Jacob Pedersen (Comsewogue 2021) with 14 strikeouts in a complete game victory in @liboysofsummer quarterfinals. Fastball up to 86 MPH pic.twitter.com/eHMroXsd9n
Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 7, 2019
Jacob Pederson announced his verbal commitment to Adelphi University this past week. Jacob is a 2021 graduate of Comsewogue HS, he put himself on the map this season with a 14 strikeout complete game victory during the Boys of Summer playoffs in which he touched 86 MPH.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say..
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Adelphi?
My experience with the college recruiting process was quick and painless. I joined the LI Strong Baseball Academy this fall. During that time, I had opportunity for exposure. Along with playing with the LI Strong I was also given the opportunity to pitch for Cameron Sorgie who happens to be the Adelphi pitching coach. I liked everything about my experience playing for him. Soon after I was approached by Bill Ianniciello who is the Associate Head Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for Adelphi and he invited me to pitch in an intersquad game with the Adelphi Baseball team. The players were awesome, they were the kind of people I want to be around. The facilities are top notch. Bill showed me around the campus, was gracious with his time and nothing was ever rushed. Soon after I met with the Head Coach Dom Scala. He was honest and never pushy; I enjoyed our conversations about baseball and the program. During our next meeting Coach Scala made me an offer where they rewarded me for my academic accomplishments and my baseball ability. I was really happy with everything about the process. There were so many positives about the program and the school. At Adelphi they win, the head coach is a former big leaguer, players get drafted, the campus and facilities are amazing, the school meets all my academic needs with a variety of majors and minors. The quality of the people that attend Adelphi are second to no other university. The icing on the cake was that the athletes wanted to be there. I felt it was a great fit and its tough to beat a great fit.
Who are your biggest role models in life and why?
My biggest role models in life are my parents. They make sure I get my responsibilities done, they are always brutally honest with me, they are tough on me and hold me to a high standard.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
My favorite MLB players are Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom. I love watching them both play baseball. I try to mimic Jacob deGrom as much as possible as a pitcher. The guy is awesome.
Has baseball always been your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my number one sport. I do winter track as a secondary sport so I can stay in shape and get stronger for baseball season. I enjoy baseball and have a lot passion and respect for it. Baseball resembles life, there is nothing fair about it and it can be a brutal game sometimes which is why winning feels so good.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I have multiple private instructors. Frank Geraci has helped me for years with my hitting, He works out of LI Legends Facility. I have been working with Neal Heaton for about a year, there hasnt been a lesson where he hasnt taught me something. For personal training I go to Infiniti Sports Performance in Bellport where I work with Jarad Volkommer. Most of what I have learned about the sport of Baseball and pitching has been from my father and our workouts in the backyard. Sometimes they werent always easy.
How would you describe your time with the LI Strong?
My time with the LI Strong has been awesome. The program is dedicated to the overall player. A big part of the program is strength and conditioning and not only preparing the players for High School Baseball but the next level as well.
What are your goals for 2020?
My goals for 2020 are to improve and get stronger in everything I do.