Toomey Desires High Academics, High-Level Baseball

WELLESLEY, Ma. - High academics and a baseball school.

Those are the aspirations Jack Toomey has when it comes to life after high school.

“Definitely high academics, I want a good education,” the junior at St. Sebastian’s School said about a blueprint for the future. “I want a good education and to play at the highest level of baseball I can. That’s the criteria. Once I get to know the coaches and understand the program, I’ll see if it’s a fit.”

The recruiting process was making little headway prior to late summer.

“It was pretty slow until I went to the Future Games,” Toomey said in reference to the PBR event in early August. “Northeastern was the only one before, but after that a lot of schools reached out.”

William & Mary, Dartmouth and Davidson were among those showing the most interest in the third-ranked 2022 New England outfielder.

“They like my academic profile and that I’m able to get into a stronger academic school,” Toomey noted about the top colleges of interest. “They also like that I can hit for power and have speed at my size.”

PBR Massachusetts Director of Scouting, Dennis Healy, believes the 6-3 200-pounder can be a valuable asset to a high-level program.

“Jack Toomey is a physical right-handed hitter who put together a nice showing at the Future Games last summer.” Healy pointed out. “He has the potential to be a serious offensive threat at the next level.”

The 36th-rated junior in New England was pleased to be part of the Future Games.

“I really wanted to go to Georgia, but it was good in Pennsylvania,” Toomey said about the PBR event which changed location due to COVID-19. “A lot watched on live streams and I liked being able to talk to the college coaches afterward. That was new for me. It was cool to see how the colleges were reaching out after seeing me play.”

That is something that had not been happening.

“The virus definitely slowed it a ton,” Toomey said about his recruitment. “During the summer I wasn’t able to get traveling which was going to be a big thing. I usually go to Georgia but didn’t go there or some other traveling tournaments. No high school season was disappointing as well.”

It meant those at the next level were unable to see Toomey live.

“One of the stronger things about me is my bat,” Toomey explained. “Whenever I have the chance to get some video I try to send it to coaches to be able to see me since most have not been able to watch me in person.”

The 17-year-old credits hitting coach Matt Duffy with helping bring improvement in that area of his game.

“During quarantine I’ve been working with him on getting better barrel path and consistency,” Toomey pointed out. “I’m in hockey right now, but whenever I have time I try to hit. I’m also working out to get a lot stronger for the season.”

There has never been a doubt which sport Toomey would try to play in college.

“Baseball has always been my number one sport, hockey is just something I do for another sport,” Toomey related. “I’ve always enjoyed baseball and the environment.”

The idea of playing after high school is becoming more and more realistic.

“Coaches have been telling me I definitely can play in college,” Toomey noted. “When I got my first call in early June, the first week baseball was back with my summer program, I saw that I could do this. I’ve continued to work toward it.”

In addition to Duffy, St. Sebastian’s coach Thomas Piacenza has been a major asset in the development and recruitment of Toomey.

“He’s really helped me by reaching out to a lot of schools,” Toomey said of his high school mentor. “Those two have been the big ones with the process and helping in getting me better.”

Nathan Rode, PBR National Supervisor, listed Toomey on his hotlist of  juniors across the country that are trending upward.

“He runs a 7.0 60, throws 89 from the outfield and moves athletically in the field,” Rode said a month ago on the PBR website. “His physical frame, clean path and natural lift lends to easy power and a classic corner outfield profile.”

Toomey, who points to producing runs, hitting for power and the ability to play anywhere in the outfield as ways he can benefit a program, looks forward to the next few months in trying to find what is the perfect college fit.

“I’m not nervous about it, the dead period is still happening,” noted Tommey, who has a 94.5 percent academic average in high school with business as the likely college major. “Even playing hockey at this time, I’m continuing to play baseball and working to get ready for the high school season. I’m also very excited to play and travel this summer with NEB on Scott Patterson’s team, the Rays, when hopefully things will pick up again.

“I’m not in any rush,” Tommey continued. “I want to make sure I pick a place I’m happy with for the rest of my life, so I’m taking my time. Hopefully, I’ll find what I’m looking for by the end of summer.”