The Drive To Pitch In College Is There For Neuman

Jake Neuman LHP / 1B / Southington, CT / 2020

SOUTHINGTON, Ct. - Playing college baseball was once an afterthought for Jake Neuman.

“Actually, until recently I didn’t think I could play in college,” Neuman admitted. “I wanted to … but I didn’t think I was good enough. But my summer coach said he liked my chances if I put the work into it. That gave me the drive to work harder and it’s paid off. I want to play high-level baseball, that’s become my goal.”

The opportunity to participate in the Future Games for Team Connecticut has proven to be beneficial in the college recruitment of the Southington junior.

“I’ve been talking to a few select schools,” the 53rd-rated 2020 in New England said. “Pretty much all of them saw me at the Future Games and contacted me through Trevor (Brown, New England director of scouting) once it turned Sept. 1.

“That was a really good experience with a lot of exposure,” Neuman continued. “It was incredible to see all the coaches there and the kids I played with were very talented. Overall it was a great experience.”

Neuman has taken a visit to Central Connecticut and has received interest from Fordham, Bryant, Manhattan and Hartford.

“I’m a left-handed pitcher so obviously on my part it’s good to be a lefty,” pointed out Neuman. “They say they like the way I play the game and that I’m competitive.”

Recent improvement has also been helpful.

“My velo is starting to come around,” said Neuman. “It’s where my game is strengthening the most. I was low-to-mid-70s last summer and I was mid-80s, topping at 84, this past summer.”

But there is more to his game as Brown explains.

“He can pound the zone with three pitches,” the PBR New England director of scouting said, referring to a fastball, curve and change. “He has major feel for all three. He also competes at a very high level and knows how to pitch.”

More improvement is vital according to Neuman.