By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Jackson Stoeckinger, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound LHP (Mercer County HS) recently committed to Southeastern Community College in Iowa.  Stoeckinger, who pitched into the eighth inning in the State Championship game in June (a game Mercer County lost 3-2 in 8 innings), has a mid-80's fastball and big upside.  We recently caught up with Stoeckinger to discuss his commitment.

PBR: Why did you choose Southeastern Community College?

 

Stoeckinger:  I chose southeastern community college because I think that I can develop well with my pitching coach and possibly get drafted before my junior year. Plus it gives me bargaining power in the draft. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

 

Stoeckinger:  I was also looking at Louisville, Eastern Kentucky, and Wright State.

  

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Stoeckinger:  I worked with Mark Michael at Lexington Baseball School for about a year and he got the assistant job at SECC and recruited me and it was an offer that I couldn't pass up.  

PBR: What role does Coach Schulte expect you to play during your first year on campus?

 

Stoeckinger:  Coach Schulte expects me to come on and be a top of the rotation guy and go out and win, and I am ready for that role. 

  

PBR:  Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

 

Stoeckinger:  My mom has definitely been the most influential person throughout my baseball career. 

  

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

 

Stoeckinger:  I played for Kentucky Baseball Club, and my best memory was when I pitched again Ohio Elite and had 13 strikeouts.

PBR: Mercer County made it to the State Championship Game last year before losing to PRP 3-2 in 8 innings.  Do you feel like you have the team to make another deep run in the State Tournament again in 2014?

 

Stoeckinger:  I absolutely think that Mercer County can make another run at the state title again.  We have a lot of players coming back from last year’s team.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you have faced in Kentucky?

 

Stoeckinger:  The toughest hitter I have faced in Kentucky in Austin Clemons from St. Xavier High School.