Peltier Staying Near Home At Wright State

VANDALIA - Despite an age difference of five years, JP Peltier has always had a competitive relationship with his brother. Cross off one advantage the elder Peltier has over the Chaminade-Julienne incoming senior after a recent commitment to Wright State by the younger sibling.

“There’s always been a big competition between us,” noted Peltier of his association with older brother Ryan, now a senior at Ball State. “He’s five years older than me and always been stronger and bigger, but it’s made me tougher and better off in the long run.”

Both are now Division I college baseball players after the seventh-rated 2023 shortstop in Ohio, whose given name is Jonathan Preston, decided to make Wright State his college home.

“I was in contact with them a little last year and this spring they got in contact with my summer coach and my high school coach and got me on a visit,” Peltier related. “They offered me there. It all happened quickly, about a week or two.”

Toledo and Cincinnati were other schools being considered by the 17-year-old.

“It came down to Wright State and Cincinnati,” Peltier said. “I’ve been around the Wright State program and know a couple of others that have been there that love it a lot. Another thing that sold me was they’ve sent so many to the pros, which is where I want to go.”

Wright State believes the 33rd-ranked senior-to-be in Ohio can be a big part of the program at the Horizon League university.

“They like how I compete and also my athleticism,” explained Peltier, a first-team all-state infielder this high school spring season after hitting .455 with 16 extra base hits, 43 runs scored, 36 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. “I can play anywhere on the field, but they like me on the left side. They also like my approach and my winning attitude.”

The 6-2 180-pounder points to hard work in getting to the point of being a D-I college commit.

“The biggest thing is I’ve put in the work in the weight room,” noted Peltier, who has put on 15 pounds in the process. “This past winter I was able to maximize my time in the weight room and the cages where I’ve been working on my swing.”

It has translated well onto the field.

“It’s more about relaxing and letting my skill set do the work,” Peltier said. “I know I’ve put the work in and I’m more relaxed and able to do my thing.”

The drive to play at the next level began early in life for Peltier.

“When I started playing at six or seven I fell in love with the game,” Peltier reflected. “With an older brother playing D-I and seeing how much he loves it, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

It has now become a reality.

“My recruitment all picked up in the winter when I started going to schools and prospect camps,” Peltier said. “I liked going on visits and seeing the different cultures and facilities. It picked up fast in the early spring and took off from there.”

Exercise science, physical therapy and a degree to become a strength coach are majors being considered by Peltier, who carries a 4.3 GPA on a 5.0 scale at Chaminade-Julienne where he is looking to match his brother in another aspect.

“He was able to get a championship at C-J so he’s got me there,” Peltier said. “But I still have one more shot.”

After that it will be on to Wright State where Peltier believes he can play a big role.

“I’ll definitely bring a competitive drive,” Peltier pointed out. “I love to work hard and just win. I hate losing. Wright State wins and I like the idea of being part of that. I want to help them make it to regionals.”

Once a commitment was made, it admittedly took some time to sink in.

“It didn’t feel a lot different at first, it took a day to settle in,” Peltier related. “It took a lot of weight off my shoulders and now I can just go out and perform in summer ball and school ball knowing where my future holds.”

Staying close to home was not in the original plans.

“Originally, I wanted to get away from home,” admitted Peltier, who lives 20 minutes from his future destination for school. “But in talking to people at Wright State from this area they said it will feel just like a normal college.”