Q&A with UW-La Crosse Commit Jacob Greenberg

October 26, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

2016 OF/LHP Jacob Greenberg of Wauwatosa West recently committed to UW-La Crosse. Greenberg is currently ranked No. 57 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. With his commitment, he is the third player from to commit out of last months Unsigned Senior Games to La Crosse. Here is a report on him from the event.

9/20/15 - 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a strong, athletic frame. Currently ranked No. 57 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with carry on throws. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 84 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short toe tap stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.39. In game went 1-2 with a single, a walk, and three stolen bases. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Athletic, uptempo delivery with regular effort. Fastball flashed sink at 80-82 topping out at 84 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with sharp action at 74-77 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with fading action at 68-70 mph.

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

Greenberg: Before starting my recruiting process, I had the idea that it was more about coaches contacting players, but as I went through the recruiting process I came to the realization that to have success a player must make an effort to be seen, and reach out to coaches in order to gain interest. I wouldn't say that the process was necessarily difficult, but definitely different than I expected.

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

Greenberg: There were a few things that I was looking for when I was weighing my options for baseball at the next level. I wanted to play in a successful program, but more importantly I wanted to be part of a program where I could see myself being successful. I wanted to go into a program where I could make an impact on the field sometime in my first few years of being in the program. Lastly I wanted to go into a program that had coaches that i felt that I could connect with, and learn a lot from.

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

Greenberg: Distance did play a factor in my decision. UW-La Crosse is around three hours from where I live, and I felt that, that is a good distance away from home because it will encourage me to learn to live on my own, but it is still close enough so that I could easily go home when I need to.

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?

Greenberg: I recruiting process began to heat up for me during the summer of 2015. In June 2015 I attended the Prep Baseball Report, Top Prospect Showcase, and began receiving a lot of interest after that. I felt that that showcase really helped me turn the corner in my recruiting process.

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

Greenberg: UW-La Crosse first saw me at the Prep Baseball Report: Unsigned Senior Games. I had spoken to La Crosse before hand and they let me know that they would be in attendance at the showcase. After the Unsigned senior games, I spoke with them again and went to La Crosse for a visit. At that point I realized that the school was going to be a great fit for me.

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

Greenberg: There were a few factors that led me to my decision. The first was that I really enjoyed the campus at La Crosse, and felt that I would fit in well there academically. I also got a really good first impression from the coaches, and felt that they coached with a style that would suite me well. Some more minor factors that led me to my decision were the distance that La Crosse is from where I live, and the opinion of some individuals that I know who attend La Crosse and really enjoy it there.

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

Greenberg: There was only one other main school on my short list, and that was UW- Whitewater. I also had some interest in UW- Oshkosh.

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

Greenberg: The best player that I have faced is RHP Ty Ramirez (Greendale HS). Ramirez is such a tough pitcher to hit because he does a great job of locating all of his pitches, and has a breaking ball that is much sharper than most breaking pitches at the high school level.

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?

Greenberg: From the time that I started playing baseball I always knew it was something that I wanted to continue playing for as long as possible. When I started high school, and continued to have success with baseball, I knew that there would be a place for me in a college program.

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

Greenberg: My main piece of advice for players looking to start their recruiting process, would be to not get too caught up in whether a school is Division 1, 2 or 3, and worry more about whether or not you will fit in well in a specific program. My second piece of advice is to always work hard in school, and on the baseball field because people who succeed in the recruiting process all know how to work hard.

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

Greenberg: The most memorable moment in my baseball career is playing at Miller Park with my high school team. It was a great experience to get to see what it’s like to play in an MLB stadium, it is a game that I will never forget.

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

Greenberg: I feel that my high school team at Wauwatosa West will be much improved from last year. We didn't lose too many seniors, and our failures last year were mainly based on a lack of varsity experience. My goals for the team are to have a winning season, and earn a home playoff game. Personally I want to continue to improve in all offensive areas, and have a more consistent year on the mound.

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

Greenberg: After the high school season I played for the Poundtown Wreckers who recently changed their name to Prospect Training Academy. My most memorable experience with this team was getting the opportunity to play in the Perfect Game Super25 in Ft. Myers, Florida. It was great to go up against some of the best talent in the country, and play teams from all over the country.

Q&A with UW-La Crosse Commit Jacob Greenberg

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