Jackson OReilly '23 Recruiting Profile

Since I was a little kid, playing high-level baseball in college and further has always been a huge goal for me. Today, I am chasing that same dream and am motivated to do whatever it takes to achieve it. 

One of the biggest things that makes me different from other recruits is that I was not "born" a good ballplayer. A lot of baseball players that have committed to a competitive college and players that are expected to get drafted usually "found" their spark at a young age. I do not fall under that same category. Throughout elementary school, I remember not even being good enough to play little league and would often get benched due to my poor performances on the field. My elementary self was unhappy about my lack of skill and playtime at the time.  I realized that if I wanted to make my dreams come true, I'd have to work harder than anyone else and chase after them. As a result of my poor performances and past failures, I studied the game and worked harder than any player with a natural "gift."  If I can say one thing about myself is that I am second to none when it comes to drive and determination.  And now I am fighting to play baseball at the collegiate level, and I believe I am a good contender. 

I am as serious about my academics as I am about baseball.  Excelling at school is equally important to me as playing baseball. I make sure that my performances on the field and at school are top-notch.  I know some people who fully focus on their sport and put little emphasis on grades.  I am not of that mindset and make sure that both grades and baseball are executed to the best of my ability. 

I understand that I will have to grind and fight to make room for myself to play high-level baseball in an academically strong college.  However, I love challenges and I am ready to tackle any obstacles that come my way.  

-Jackson O'Reilly