Joey Jaeger

York

Baseball

Junior

Why Jaeger was selected:

Jaeger factored into all three of York’s runs in a 9-3 loss against Hinsdale Central on May 3.

In a game that was a struggle for the Dukes, Jaeger proved to be a bright spot. His two-run single scored Adam Hassler and Mike Bernal, and Jaeger later scored on Michael Achepohl’s single, but that was as good as it got for the Dukes as they slipped to 17-6 on the season. Jaeger, the Suburban Life Athlete of the Week sponsored by Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group, spoke with sports editor Jason Rossi about his approach at the plate, the Dukes’ progress. and more. Here’s an edited transcript:

Rossi: What allowed you to kind of put it together and push a couple runs across?

Jaeger: We started seeing more pitches. We have to just make sure to attack the fastball. That’s important when you’re hitting. That’s my mentality when I’m hitting. Once I start timing them up, attack the fastball and start hitting line drives.

Rossi: Your RBI single came off their third pitcher. Was their first guy deceptive to keep you guys off balance at the plate?

Jaeger: He threw hard. I had to take the first-pitch fastball [in the first inning] because the first couple guys got out quick. That was the best pitch I saw [in that at-bat], and I only saw off-speed after that.

Rossi: What was the pitch you wanted to pick out when you got your hit?

Jaeger: Fastball, inner half. That’s what I wanted to see and I had to attack that pitch.

Rossi: Aside from the Central game, it’s been a pretty solid season for your team. How’s the team feeling?

Jaeger: We’re feeling pretty good. We hit a little rough patch right now, but we were real hot at the start of last week.

Rossi: What’s been consistently good for you guys?

Jaeger: I’d say good pitching. I think that’s what we do best. We haven’t been hitting very well lately, but the pitching has always been solid.