Jeremy Pickrel, a native of Galesburg, has signed a national letter of intent to continue his education and baseball career at Illinois State University.
A month ago, the name Jeremy Pickrel was not circulating much around college baseball circles as coaches began to put the finishing touches on their latest recruiting classes. However, after flashing what many professional scouts tabbed major league tools and toying with opposing pitchers in the American Legion state tournament, Pickrel has become one of the most-talked about college-bound players in the state and the newest addition to head coach Jeff Stewarts program.
Jeremys got great athletic skills and outstanding baseball tools, Stewart said. He possesses tremendous speed and arm strength, and swings a left-handed bat with power.
A three-sport star during his prep career, Pickrel lettered in baseball and basketball twice while earning three letters in soccer. As a senior, he posted a .287 batting average with eight homersmodest numbers compared to the eye-popping stats he posted this summer with the Galesburg American Legion Post 285.
In leading his team to the state regionals, the 6-foot-4, 185 outfielder notched a .548 (23-for-42) batting average with seven homers, five doubles, two triples and 21 runs batted in.
He really came out of the woodwork over this past month or so and just exploded onto the baseball scene, Stewart said. Hes just starting to come into his own and I think hes going to be a very special player for us.
Talking with some pro scouts at the legion tournaments, they were just amazed with Jeremys tools and his approach to the game. We feel extremely fortunate to be able to add a player of his caliber to our roster.
Pickrel cited Illinois States coaching staff as the determining factor in choosing a college.
The Illinois State coaching staff made me feel very comfortable and at ease, Pickrel said. I cant wait to get on campus and start working with the rest of the team.
Pickrel joins a recruiting class which already includes Jake Blair, Kyle Bloom, Scott Bialobreski, Howie Frank, Jeff Reyes, Chris Shepherd and Jake Stewart.
