Jake Shepski is a senior at St. Rita High School playing varsity baseball and will be attending the University of Notre Dame this coming year to pursue his career in hopes after college to make it to the big leagues.
Jake is a switch-hitter and also a utility player, but to become this type of player, he had to practice first and learn the game. It all started with a ball. “Since I could first pick up a ball that is when I knew I wanted to play baseball,” said Jake.
Jake started playing baseball at about the age of 3, playing catch with his father and then heading into tee ball. Since then he has grown into a dependable player to his teammates coach and family.
Jake first started playing tee ball like most kids and since then his game has grown. “I was already reached by Notre Dame to play multiple positions when I join the team, but shortstop may be the spot when I arrive,” said Jake.
Watching Jake play baseball, you could see the potential in his eyes along with the passion he had for playing the game.
Mike Zunica, who is the coach of St. Rita the varsity team, had many things to say about Jake as a player and as a teammate. What makes Jake so unique to his coach it is that he is one of a kind.
When Jake is warming up snagging fly balls with teammates, seeing him interact with them shows who he is. “Jake is a great player and teammate. He’s actually a good friend also,” said teammate Nate Soria.
“Jake’s willingness makes him stand out, his willingness to do things as a player,” said Zunica.
Not only does Jake have a plan to one day make it into the pros, but his coach sees the same thing for him one day.
“Jake is actually heading out to Notre Dame to play college ball. He has the ability to play professional baseball. He has lots of gifts and it would not surprise me if he went pro,” said Zunica.
