at the next level.”

Hattrup is hoping more interest from colleges is in his near-future.

“I feel they’re missing out a little bit, but that’s sports,” Hattrup explained. “Colleges pay attention to numbers so I need to get my numbers up.

“What I know I can provide them is that I’m honest in what I can do. I work hard, I’m dedicated and I care for who I play for and the teammates I play with. I know more than anything that I can be productive at the next level.”

Hattrup, who carries a 3.5 GPA and plans to major in finance and accounting, has a busy schedule ahead.

“I’ve been invited to tryout for Area Code, I’m going to be doing showcases with my summer team, I’m going to play in a tournament with the Florida Pokers and I’ve been invited to an Arizona Diamondbacks Combine,” the sixth-rated unsigned junior in Texas said about his summer of 2018.

By the time fall rolls around, more colleges should know about the big uncommitted left-handed hurler.

“I see myself as a Division I pitcher,” Hattrup said. “But for me to get to that level I would need to get stronger and improve my pitching a little more.”

 

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