Jacob Niggemeyer is only a sophomore from Powell, Ohio. But at 6’5” and 200lbs, the RHP/1B has already made a name for himself on the national level.
“Niggemeyer can really pitch and hit. He’s in the mid-80’s from the mound. He has a great slider and fills the zone with strikes…he’s a really good all-around player,” explains USSSA National Team Coach, DJ Wabick.
Niggemeyer was awarded 1st Team USSSA All-American Honors and named to the 2012 USSSA Senior National Team following his performance at the 2011 USSSA All-American Games. He has also just committed to Ohio State University. Jacob has recently took the time to answer a few questions by ABR regarding his decision on Ohio State, the USSSA Gold Medal Games, and his view on his baseball future.
ABR: You were fortunate enough to make the USSSA National Team. Describe your experience at the All-American Games and your reaction when you found out you would be representing your country in international competition.
JN: I enjoyed the experience of being able to play against other top players in the United States with the same mental aspects and goals. Also being able to meet and play with players from around the U.S. and learn about their future goals. My reaction to making the USSSA National Team was shocked and very happy. I am excited that I am able to play against other countries and also being able to represent my own while playing with other talented players.
ABR: The USSSA Gold Medal Games will have countries from around the world represented, what aspect of the event are you most looking forward to (i.e. cultural, game play, representing your country)?
JN: I’m most looking forward to playing against other players from different countries. Getting to have the experience of playing against different players and learning their culture and how their view of the game is different from ours. Being able to represent my country with other top players against other top countries is something I’m looking forward to.
ABR: Are you still friends with the players you met at the ABR events?
JN: I still keep contact with some of the players that I met during the ABR events.
ABR: You’re obviously very advanced for your age group. When did colleges start taking an interest in you? What was their first form of contact? i.e. program letters, camp invites, personal letters, etc.
JN: During my freshman year of high school. I received college questionnaires and college camp invitations.
ABR: What were some of the major schools you were looking to attend?
JN: Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Arkansas were among the schools I was interested in.
ABR: I understand you finally landed on Ohio State, do you have a close connection to the school?
JN: I don’t have any close connections to Ohio State prior to committing to them.
ABR: You are a pretty early commit, what led you to pick your school at this time in the process?
JN: Got a good scholarship at a good school which has both a good athletics programs and academic programs. I liked the coaches, their philosophies and energy, and how they interacted with the players. Also, it is great to stay close to home so family and friends will be close and watch me play.
ABR: Please explain your experience with the recruiting process? What advice do you have for others that are about to embark on the same journey?
JN: I enjoyed looking at colleges, the athletic facilities, and stadiums. My advice would be to make sure you like not only the school but also the coaches because you’ll be there for 4 years.
ABR: Which position do you prefer?
JN: Pitching is my most preferred position.
ABR: What is the next step in your career?
JN: To be the best college player I can be with the dream of hopefully being drafted one day.
ABR: Has making your college selection changed the way you train?
JN: It makes me train and work even harder because I have high expectations for the future.
ABR: What are your expectations for the next few years in your baseball career?
JN: To win a state championship in high school and continue to play high level of competition during the summer.
ABR: For the Gold Medal games you are expected to pitch and hit, what will you be doing at Ohio State? Did it make an impact on your final college selection?
JN: At Ohio State I’ll be pitching and be given the opportunity to hit. Yeah, the coaches telling me I would be given the chance to hit as well as pitch is something I’m looking forward to.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this interview. I look forward to representing the US this summer; see you all at the Gold Medal Games!