Overbeek Continues To Improve While Looking For College Home

JoJo Overbeek RHP / 3B / Anderson, OH / 2024

An exit velo that is at 101 along with a fastball on the mound that has reached 92.6 are the most recent personal-bests established according to the Anderson High School junior, whose performance at the Future Games in late summer drew raves that earned the 148th-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in the country MVP honors in Team Ohio’s win over Florida.

“JoJo is the premier two-way power prospect in that class,” noted Jordan Chiero, PBR Ohio Director of Scouting. “He showed what he can do on both sides of the ball at the Future Games where he earned Player of the Game against Florida after hitting a grand slam and closing the game. He has 90 mile-an-hour juice off the bump now with more to come. Also, his intangibles are through the roof. He’s the type of player coaches and teammates will gravitate toward.”

That is something the 17-year-old takes pride in.

“One of the things I think I’m strong in is being a team player,” Overbeek explained. “I’m not self-centered. I just love the game and being with teammates and friends. I feel being a very good teammate is important.

“Another important part of the game is the mental side. Baseball can be tough mentally. If things go wrong and you're not mentally tough it can be hard. I think that’s an area that gives me an extra boost over some others.”

To date, the 12th-ranked junior in Ohio has one offer, with Ohio State, Central Florida, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Northern Kentucky, Butler and Wright State schools that have shown interest during a recruiting process that “has been fun” in the eyes of the two-way prospect.

“A lot goes on in the process,” Overbeek pointed out. “Schools have more kids to worry about than just you, so it can be stressful. PBR events like the Future Games have been big to get my name out there a little bit and Twitter is a strong app for recruiting. You can get good video out so coaches don’t have to see you play in person.”

Still, there is a feeling from the 449th-rated 2024 in the nation that coaches are missing something.

“Sometimes it’s confusing and you second-guess yourself,” Overbeek explained. “None of these scouts are talking to me sometimes, but you don’t know who they’re talking to and how many they already have committed to their program. I’m just riding it out and trying not to be too stressed out.”

So what is Overbeek looking for in a college?

“A solid program with a good coaching staff,” noted Overbeek, who carries a 3.2 GPA in high school and is looking to major in business. “A team with a tight chemistry that’s a good academic school. I want a team that’s ready to roll teams over, a team that has the mentality to pounce on teams.”

The opportunity to be a two-way player would, admittedly, be great for the left-handed hitting third baseman/right-handed pitcher.

“I’m a whatever-the-team-needs kind of guy,” Overbeek related. “I don’t prefer one. If I had to choose one, it would probably be pitching. My velocity is improving and so are my other pitches. But I do like hitting a lot. Whatever’s best for the team.”

Improvement at each part of his game continues.

“My velo is up since the Future Games and my hitting has gotten more broken down and I’ve fixed some little issues with my swing,” Overbeek noted. “My pitching coach knows what he’s talking about and sees changes that need to be made to keep improving.”

The desire to get better is immense for the 6-4 215-pounder.

“I’m in the weight room a lot,” the 12th-ranked junior in the state said. “I’m getting stronger, that’s one of the main focuses this offseason - getting stronger, bigger, faster and more agile. That can take you a long way if you're healthy. If you do those little things right I think you can go far.”

That is something Overbeek has thought about since he was young.

“I always dreamed as a kid of playing college baseball and being in the MLB,” Overbeek reflected. “Ever since I was young and playing T-Ball I always knew baseball was my sport.”

An older brother that went through the process has been beneficial along the way.

“He’s given me some good advice,” Overbeek said of his brother Josh, who is now playing baseball at Cisco Junior College in Texas. “He told me to find a school that fits you. He said you’ll just know if it fits. Find one that’s really interested in you and will actually follow through with their word and have your back at all times, one that you’ll have a solid friendship with the coaches. They’re the ones that can get you to the next level.”

With the high school season approaching, the hope is to have a commitment made before senior year.

“I’m just letting it ride out,” Overbeek concluded. “I’ll probably go to another PBR event or two coming up to get better numbers. I’ve just got to let schools come to me. I can’t do too much but go out and perform, keep grinding and working hard.”