C Jimmy Janicki (Downers Grove North, 2024; Troy commit) came away from the Future Games as easily one of the biggest winners from Team Illinois. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound backstop put up impressive numbers in his workout; averaging just under 91 mph for his exit velocity with a max of 101 mph - also averaging over 80 mph for his bat-speed (T85.3 mph) with an average hand-speed of 24.8 (T26.3). His in-game performance was equally as impressive, being named the Dicks Sporting Goods Player of the Game after he went 2-3 with a triple in Team Illinois' 4-2 victory over New Jersey. 

We recently had the opportunity to discuss the recruiting process with Janicki, as well as some other fun topics along the way. 

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?

Janicki: Mainly to find the right fit for me and where I see myself playing baseball after High School. I was mainly looking for a strong and competitive division that will make me a better ball player, and of course the location.

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

J: It most definitely did. Ever since I was a kid it has been my dream to play D1 baseball in the South.

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

J: After I finished the Future Games that’s when I started to talk to more and more coaches. Troy first saw me play at the Future Games.

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

J: They have a strong and good culture at Troy, and they play with competitiveness. I wanted to make sure I felt like I was at home, and that’s how Troy exactly felt.

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

J: Michigan State, Illinois and Western Kentucky.

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

J: I would probably have to go with Brady Louck. He’s a strong left hander out of Plainfield East. He has a tough and hard fastball that has a crazy tailing action to it. The arm slot is also really tough.

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?

J: Definitely once the 2022 summer started for travel ball, that’s when everything started to kind of come together for me. I didn’t always know 100% if I wanted to play college ball but once summer ball rolled around my love for the game just got so much greater. I knew from that point I wanted to keep on getting better and better.

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

J: Don’t take any days off and get better at the little things that make you a better person and a better ball player.

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

J: Probably winning the PG championship in Iowa with my travel team. Such a fun group of guys and so hardworking.

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

J: We are going to be a very strong team with five D1 commits and most definitely more to come. We have very high expectations coming into the spring season.

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

J: The Future Games played a huge roll in my recruitment process. I received more and more attention as each game went on.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

J: I definitely have to go with George Wolkow’s power and how he does a great job with his lower half.

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

J: Mike Umbright. Not a young player but he is getting better and better and I see it every practice we have together during our travel team workouts. He is a big dude with crazy power and great arm strength.

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