Henderson Headed West To Play At Illinois State

WHITE LAKE CHARTER TOWNSHIP - Two trips to Georgia helped solidify a future at Illinois State for Jamie Henderson.

“I was in Georgia a couple weeks ago for the Motor City Hit Dogs,” reflected the Orchard Lake St. Mary's incoming junior. “I had a really good outing hitting 88-89 allowing one hit in four innings in a game we mercied them. The head coach was there and texted the Motor City head coach. We set up a text and two days later while I was coming back they made me a great offer.

“We kept in contact pretty much every day,” Henderson continued. “It was only a week before the Future Games and we wanted to go there and see if there were any other options. Both coaches, (Steve) Holm and (R.D.) Spiehs, were there and saw me pitch. It wasn’t my best outing but they saw some good things. I waited a day, I came home, and they texted me about my performance and I told them about my experience there. After that I just felt it was my best option. It felt like a good fit for me.”

Henderson came away impressed by the way the Illinois State head coach envisioned his performance at the PBR event.

“He saw me before and broke down every single inning I threw,” the 23rd-ranked 2023 right-handed pitcher in Michigan related. “He said what he thought I’d do at the Future Games. He said I’d be amped up and walk the first batter and then get dialed in. That was right.”

Henderson took an unofficial visit to the school in Normal, located two hours southwest of Chicago, the week prior to the Future Games and enjoyed what he took in.

“They sent out two players, one from Michigan, that showed us around,” Henderson noted. “The city was a smaller version of Ann Arbor and I liked that. I also liked the campus and the field. They have great facilities and they’re making upgrades to the field. The head coach is a great guy and from a facetime call with my family he has great plans for the team. Coach Spiehs (the new pitching coach) is a great guy as well. He just got hired”

Illinois State liked what they witnessed with Henderson.

“They saw a lot of projectability,” pointed out the 18th-rated uncommitted 2023 RHP in the state prior to his commitment to the Missouri Valley Conference school. “I’m a bit underweight at 6-3 and the mid-170s but they saw good velo for my height and weight. They saw good command and they liked my composure.

“They like my projectability and my ability to throw strikes,” Henderson added. “They look at guys as athletes, not just baseball players, and they told me that.”

Other schools showed an interest but Illinois State fit what Henderson was looking for in a college.

“No one talked to me while I was there, but (PBR Michigan Director of Scouting) Aaron (Wilson) texted out a message a couple days later about coaches that had reached out to him,” explained Henderson, who turned 17 while at the PBR event. “By then I’d already committed.”

The idea of playing baseball at the next level has been around for some time.

“I grew up playing catch with my brother and my dad,” Henderson said. “My brother played baseball in high school and, going to a baseball school like St. Mary’s and to see guys go off and pursue a dream of playing at a high level, that became a dream of mine. I wanted to do that.”

With an improved game, the mission was accomplished by Henderson.

“I’m definitely using more of what I have,” Henderson said of his improvement on the mound that has him throwing six miles an hour faster than a year ago. “I used to overcompensate using my upper body more. Now I’m using more of my lower body and hip mobility and that’s boosted everything, my velo, control and protecting my arm.”

Business management will be the college major for Henderson, a 3.8 student excited about what the future will be like at Illinois State.

“With what they have planned for me, hopefully I’ll be a Friday starter,” Henderson said. “I want to be a freshman starter and I know I’ve really got to work hard for that, but I realize being a college athlete you’re going to leave everything on the field.

“As far as academics, I’m excited about that opportunity. They want me to be a great guy on the field and an even better one off the field.”

Henderson pointed to a lot of  assistance in making the dream of college baseball a reality.

“My mom and dad were a big help, my mom especially with my recruiting, whether it was emails or helping me with what to say to the coaches,” Henderson explained. “My friends and teammates helped as well. Also a big shout out to the Hit Dogs. They were a big help in getting me noticed by Illinois State.”

With junior year of high school ready to begin, Henderson is thrilled about the summer to remember.

“I’m just soaking it all in, but it’s time to get back to work,” Henderson concluded. “My family and friends, we’re all super excited to see where this all goes. We know it’s only the start.”