MIF Jack Lutz (Whitnall, 2025; Indiana State commit) put together yet another impressive year in the Badger State, something our staff has become quite accustomed to. After a number of standout performances in the summer, which included one at July’s Top Prospect Games, Lutz made the trip down to LakePoint to represent Team Wisconsin at the 2023 Prep Baseball Future Games. There the savvy left-handed hitting infielder turned heads right away during the workout portion of the event after putting together a quality all around day, giving us a sneak peek on what to expect the rest of the week. There weren’t many moments when Lutz wasn’t on base for Team Wisconsin while facing some of the top uncommitted arms from around the country. While he is still very much developing physically, Lutz showed off some sneaky pop in-game and was a clean defender up-the-middle, too. Following his performance at the Future Games, Lutz capped off his stellar year with yet another dominant performance at our annual Fall Championships at The Rock where he continued to show off some of the states highest upside. To cap off his year, Lutz announced his commitment to Indiana State, a team that is fresh off a 45-17 record and a Super Regional appearance.

(Prep Baseball Future Games; 7/26/23)

OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Lutz: I don’t know if I had expectations of the process, however, I did have a little glimpse into what it may be like when my sister, Lilly, was getting recruited for volleyball. My family and I actually just spent time researching the process so I could be prepared when the time came to talk to coaches and schools. I really just want to play, so the most important thing was understanding if the program thought I could be a contributor year one. I know that a lot of this depends on my work ethic and earning the spot but understanding if the coaches thought I had the talent was the key question I wanted to hear from them.

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

L: Location was a small factor but not my main priority.

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

L: I had some interest in December/January of my Sophomore year and extended two Big East verbal offers. However, the process really opened up during the live period after the Future Games. I know Indiana State was at many games over the summer and at Future Games so I am not sure when they first saw me play. However, Coach Hannahs told me during my unofficial visit that he watched from centerfield at Grand Park’s far field and he noticed my foot work. He said he was there to watch another player on the opposing team but then saw me…I remember that game like it was yesterday as well.

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

L: Key factors for me were playing baseball with a competitive team and a solid reputation of the coaching staff. I don’t think I have ever heard a negative comment about Indiana State Baseball and the amount of time the coaches spent with me and my family during my unofficial visit made it more than just baseball. It really made me feel like it was the right spot for me and I found a home.

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

L: I would say my biggest opportunities were coming from Big 10 and Big East schools with a few verbal offers during the process.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

L: MIF Alex Alicea (St. Thomas More, 2023; Louisville). Alex and I played together through the Milwaukee Angels and he is always a player I looked up to.

P: 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?

L: I knew at a young age that I wanted to be a college caliber player. For a long time, I didn’t know if it would be basketball or baseball. Over the last year and this summer, the baseball side really took off for me and I tried to focus more of my energy on baseball.

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

L: Work. Start young, get the right instruction, and work outside of practice, games and tournaments. All the good stuff comes with the extra time and extra reps!

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

L: Day one of Future Games, walking in and seeing every college you have ever dreamed of playing for being there to watch all of us play. That was a moment that will always be unforgettable and an experience that got the heart rate going.

P: How did the Future Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event?

L: Yes, Future Games was huge for me. I played well and felt it opened many doors to start the conversations. On August 1st, I was prepared to receive a few calls but I was overwhelmed and humbled by the 34 schools that reached out. It was a long day but I was really excited about all the conversations...the coaches really are just as excited to talk to future recruits and that made the conversations easy.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

L: I go back to the aforementioned Alex Alicea above...if there is one thing I would like to have is more speed.

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

L: Two on my travel team would be RHP Dylan Campeau (Greendale, 2025) and RHP Jack Roventini (Arrowhead, 2025). Younger within our travel program would be C/2B Tyler Flemming (Waukesha North, 2027).

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain.

L: Prep Baseball has helped me a lot with showcases, but I think social media posts from performances and tournaments really got my name out there. That was helpful and Vinny Rottino was a key contributor in highlighting me a few times.

RELATED CONTENT